Singapore Management University

For Zara Teo (Bachelor of Science (Information Systems), Class of 2026), leadership often lies in the work that happens behind the scenes. Recognised with the Ho Kwon Ping CIRCLE Award, she reflects on finding her voice, listening to different perspectives and learning that meaningful contribution does not always require being the person out front. Check out Zara’s Faces of SMU (Grad Edition) story.

"What truly roots us are our values." That was the message from Guest of Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Social and Family Development, at the SMU's CIRCLEs Bazaar, where students brought campus culture to life through spirited, values-driven activities. As AI continues to reshape how we work and learn, his words offered a timely reminder that character remains a constant. Read the full story here: https://sgsmu.com/4rkoZ2n

"I wanted to give back to the community, not just benefit from it." Meet Axel Tan (Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), Class of 2026), who was previously the Vice President of the SMU Whitehat Society. From leading cybersecurity outreach and training initiatives to winning the SMU Ellipsis Tech Series hackathon and earning the CIRCLE Award for Commitment, Axel's journey was shaped by stepping outside his comfort zone and building things together with his community. Watch the video on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

What helps hospitals earn patients’ trust? SMU Indonesia brought this question into conversation with Indonesia’s Ministry of Health through a masterclass led by SMU Executive Development — connecting the University’s expertise with the decisions facing local healthcare leaders. Read the full story.: https://sgsmu.com/4haqzyW

Preparing for quantum computing means starting well before the technology fully arrives. Associate Professor Paul Griffin from the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems explains why Singapore's financial institutions should begin building quantum-safe talent now. Read the full commentary: https://sgsmu.com/4xyKfD4

SMU has received the Line of Business Transformation Award at the SAP Customer Excellence Awards for Southeast Asia 2026. The award recognises Project Optimus, SMU’s digital transformation initiative to modernise core platforms, streamline workflows and build a stronger foundation for future innovation. Explore how Project Optimus is advancing SMU’s digital transformation journey: https://sgsmu.com/4xVrkmT

Three consecutive rises in Asia have brought the SMU MBA to its highest regional position yet — 3rd in Asia and 41st globally in the 2027 QS Global MBA Rankings. Alongside growing employer recognition, the programme ranks 4th in Asia for Thought Leadership. Its latest graduate employment survey also found that 86% of MBA students secured employment within six months of graduation. Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4xrv0vo

It took 300 emails to more than 100 US companies for Jayce Lye, a student at the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems, to secure his first self-sourced internship. More SMU students are creating their own opportunities. Huo Yasi, Deputy Director of the SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, estimates that successful self-sourced internships have doubled in just over three years, reflecting a growing desire for greater choice and autonomy. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3UQ8ZsO

Before Brain Juice Collective had a name, Tiziana Tan (BBM, Class of 2017) was already laying its foundations as an SMU student. A decade on, she reflects on how questioning assumptions, investing in people and staying grounded in her values have shaped the organisation—and why human judgement matters as technology changes how we work. Read her story: https://sgsmu.com/4cHss4W

Some impact happens quietly — through systems that hold, processes that work, and people who work better together. In this SMU Impact Story, Toshin Sequeira (Bachelor of Science (Economics), Class of 2019) reflects on public policy, government advisory and why meaningful change often takes the long game. Explore Toshin’s story via the link below: https://sgsmu.com/4xSvhsh

What could a foldable iPhone reveal about Apple’s next chapter? SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Thomas Allard from the SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business examines why the launch goes beyond a new form factor, as Apple navigates advances in AI and stronger competition from Asian smartphone brands. Read his commentary on what continues to set Apple apart in Asia: https://sgsmu.com/4xVO9XE

Singapore residents strongly believe that keeping Singapore clean is everyone’s responsibility — but fewer are willing to participate in wider community cleanliness efforts. The latest Public Cleanliness Satisfaction Survey by SMU highlights the gap between personal responsibility and collective action. Explore what the findings reveal about sustaining Singapore’s cleanliness culture: https://sgsmu.com/4r5lNrf

How might India and China’s evolving roles shape Asia’s future? That question opened SMU’s inaugural Asia Ready Conversations dialogue, featuring Mr R. Gopalakrishnan, former Executive Director of Tata Sons and former Vice Chairman of Unilever. Drawing on decades of business experience, he explored both economies through the lenses of trade, culture and strategic thought. Read more about the inaugural dialogue and SMU’s new Asia Ready Conversations series: https://sgsmu.com/4r5lNrf

What do cities need for the future? Voices from across World Cities Summit 2026 share what they believe can help cities become more sustainable, adaptable and ready for what lies ahead. Watch the video on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

How can universities better understand and demonstrate their value to society? The inaugural SMU-LSE Global Forum explored this question while marking a new chapter in the partnership between both universities. Three joint research projects were also announced across urban sustainability, AI and leadership, and healthy ageing. Read the full media release: https://sgsmu.com/4A5uVA8

For Carissa Ho (BAcc & BSc (IS), Class of 2026), SMU was a journey of contribution, community and learning to build with others. Recognised with the Ho Kwon Ping CIRCLE Award, she reflects on Project Artis, peer tutoring, Kadence and the people who made these experiences meaningful. Watch the video on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

SMU alumna Tan Huei Suen (BSc (IS), Class of 2021) and BIG startup Greenairy have won the World Summit Award Young Innovators category for Sproutastic — a gamified sustainability education platform for students. Designed with a human-centred approach, Sproutastic helps young learners connect sustainability concepts with hands-on action. Explore how SMU-grown innovation is shaping sustainability education: https://sgsmu.com/4gxQG3Y

For Elsen Chua (Bachelor of Science (Economics), Class of 2026), leadership means recognising the people who lift us up—and helping others grow. Recognised with the Ho Kwon Ping CIRCLE Award, he reflects on collegiality, service and giving back. Swipe through his Faces of SMU (Grad Edition) story.

As AI moves from responding to prompts to acting across workflows, professionals will need to understand not only how to apply it, but where human oversight must remain. A new Advanced Certificate in Agentic Artificial Intelligence by SMU Academy and TechFin Global brings together practical implementation and responsible governance. Read more: https://sgsmu.com/4zXXFej

Australian New Colombo Plan Scholar Lilou Lauret came to SMU for one semester — and chose to stay in Singapore for another six months after her exchange. From studying law at SMU to exploring South-East Asia, her journey reflects how global exposure can shape new perspectives, friendships and future aspirations. Discover why Lilou chose to stay in Singapore after her SMU exchange: https://sgsmu.com/4gMk7hE