Following discussions between SMU and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics (SKBI) was established in July 2008. SKBI's mission is to be a leading institute for academic research with strong industry application and practical dimension in the area of Financial Economics. The institute is named in honour of the late Mr Sim Kee Boon to commemorate his many accomplishments in establishing Singapore's modern infrastructure. It is a formally structured university-wide organizational unit of Singapore Management University, involving all Schools in the University. SKBI promotes the study of Financial Economics and Financial Econometrics in areas of strategic relevance to Singapore 's economy and the economies of the region and supports Singapore's efforts to become a premier financial hub in Asia . To carry out its work, SKBI reaches out to distinguished local, regional and international institutions and industry partners. The Institute's key activities include generating cutting-edge research projects; organising conferences, seminars and training workshops; driving education; and developing human resources and industry applications. Four research centres, under the umbrella of the Institute, spearhead the various activities on the major research areas which the Institute has identified for its immediate focus: Financial Econometrics, Silver Security, Asset Securitisation and Real Estate Finance in Asia, and Corporate and Investor Responsibility. Professor Roberto S. Mariano served as the Founding Director of the Institute from July 2008 to June 2010. Mr Lim Chee Onn, Chairman of the Board of Singbridge International Singapore and former Executive Chairman of the Keppel Corporation, chairs the Advisory Board of the Institute.