Thought Leadership

SMU’s Resilient Workforces Institute will help organisations, policymakers and learners navigate AI-driven disruption, strengthen lifelong learning, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce across Singapore and beyond.

At the World Cities Summit 2026, SMU showcased how its research, innovation and talent are helping shape more liveable, resilient and inclusive urban communities. From academic insights and multidisciplinary research on urban futures, to faculty and alumni-led ventures addressing sustainability challenges, SMU brought bold ideas and practical solutions to a global conversation on cities.

Over a month-long series of events, SMU Ideas Festival 2026 challenged participants to reimagine resilience – bringing policymakers, academics and leaders together to explore wellbeing, AI, cities, and future-ready skills.

In a new lecture series, SMU Provost Prof Alan Chan explored why harmony matters more than ever, examining social cohesion, mutual respect and dialogue as foundations for resilient communities in a diverse, contested world.

Is AI transforming higher education, or simply overhyped? SMU brought educators and thought leaders together to examine AI’s real impact on teaching, learning and assessment — highlighting both its promise to personalise education and the pressing ethical, pedagogical and governance questions universities must thoughtfully address.

SMU President Prof Lily Kong shared SMU’s future-ready agenda at APAIE 2026 – advancing lifelong learning, cross-sector partnerships, and impact-driven research to strengthen resilience and international collaboration.

The inaugural SMU Alumni Awards were a memorable celebration of graduates’ excellence, innovation, and service to society –honouring leaders who inspire through integrity, inclusion, and community impact.

Global tech leader Narayana Murthy spoke at SMU’s Visionary Series, which also marked the launch of the Singapore-India Hackathon to promote student and tech collaboration.

SMU hosted the Reach Alliance’s first Asia conference, uniting changemakers to tackle the world’s toughest social challenges. Read the highlights here.

In the inaugural Karim Family Foundation Inspiring Women Leadership Lecture, Malaysia’s renowned activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir inspired SMU with her vision for ethical leadership.