SMU-X Overseas : Transforming Education for a VUCA World
A video highlighting SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO), a programme that immerses students in international, entrepreneurial environments to tackle real-world business challenges, in collaboration with global partners.


    SMU partners with Ascott to launch lyf@SMU
    lyf@SMU (lyf stands for Live Your Freedom) was officially in Feb 2017. Located within the SMU Labs, it offers SMU students a dynamic and trend-setting co-study, co-work, co-living environment that also serves as a ‘living lab’ where applied research simultaneously takes place. L-R: Mr Lee Chee Koon, CEO of The Ascott Limited, Professor Arnoud De Meyer, SMU President, Minister Ong Ye Kung, Mr Lim Ming Yan, President & Group CEO of CapitaLand Limited, Professor Lily Kong, SMU Provost


      Students on a site visit in the 2019 SMU-X Accounting Study Mission course
      In 2019, students from SMU's Accounting Mission course, in collaboration with SMU-X and led by Professor Yuanto Kusnadi, visited a shipping site in Jakarta. The course was designed to expose students to the accounting and auditing standards, banking, tax, and monetary policies, as well as corporate governance structures in the country they visited.
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        Chua Ek Kay Exhibition: A long way from home 2018 in the School of Social Sciences
        Associate Professor of Arts and Culture Management (Practice) Kwok Kian Chow and curator Wang Zineng at the Chua Ek Kay Exhibition: A long way from home on 19 Oct 2018. ‘A Long Way from Home’, featuring works from Singapore artist Chua Ek Kay (1947-2008) opened at the De Suantio Gallery, School of Social Sciences at SMU. It is curated by Wang Zineng together with the students in the SMU-X Arts and Culture Management course on Exhibition and Curating, led by Associate Professor Kwok Kian Chow.
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          A SMU-X class in collaboration with industry partner SearchAsia
          Adjunct faculty, Mr. Jörg Dietzel from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, commented on the recommendations presented by students to enhance the brand strategy of industry partner SearchAsia in January 2024. The SMU-X pedagogy offers a transformative approach to business education by seamlessly integrating interdisciplinary learning, industry collaboration, and experiential methodologies. It connects students with real-world projects, fostering innovation and practical problem-solving through engagement with industry partners, complemented by data-driven insights and analytics. This approach empowers students to lead with agility and creativity, preparing them to be future leaders capable of navigating complex global environments. SMU won the Innovation in Business Education Award at the 11th QS Reimagine Education Awards & Conference held in London in December 2024.
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            Kicking off the first SMU-X Lifelong Learning course in August 2024
            In August 2024, Professor Gary Pan from the School of Accountancy (standing) and Professor Venky Shankararaman from the School of Computing and Information Systems (left, seated) launched the first lesson of the SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL) programme, offer in the Industry Practice Master (IPM) of Digital Economy Capstone. It builds on SMU’s Industry Project-Based Experiential Learning (INDEX) programme, focusing on andragogy, lifelong learning, and industry collaboration. SMU-XL connects adult learners with industry partners for practical, hands-on learning experiences throughout different stages of their careers and education. The initiative leverages the principles of andragogy, emphasizing the unique needs of adult learners and promoting a self-directed, collaborative, and experience-based learning approach. At SMU-XL, faculty members and industry champions mentor adult learners to innovate solutions to actual business challenges and objectives.
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              Students in discussion with their project sponsor in Taiwan
              In the 2019 SMU-XO Law Study Mission course, students were seen engaging in discussions with their project sponsor in Taiwan. The team, led by Professor Pasha Hsieh from the Yong Pung How School of Law, was exposed to Taiwan's legal system and had the opportunity to address real-world legal issues through a student consultancy project.
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                Professor Venky Shankararaman, recipient of the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award in 2018
                Professor Venky Shankararaman from the School of Information Systems (Right) received the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award from SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong (Left) at the 2018 State of University Address. The award recognizes faculty who are dedicated to teaching SMU-X courses and collaborating with partners from the private, public, or social sectors to integrate experiential activities where students address real-world issues impacting communities and organizations. Prof Shankararaman, along with Prof Gary Pan from the School of Accountancy, bridges accounting and information systems in the SMU-X Accounting Analytics Capstone, preparing students for future changes in the work landscape. Prof Shankararaman was also acknowledged for assuming the roles of facilitator, negotiator to bolster students' confidence and support their learning in interacting with the real-world.
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                  SMU-XO students network with alumni over dinner in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
                  While in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, students participating in the SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) programme for ECON248 Overseas Project Experience (Macroeconomics in Asia) took advantage of the opportunity to network with SMU alumni working in the city. This allowed them to gain insights into the work culture, environment, and career opportunities in Vietnam, as well as establish valuable contacts for their future endeavors. They were accompanied by the course instructor Ms. Que Hoang-Phuong Vu, Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Economics, SMU (in blue floral blouse).
