showSidebars ==
showTitleBreadcrumbs == 1
node.field_disable_title_breadcrumbs.value ==

Student Development at SMU is where classroom learning meets real-world growth — through student-led communities, governance and interest-based clubs, and curated experiential programmes that help you discover your strengths, build with others, and contribute meaningfully to campus and the wider community. From taking on leadership roles and forming lasting connections to developing across the “Self”, “Self and Team”, and “Self and the Community”, you’ll find platforms that support you not just as an SMU student, but as an individual. You can also explore our Academic Clubs to connect with peers who share your academic interests and deepen your learning beyond the curriculum.

The SMU Emerging Artist Award is the result of project initiated and led by the late Professor Winston Koh and alumnus Hong Huazheng as part of SMU’s 10th anniversary.

The Award seeks to identify passionate and talented artists in the SMU undergraduate community. It recognises the artist's past work and accomplishments, and encourages the artist to continually grow and nurture one’s love and involvement in the arts. The award also aims to raise awareness of the arts within the university.

Since its inception, the SMU Emerging Artist Award was awarded to the following recipients who served as active members in SMU’s vibrant arts and cultural community.

The following students were recipients of the Award:

Bianca
2026

Bianca Arana Mikhaela

from SMU Eurhythmix

Bianca is a dancer, choreographer, and aspiring producer whose practice moves between performance and the processes behind it. Having begun dancing at a young age, she approaches her work as an ongoing process of growth, shaped by curiosity, intention, and care for the communities she is part of.

Committed to growing as a well-rounded artist, she actively explores both the creative and operational dimensions of the arts to deepen her perspective. With a desire to create environments where artists feel valued, she seeks to elevate the arts landscape through thoughtfully curated opportunities, reimagining how artists are developed and sustained.

2025

Alwin Tua Ren Jie 

from SMU Sound Foundry and SMU Broadcast & Entertainment

Alwin Tua, known artistically as Alwine, is a self-taught musician who weaves intimate sonic landscapes with raw authenticity and heartfelt expression. Through songwriting and busking, he crafted a unique artistic voice refined by the unfiltered energy of live street performances. These intertwined experiences shaped his distinctive sound that resonates throughout his self-released discography.

Beyond his solo endeavours, he demonstrates his passion for the arts through his leadership roles in SMU SoundFoundry in 2025 and SMU Broadcast and Entertainment in 2024. With sights set on larger stages and music festivals, Alwin continues to craft songs that capture emotional depth and genuine connection—transforming fleeting moments into lasting musical memories.

2024

Goh Xin Yi

from SMU Eurhythmix, SMU Broadcast & Entertainment and formerly SMU Arts and Cultural Fraternity Executive Committee

With a decade of experience as a dancer and emerging roles as a choreographer and aspiring stage manager, Xin Yi embodies a multifaceted artistic journey. Rooted in the language of movement, she crafts narratives that reflect her personal experiences and societal reflections. As a choreographer, she explores innovative ways to express emotion and provoke thought through dance.

Simultaneously, she embraces the technical challenges and creative opportunities of stage management, seeking to orchestrate seamless productions that captivate audiences. Xin Yi's journey as an artist is a dynamic blend of creativity and a passionate pursuit of excellence both on and off stage.

2023

Lo Xi Yu, Joy

from SMU Eurhythmix & SMU Broadcast and Entertainment

Joy would describe herself as a multidisciplinary creative. It's often difficult to introduce Joy and define her involvement in the arts, because she explores diverse art forms as tools of her creative expression. Over the past decade, she has delved into dance, choreography, theatre-making, literary works alongside stage production management.  

Her artistic practice is guided by a desire to externalise difficult inner experiences and to craft meaningful encounters that resonate with others. She believes in the power of the arts to articulate one’s deepest emotions and design creative experiences.

Joy is also actively involved in co-curricular activities (CCAs) and SMU Student Life, having served as President of SMU Eurhythmix in 2022 and Honorary General Secretary of SMU Broadcast and Entertainment in 2021.

2022

Andrea Vincent

from SMUSAIC, SMU Broadcast & Entertainment, Artdicted, Literati and formerly SMU Arts and Cultural Fraternity Executive Committee

Andrea Vincent is a Singaporean artist who desires to capture diverse and accessible narratives celebrating the human condition. The pursuit of personal growth inspires her creative work.

Passion for film and photography influences Andrea's evolving interdisciplinary image-making practice. She endeavours to create a meaningful impact and catalyse action through visual storytelling.

Andrea believes we all play a vital role in empowering ourselves and our communities. Her vision is to inspirit others to unlock their creative power, achieve their aspirations and contribute to society.

2021

Daniel Sidhanand

from SMU Sound Foundry and SMU Broadcast & Entertainment

Daniel Sid is one of Singapore’s most sought-after singer-songwriters, who cut his teeth busking along the streets, all around the world and has now made his way to the big leagues. The multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer has garnered over a million streams on his original music and performed across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Beyond performing, Daniel produces music for other artists and is the head of communications at Goose Infiniti, a record label. He has also gone on to host shows on television and online, interviewing a variety of guests, from celebrities to ministers. Daniel's vibrant charm and talent have propelled him to becoming one of the most recognisable presences in the music industry and has his sights set on more.

2020

Subastian Tan Bo Hern

from SMU Eurhythmix (Emix)

Subastian Tan Bo Hern is a dancer at Maya Dance Theatre (MDT) and has performed for productions locally and internationally which address social issues through dance theatre. He is also the programme leader of Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), a community initiative by MDT which works with dancers with and without disabilities. DADC has presented its first production, Speaking With Hands, in collaboration with guest choreographer Liz Lea from Canberra, Australia.

