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.
From only 300 students and one school, SMU today has 7,000 undergraduates and postgraduates, six schools, 300 faculty, a 4.5 hectare city campus, six Bachelor’s degree, 17 Master’s and PhD programmes. It has graduated 5,000 alumni with close to 100% employment. Advancing knowledge as a leading research university, SMU has been actively championing faculty research which addresses areas relevant to the business world.
While conventional quantifiable indicators provide objective assessment of performance, SMU hopes to define success through broader measures such as transformation of lives through education and character-building; instilling a sense of social responsibility; advancing knowledge and leaving a meaningful footprint within the community. Breaking out of the conventional mould ten years ago, SMU wants to be able to continue pushing boundaries and setting new records |
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From L to R: Student leader Joan Chen; President Nathan; President of SMU Students’ Association Council Sophia Lo; and Associate Prof Low Aik Meng, Dean of Students
Photo: Flagship Creatives |
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Brazilian street jazz group Samba Masala kicking off the celebration with their rousing, opening act
Photo: Flagship Creatives |
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