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                    SMU sharing insights on the SMU-X pedagogy at the 2024 ACEEU Asia-Pacific Forum
                    From L - R : Professor Thorsten Kliewe, Chair, ACEEU, Germany ; Ms Siobhan Curran, Director, Entrepreneurship University of Newcastle, Australia ; Mr Kevin Koh, Head, SMU-X, Office of the Provost, Singapore Management University ; Mr Noor Azizi Ismail, Senior Professor at Malaysian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. The 2024 forum emphasised amplifying societal impact through entrepreneurship, community engagement, and cutting-edge technologies in higher education. Mr Kevin Koh, was invited to share insights into how SMU equips students with innovation and entrepreneurship skills through various strategic initiatives and programmes, including the award-winning SMU-X programme in a discussion panel on "The Future of Entrepreneurship and Engagement in Higher Education".
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                      Panelists at the 2024 ACEEU Asia-Pacific Forum
                      From L - R : Professor Thorsten Kliewe, Chair, ACEEU, Germany ; Mr Kevin Koh, Head, SMU-X, Office of the Provost, Singapore Management University ; Ms Siobhan Curran, Director, Entrepreneurship University of Newcastle, Australia ; Mr Noor Azizi Ismail, Senior Professor at Malaysian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Panelists of the discussion panel on "The Future of Entrepreneurship and Engagement in Higher Education" at the 2024 Accrediatation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) Asia-Pacific Forum. The discussions underscored SMU-X’s dedication to cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability, and equipping students and professionals with skills to thrive and lead in a dynamic, global marketplace.
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                        IdeaX : A toolkit develop for innovation and problem solving since 2021
                        The IdeaX Toolkit was developed by the SMU-X team in response to recurring challenges observed across multiple SMU-X classes and project presentations. Drawing from firsthand insights and classroom experience, the toolkit was designed to better support students throughout their project journey – from ideation to execution – by addressing common pain points and guiding them towards more effective and impactful outcomes. The toolkit comes in a deck of five coloured coded cards, addressing the concept of Themes, Disciplinary Knowledge, Analysis & Solution Frameworks, Problem-solving Road Map and Desired Learning Outcomes.
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                          SMU-XO students with their mentors and senior management of VinaCapital
                          The picture was taken after the students' presentations to the mentors and senior management of VinaCapital in Ho Chi Minh City. VinaCapital, one of Vietnam’s leading investment management companies, sponsored the SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) project of ECON248 Overseas Project Experience (Macroeconomics in Asia). (Front row from left): Mr. Andy Ho, CIO of VinaCapital; Ms. Que Hoang-Phuong Vu, Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Economics, SMU; Mr. Derek Chiang, Senior Development Partner of SMU-X; and Mr. Brook Taylor, CEO of Asset Management and Executive Director at VinaCapital. Through projects, students gained first-hand experience in the fast-paced buy-side analyst role, identifying high-alpha projects to benefit various VinaCapital funds. They also deepened their knowledge of modern and sophisticated financial products such as SPACs and digital assets, understanding how these products have different characteristics under various macroeconomic and financial market conditions, especially in developing countries. As final deliverables to VinaCapital, students evaluated investment projects from different stakeholders’ perspectives and provided recommendations. They gained insights into the investment process and learned how to leverage market fluctuations to identify asset classes that could deliver positive investment returns. They also had the opportunity to interact with faculty and students at the Vietnam National University, network with aspiring start-up founders and SMU alumni based in Ho Chi Minh City. They also managed to squeeze in some time to soak in the sights and sounds of the city, and visit cultural sites like the Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong River.
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                            SMU-X : Transforming Education for a VUCA World
                            A video highlighting SMU-X, an interdisciplinary and experiential learning framework that emphasizes project-based, real-world learning through collaboration with corporate, non-profit, and government organizations.


                              Associate Professor Gary Pan, recipient of the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award in 2018
                              Associate Professor Gary Pan from the School of Accountancy (Right) received the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award from SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong (Left) at the 2018 State of University Address. The award recognizes faculty who are dedicated to teaching SMU-X courses and collaborating with partners from the private, public, or social sectors to integrate experiential activities where students address real-world issues impacting communities and organizations. Prof Pan, along with Prof Venky Shankararaman from the School of Information Systems, bridges accounting and information Systems in the SMU-X Accounting Analytics Capstone, preparing students for future changes in the work landscape. Prof Pan was also acknowledged for being nurturing and supportive in guiding students through their learning progress.
