25 years of impact
An inspired journey
For 25 years, SMU has inspired innovative education, cutting-edge research, and engaged partnerships.
Together, we're shaping a digital, sustainable Asia.
2000
SMU established with Ho Kwon Ping as founding Chairman
Singapore’s third university, launched with the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) and a distinctive pedagogy that championed personalisation, collaboration, and experiential learning.
LKCSB has since become a top global business school – 1st in Singapore and 2nd in Asia for research impact (Financial Times); its Master of Science in Wealth Management is 1st globally for Value for Money and 1st in Asia in the QS Masters in Finance Rankings 2025.
2001
First university in Singapore to introduce community service as a graduation requirement
Each undergraduate completes at least 80 hours of community service.
To date, SMU students have contributed over 4.28 million hours across 14,000+ projects in 40 countries, making a significant social impact.
School of Accountancy established
Launched a four-year accountancy programme that develops accounting professionals grounded in business and societal contexts.
Now globally recognised for research excellence – ranked 2nd worldwide for Archival Financial Research in Accounting and awarded ICAEW’s Most Outstanding Higher Education Institute (2017-2019, 2021-2024).
2002
Wee Kim Wee Centre launched
Named in honour of Singapore’s fourth President, SMU’s first centre was launched to foster dialogue on cultural and ethical issues.
Hosted over 350 global speakers, engaging more than 20,000 participants through forums like the Big Questions series.
School of Economics and Social Sciences established
The School of Economics (SOE) was originally part of the School of Economics and Social Sciences established in 2002. It was restructured in 2007 to allow for deeper focus on economics teaching and research.
Ranked 1st in Asia and top 10 globally for Econometrics Research by the Tilburg University Economics Schools Research Rankings (2016-2020), SOE is internationally recognised for research excellence.
Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition
Named after Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, the competition sparks deep-tech innovation and is in its 11th edition.
Connecting SMU students with tomorrow’s changemakers to spark friendship and collaboration, while supporting ventures that have raised over US$1 billion to scale their impact globally.
2003
School of Information Systems established
With a distinctive blend of applied IT, business, and social sciences, the School of Information Systems was established. In 2021, it was renamed the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) to better reflect its expanded scope and evolving focus on Computer Science.
SCIS is ranked 4th globally for research in software engineering according to CSRankings (2015 - 2025). Its Master of IT in Business programme has been placed highly for 7 consecutive years in the QS Business Masters Ranking in Business Analytics, and is currently 2nd in Asia.
2004
First graduating class
338 students became SMU’s first alumni class.
SMU graduates have gone on to consistently rank among Singapore’s most employable graduates, with one of the highest starting salaries.
2005
SMU moved to the city
By moving to the heart of business, culture, and government, SMU created a vibrant campus where learning extends beyond the classroom through real-world engagement and industry collaboration.
The move paved the way for SMU to grow into six schools and two colleges, deepen ties with industry and enrich the student learning experience.
2007
School of Law established
Established in 2007 and renamed in 2021 after Chief Justice Yong Pung How, the School of Law offers interdisciplinary LLB, Juris Doctor, LLM and PhD programmes to prepare future-ready lawyers.
Clinched Singapore’s first Jessup victory in 24 years, building on a strong track record in international moots.
School of Social Sciences established (SOSS)
Formerly part of School of Economics and Social Sciences, SOSS was restructured to sharpen its focus on psychology, sociology and political science, equipping students with interdisciplinary insights and skills to address complex societal issues.
Introduced the Politics, Law and Economics major in 2016 that was the first of its kind in Singapore.
2009
Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) launched
A launchpad to support and nurture startups and entrepreneurs.
To date, IIE has nurtured over 560 startups, raising more than US$575 million, and won Best Incubator Programme & Co-Working Space at the ASEAN Startup Awards in 2024.
2015
Centre for Research on the Economics of Ageing (CREA) established
CREA was established to study the economic well-being of older adults in Singapore, with one of the fastest ageing populations globally. In 2020, CREA was renamed the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) to reflect a broader, interdisciplinary direction, studying multiple dimensions of well-being.
CREA pioneered one of the world’s largest high-frequency longitudinal surveys on ageing, the Singapore Life Panel®(SLP). ROSA has extended the SLP into its 10th year and provides critical insights that shape national ageing policies.
SMU-X Programme started
Launched the award-winning SMU-X learning model, combining theory with hands-on industry projects. SMU-X Overseas was introduced in 2018 as an extension for students to work on real-world projects beyond Singapore.
With 6,000+ industry projects and 1,000+ industry partners, the programme has garnered global recognition –
Times Higher Education Awards in 2025, Green Gown Awards in 2024 and QS Reimagine Education Awards in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2016.
2017
SMU Academy set up
A lifelong learning professional training arm that offers over 1,500 programmes from short courses to modular pathways and higher degrees.
Trained over 160,000 professionals with future-ready skills and introduced Singapore’s first stackable applied postgraduate degree in 2023 – Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy.
