SMU’s success in doing things differently and redefining university education has allowed it to become a change agent and catalyst for innovation.

Asia’s first university of the millennium – SMU – celebrates its 10th anniversary on Patron’s Day 2010 as it traces the formative years to the defining moment when a new philosophy and approach towards university education was born. Describing the conception of SMU as a confluence of opportunity and initiative by our visionary founders, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees, paid special tribute to one individual whose vision, commitment and openness to change had made SMU what it is today. Dr Tony Tan, former Deputy Prime Minister, encouraged SMU to provide a different model of university education as an autonomous, publicly-funded institution.

A highly interactive pedagogy and broad-based curriculum was designed to produce the type of graduates in demand by Singapore and the world: bold, articulate, resourceful, independent and creative thinkers. A holistic admissions system recognises passion and potential beyond grades, injecting diversity of talent. Being global-oriented allows students to go beyond the shores of Singapore and immerse in different learning environments. The last decade has seen SMU successfully redefining the university landscape in Singapore, becoming a change agent and catalyst for innovation for other universities.