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                                A student showcasing various ideas generated with 3D printing machines from the newly opened Makerspace in SMU Labs
                                During the opening of the Makerspace in SMU Labs in October 2018, a student showcased various objects created using 3D printing machines to Ms. Neetha Nair, Head of the Center of Excellence with Prudential. Supported by Prudential, the Makerspace serves as a collaborative environment for students and the SMU community to create, learn, explore, share, and generate new ideas using 3D printing and other tools available in the space.
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                                  The first Makerspace available to SMU community in SMU Labs
                                  In 2018, the first Makerspace supported by Prudential was made available to SMU community. It serves as a collaborative environment for students and the SMU community to create, learn, explore, share, and generate new ideas. Workshops and activites were organized for the community to learn how to use the 3D printing machines and various tools available in the Makerspace.
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                                    Students from SMU and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in a discussion
                                    In 2019, students from the SMU-XO course "Millennial Talent Management – Recruitment and Engagement" teamed up with their peers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to develop solutions for PT Pagilaran's challenges in attracting and retaining millennial employees.
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                                      All about SMU Labs
                                      Launched in December 2014, SMU Labs is a specially-designed facilities located at the old MPH building in Stamford Road that supports SMU-X courses. Facilities in the three-storey building such as the While and Huddle rooms, are designed to promote active participation, discussion, ideation and collaboration. There are also spaces for play, relaxation and rest. This video introduces the different spaces available to students round the clock for their enriched learning experiences.


                                        Students showcasing their recommendations on improving the management of intergenerational diversity in the operation of Nestle Singapore
                                        During the 2019 showcase of students' final presentations for the SMU-X course Managing Diversity in Asia, Assistant Professors Aidan Wong (left) and Charlotte Setijadi (second from left) from the School of Social Sciences reviewed the work of a group of students. The students worked with Nestle Singapore and recommends various solutions in enhancing gender diversity and inclusion in its workplace. The course, in collaboration with the School of Social Sciences, aims to equip students with the necessary skills to become effective and empathetic managers of people in dynamic multicultural environments. In the course, students will learn analytical frameworks that will enable them to gain deeper understanding of existing problems to do with inequality and diversity in contemporary Asian societies.
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                                          SMU-X introduces X-Scent, a collaboration with perfume label "Scent by SIX" in its inaugural INDEX Symposium in 2023
                                          At its inaugural INDEX symposium, SMU-X unveiled X-Scent, a collaboration with the Singaporean artisanal perfume label "Scent by SIX". With the tagline "Turning possibilities into realities," the fragrance embodies the spirit of dreaming big, reaching for the stars, and believing that anything is possible. Each symposium participant received a complimentary bottle of the perfume. Additionally, the perfume was sold for $50, with all proceeds going to the SMU-X Opportunity Award. This award supports financially needy students who require funding to participate in transformative projects abroad through the SMU-X overseas (SMU-XO) courses.
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                                            SMU-X wins prestigious Triple E Awards for innovation and employability
                                            SMU-X wins prestigious Triple E Awards for innovation and employability. From L-R : Kevin Koh, Head; Yuanto Kusnadi, Associate Professor and Academic Director; Derek Chiang , Senior Development Partner of SMU-X at the Accrediatation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) Asia-Pacific Forum, where leaders in higher education gathered to advance the role of entrepreneurship and community engagement
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                                              SMU students with their friends from Universitas Gadjah Mada took a group photo at a tea plantation in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
                                              Students from the SMU-XO course "Millennial Talent Management – Recruitment and Engagement" and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) visited the PT Pagilaran plantation in Yogyakarta to collaborate on developing new solutions for recruiting and retaining millennial employees. The students taught by academics from both SMU and UGM, engaged with tea farmers and factory employees to gather insights for their proposed solutions. PT Pagilaran, a subsidiary of UGM specializing in tea and cocoa exports, provided an experiential learning setting for the students. The innovative pedagogy was lauded at the fourth PIEoneer Awards in 2020, a global award that celebrate innovation and achievement across the whole of the international education industry.
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                                                SMU-XO students on a boat cruise along the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
                                                As part of the SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) programme for ECON248 Overseas Project Experience (Macroeconomics in Asia), the students engaged in a recreational activity by taking a boat cruise along the Mekong River before heading to one of the local villages for a cultural exchange.
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                                                  The first IdeaX Innovation and Problem-Solving Workshop in 2021
                                                  Mr. Derek Chiang, Senior Development Partner of SMU-X, is featured as one of the instructors for the first workshop that utilized the IdeaX Toolkit in 2021. The workshop aims to equip students with the skills needed to support their SMU-X project journey, from ideation to execution.
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