[12 August 2001]
Education Minister RAdm Teo Chee Hean Announces Singapore Management University's New School of Economics and Social Sciences at SMU Convocation 2001

Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew Donates $300,000 to Towards LKY Research Endowment Fund

The Singapore Management University (SMU) will open its second academic year by welcoming 400 Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) and the pioneer intake of 100 Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) undergraduates at its Convocation, held at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 12 August 2001.

In his address during the event, Guest-of-Honour RAdm Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education, will announce the opening of SMU's third school, the School of Economics & Social Sciences, in 2002. Similar to the two other degree programmes offered by SMU, the new Bachelor of Science (Economics) curriculum adopts the American model of a broad-based liberal education, while grounding students in the necessary rigours of their chosen discipline. The aim is to shape well-rounded individuals with strong analytical skills, creative thinking and a wide range of capabilities required to be outstanding in any competitive field.

The BSc (Economics) programme will have a pioneer intake of 50 students in 2002, with numbers expected to increase gradually each year. Admission will be based on a holistic set of criteria similar to that of the BBM and BAcc programmes, comprising 'A' level results, SAT scores, a personal interview and a written essay. On successful completion of the four-year direct honours BSc programme, the degree will be awarded accordingly, depending on the student's overall performance: BSc, BSc cum laude (with honors), BSc magna cum laude (with high honors) or BSc summa cum laude (with highest honors).

The curriculum for the BSc (Economics) degree requires a student to take 35 courses, consisting of a major and a set of courses and electives, including University Core competencies such as Leadership and Team-building, Communication, and Entrepreneurship. The programme is designed to be consistent with the framework for study at the existing two schools at SMU, allowing for the option of a double degree combination with another programme. Details of the new degree programme are available at SMU's website.

RAdm Teo will also announce Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew's donation of S$300,000 to SMU for the establishment of the Lee Kuan Yew Research Endowment Fund. The fund aims to promote research and enhance SMU's international standing. Under this fund, research projects will be sponsored, focusing on topics ranging from business, economics and law research to be published in journals and books.

In a unique Convocation ceremony contrasting the pomp of formal processions with the light-hearted festivity of a student concert, guests, incoming students and their parents will be treated to a feast of sights and sounds. Guest speaker Dinesh Bhatia, CEO of Edgematrix will give a keynote address. Key student awards and scholarships will also be presented during the Convocation, including the Standard Chartered Best Student Award (1st Year) which has been won by Byron Jeremy Peter Chan for topping his cohort with a GPA score of 4 (straight As).

A live webcast of the Convocation will be available on the university's website.