2018
Global exposure as a graduation requirement
Mandated global exposure for all undergraduates, recognising the invaluable opportunity for international networking, intercultural understanding and a global vision.
Achieved 100% student participation, spanning over 50 countries and more than 150 cities, enriching students’ global perspectives.
2020
SMU Connexion opened
Singapore’s first net-zero energy building in the city centre that provides next-generation learning spaces that boast flexibility and future adaptability.
With Connexion added to the rest of SMU’s existing rooftop solar farms, the University is now the largest solar power plant in Singapore’s city centre. It also achieved the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy) award in 2019.
Singapore Green Finance Centre (SGFC) established
Singapore’s first Centre of Excellence dedicated to driving Asia focused green finance research and talent development.
Pioneering the Impact Weighted Account Framework, SMU, through SGFC, sets a new international standard for ESG impact assessment, empowering corporations and investors across Asia to make more informed, sustainable decisions.
2022
College of Integrative Studies (CIS) and College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS) launched
CIS introduced the first fully customisable degree in Singapore. CGRS launched to advance interdisciplinary postgraduate education.
Lending leadership in higher education in delivering interdisciplinary learning.
Sustainability Blueprint
Launched an institution-wide sustainability commitment aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and SG Green Plan.
SMU won two International Green Gown Awards in 2024 – Sustainability Institution of the Year and Next Generation Learning and Skills. It was ranked 18th globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 (Environmental Sustainability lens, Environmental Impact Category).
First Overseas Centre set up in Jakarta
Regional expansion with the establishment of the first overseas centre in Jakarta (2022), followed by Bangkok (2023) and Ho Chi Minh City (2024).
Deepened partnerships and regional impact, expanding SMU’s influence internationally.
2023
New Chairman Piyush Gupta appointed
Former CEO of DBS Group and one of Asia’s most transformative leaders, Piyush Gupta succeeded as SMU’s second Chairman. He builds on a strong foundation with renewed momentum and a focus on purposeful innovation.
Shaping SMU’s next chapter as the quintessential Asian university by focusing impact of education and research on real-world outcomes.
Co-Curricular Transcript introduced
Recognised students’ developmental achievements beyond academics.
Starting with the Class of 2025, graduates will receive transcripts that reflect their intellectual and creative skills, interpersonal skills, global citizenship, and personal mastery – competencies that are valued across industries and in society.
2024
Urban Institute launched
The Urban Institute advanced interdisciplinary research to deliver meaningful impact through the study of Asian cities.
Tackles pressing challenges in urban infrastructure, urban growth and urban life.
OUR VISION
Asia's premier global city university
At the nexus of management, social sciences and technology
Driving innovations, transcending boundaries, transforming lives
OUR MISSION
societal challenges
E D U C A T I O N
For 25 years, SMU has redefined education by offering innovative programmes like guaranteed second majors, global exposure for all students, and the opportunity to design individualised majors. Our award-winning pedagogy SMU-X provides experiential learning opportunities that connect theory with practice. These initiatives have set us apart as trailblazers in higher education.
A trailblazer in education, nurturing highly-sought after, industry-ready graduates.
100% of our students graduate with:
Building independence and
real-world experience
Enhancing practical experience and
industry-ready skills
Nurturing responsibility and integrity
R E S E A R C H
SMU's cutting-edge research addresses critical societal challenges. From Cooling Singapore initiative, to supporting successful ageing and greening data centres, our work impacts Singapore, Asia, and the world.
A strong tradition of world-class research, turning insights into real-word impact.
Some of our research accolades include:
in Singapore and Asia respectively for FT Business Research rankings*
*Financial Times Aggregated Research Ranking 2024
globally for accountancy
archival research^
^BYU Accounting Research Rankings 2021
globally for research in
software engineering#
#CSRankings 2023
E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P
SMU has cultivated a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Protégé Ventures, Southeast Asia's first student-led venture capital fund, has invested nearly US$250,000 in 11 startups and evaluated over 1,300 deals, with four founders recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30. Through our Business Innovations Generator (BIG), we've incubated over 500 startups, which collectively raised US$555 million and built over US$3 billion in enterprise value.
A catalyst for entrepreneurial success, cultivating a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Some of our real-world successes include:
SMU Business Innovation Generator incubated over 500 startups since 2009
SMU founders collectively built startups worth more than US$3 billion in value
Startups incubated by SMU have collectively raised close to US$555 million since 2009
Regional Winner,
Best Incubator /
Accelerator Program
I M P A C T F U L E N G A G E M E N T
At SMU, impactful engagement means turning commitment into action. We embed sustainability in our practices, drive high-impact innovation through industry and institutional partnerships, and champion excellence and inclusion beyond the classroom. Through these initiatives, we empower individuals and communities, shaping sustainable futures for all.
Our accolades and initiatives:
International Green Gown Awards 2024
Sustainability Institution of the Year
Launched over 50
Sustainability and environmentally-focused education courses
4.3 million
Community service hours clocked by SMU students to date
14,000+
Community service projects completed across 40 countries
