SMU leadership with distinguished guest and student organizing committee of Patron's Day 26
SMU leaders and distinguished guests featured with students from the organizing committee of Patron's Day 2026 are (Row 2, 2nd from L) : Professor Mark Chong, Dean of Students, Office of Dean of Students ; Professor Lily Kong, SMU President ; Justice Judith Prakash, SMU Pro-Chancellor ; Mr Lim Chee Oon, SMU Chancellor ; President Tharman Shanmugaratnam ; Mr Piyush Gupta, SMU Chairman and Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost. Patron’s Day, held on 30 January 2026, brought together students, staff, alumni, partners, and members of the public for a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and school spirit. Centred on the theme “A–Z: Infinite Possibilities,” the day featured a lively programme at Campus Green, including the SMU Makers showcase, the Inter-Faculty Tug-of-War competition, and an evening of performances. The festivities were preceded by a three-day campus roadshow from 26 to 28 January, which engaged the community through interactive games and activities inspired by the event theme.
A longstanding SMU tradition since the University’s incorporation in 2000, Patron’s Day commemorates SMU’s incorporation and honours the Presidents of Singapore who have served as its Patron. A key highlight of the 2026 celebration was the attendance of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in his role as SMU’s Patron for the second time. During his visit, he toured the event grounds, visited the SMU Makers showcase, interacted with student organisers, and witnessed the final rounds of the Inter-Faculty Tug-of-War. His presence underscored the significance of Patron’s Day as a celebration of student initiative, institutional leadership, and the collective spirit that continues to shape the SMU community.
A longstanding SMU tradition since the University’s incorporation in 2000, Patron’s Day commemorates SMU’s incorporation and honours the Presidents of Singapore who have served as its Patron. A key highlight of the 2026 celebration was the attendance of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in his role as SMU’s Patron for the second time. During his visit, he toured the event grounds, visited the SMU Makers showcase, interacted with student organisers, and witnessed the final rounds of the Inter-Faculty Tug-of-War. His presence underscored the significance of Patron’s Day as a celebration of student initiative, institutional leadership, and the collective spirit that continues to shape the SMU community.