Engaged City University

SMU had the privilege of welcoming Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong for an inspiring dialogue, jointly organised by SMU and attended by nearly 1,000 students from various tertiary institutions. PM Wong discussed issues relevant to the younger generation, including employment and economic trends, and encouraged young people to pursue careers that match their abilities.

SMU’s leaders and faculty members showcased the University’s multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research, thought leadership and entrepreneurship related to cities and sustainability at the World Cities Summit in Singapore. The University also helped to organise the Science of Cities Symposium there to highlight innovation and technology's impact on building resilient, inclusive communities.

The SMU Industry Leaders Dialogue in China was themed as “Financing a Greener Future: China and Southeast Asia” and also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SMU and the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SingCham) in China, as well as the launch of the SMU School of Accountancy Beijing Alumni Group.

The book, Behind the Banyan: Ho Kwon Ping, which Mr Ho launched at SMU on 21 May, walks the reader through his experiences as he steered hotel chain Banyan Tree through various milestones and challenges – including the recent pandemic when it had to operate with zero occupancy at many of its properties.

To systematically help postgraduate research students, SMU’s College of Graduate Research Studies held the second Singapore Rising Scholars Conference in May 2024, with 60 papers by presenters from 22 institutions around the world.

SMU has officially launched its representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, known as the SMU Overseas Centre Ho Chi Minh City (OCHCMC) – a significant step in SMU’s mission to foster knowledge sharing and regional collaboration as a gateway university in Asia.

To mark Earth Day 2024, SMU Engage provides a review of SMU’s recent contributions towards a greener planet through research, thought leadership, achievements, outreach and education.

A book examining the remarkable life and legacy of Dr Yong Pung How was launched at SMU on 11 April 2024. Dr Yong was the second Chief Justice of Singapore between 1990 and 2006 and served as the Chancellor of SMU between 2010 and 2015. In 2021, SMU renamed the School of Law to include Dr Yong Pung How's name as a recognition for his founding contributions to the University.

SMU President Prof Lily Kong gave the Keynote Address at the launch event for the inaugural Social Sciences and Humanities Ideas Festival. As part of the Festival, SMU’s College of Integrative Studies (CIS) organised a public lecture titled “Growing Up in an AI-Fuelled World: Reflections on Childhood Amid Digital Acceleration" helmed by SMU Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement) and Professor of Communication and Technology Lim Sun Sun.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, the seventh President of Singapore from 2011-2017, and Honorary Patron and Distinguished Senior Fellow at SMU, launched his book, “Tony Tan Keng Yam: My Political Journey”, at SMU on Tuesday, 12 March 2024. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the Guest of Honour at the event.