The clarion call for the Class of 2010 is to take up responsible leadership as they enter the marketplace in a new world order marked by stability, integration, common goals and better quality of life.

Graduates of SMU are entering a new world of ‘combine’ today where economic, political and social divides between countries and people are rapidly vanishing. World politics have embraced democracy and market capitalism is hotly pursued by nations. Heavier responsibilities will, however, fall on the shoulders of new graduates who are called to take up the new challenges.

Gracing SMU’s seventh Commencement is Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of MFC Asset Management Plc and former Minister of Commerce and Senator of Thailand.

He challenged the 1,514 graduands gathered at Resorts World Convention Centre on 21 July 2010 to be responsible professionals contributing to the well-being of the region.

Paying tribute to President Howard Hunter who is stepping down in end August, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for his six-year leadership during SMU’s formative years. Mr Ho described him as a passionate educator who truly believes in a broad-based, multidisciplinary education, an unassuming servant leader and a dependable friend. He will remain as Professor of Law at SMU, returning half-yearly to teach at the School of Law.