With his exposure across cultures, backgrounds and abilities, Subastian believes in the arts’ ability to connect across differences and aims to create a meaningful impact in society through his practice. He is currently carrying out a personal project, Project Kinaesthesia, which aims to reflect human stories through a unique movement vocabulary.

2019

Maanasa Sri Ganesh

from SMU Indian Cultural Society & SMU Broadcast and Entertainment

Maanasa Sri Ganesh practises Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form. Over the past 12 years, she has learnt this artform from several accomplished international teachers from India, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Having won the award for the Best Bharatanatyam Dancer in her cohort at Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, Maanasa has further honed her skills through numerous solo and international ensemble dance productions such as Anjaneyam, Alapadma, Mara, Acharya Devo Bhava etc., in India and Singapore. Maanasa subscribes to the paradigm: ‘Art in any form should be propagated heartily – especially the less-popular ones!’ and aims to expand the artform’s horizon through interactions amongst grassroots and the youth in Singapore. When not dancing, Maanasa, in no particular order, studies Accountancy at SMU, takes active part in SMU Indian Cultural Society , manages Project Gazaab Nainital and emcees for SMU Broadcast and Entertainment.

2017

Chua Zhihao

from SMU Symphonia

Chua Zhihao learned the flute since he was 9 years old and have been under the tutelage of flautist Wang Tong. He has performed with various ensembles for the past 10 years including Philharmonic Youth Winds and Mus’Art Wind Orchestra. He received the Gold Award at the World Music Contest (Holland) with Mus’Art Wind Orchestra. He serves as Vice President and Director for Office of Music at SMU Symphonia. He pioneered an independent ensemble Tomodachi Winds that aims to provide a platform for youths to explore different music forms. His long-term goal is to support local talents and continue to involve youths in the arts.

2016

Jasmine Wong 

from SMU Stereometa and SMU SoundFoundry

Jasmine Wong is a singer-songwriter, music producer and DJ. She has worked with renowned local musicians including Randolf Arriola and Saiful Idris. She was DJ Head at SMU Stereometa and has performed with the band MATÜRA for events such as SMU Sports Day, AVIVA Superfundae at Gardens by the Bay and Anaki Rock Festival. In her commitment to develop her music career, she took on internships with magazines such as JUICE and i-D. She signed with independent music label 13 Orphans and released two singles in 2016. She strongly believes in creative collaborations and will explore exchange programmes near the bustling electronic music scenes of United States or France.

2015

Soon Kian Keong

from SMU Ballare

Soon Kian Keong started out as a volleyball player for 15 years. He was inspired to pursue ballroom dancing after a conversation with the late Professor Winston. He rose through the ranks from a novice to professional level by participating fiercely in local, regional and international competitions. He served as President of SMU Ballare in 2013 and handled over six productions. He was awarded the SMU Outstanding Student Life Award (Gold) in 2015. He is committed to ballroom dancing and hope to inspire more people to take up standard ballroom dancing as a lifelong passion.

2014

Koh Hui Rong

from SMU Chinese Orchestra

At 8 years old, Koh Hui Rong learned the traditional Chinese musical instrument pipa under Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Young Talent Programme. She served as President of SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) and became their ensemble leader in 2014. During that year, SMUCO achieved Gold with Honours award at the International Chinese Instrumental Music Arts Festival in Taipei. She also won Gold prizes for both solo and ensemble categories at the International Folk Instrumental Music Competition in San Jose, USA. She believes in the importance of preserving the history of traditional music with the flexibility of exploring contemporary collaborations to remain relevant.

2013

Daniel Lee

from SMU StageIT and SMU Broadcast & Entertainment

Daniel Lee was President of SMU StageIT and an active member of SMU Broadcast & Entertainment (SMUBE). He handled stage, light and technical design for productions by SMU StageIT and other clubs such as SMU Ardiente, SMU VOIX and SMU Ivory Keys. He was a finalist in the SMUBE’s Voice Personality Hunt 2012 and have hosted various events at SMU. As President of StageIT, he wrote and directed StageIT’s productions such as Salomé Twisted. Daniel believes “the arts isn’t a game of popularity or ticket sales, but a commitment to changing the world – one auditorium at a time.”

Student artistes under SMU’s Arts & Cultural Fraternity (ACF) enjoy regular exposure through campus and external events held in Singapore’s arts and heritage belt. Many have represented SMU on the international stage, impressing overseas audiences and garnering prestigious accolades for the university. Some of the fraternity's outstanding achievements and acclaimed productions include:

Annual Productions

Community Engagement

Competitive Achievements

SMU Challenge is the university's annual community outreach event organised by SMU Special Interest & Community Service Sodality. It provides all SMU students with the chance to interact with beneficiaries on a personal level, understand underlying societal issues and needs, and gain deeper insights in order to support these beneficiaries through their community service projects.

Since its inception in 2008, SMU Challenge has supported beneficiaries such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS), Geylang East Home for the Aged, Society of Moral Charities and Lions Befrienders Service Association. It has also collaborated with the Central Singapore Community Development Council to support the Purple Parade, a movement that promotes inclusiveness, celebrates the abilities of persons with special needs and raises awareness on special needs community in Singapore.

In 2015, the SMU Challenge committee organised a series of Purple Outings, which included visits to the Sports Hub and muffin-baking workshops for members of the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), MDAS and the Down Syndrome Association. More than 200 SMU students, alumni, staff and faculty members took part in the finale event - a 7-km 'Walk for Good' walkathon around Marina Bay.

The SMU Challenge committee organised another walkathon on 31 July 2016 in conjunction with Car-Free Sunday. Some 250 SMU students, staff and faculty members took part in the 5-km city walk together with beneficiaries from SADeaf and MDAS, who each received a gift of basic necessities such as rice, biscuits and soy sauce at the end of the event.

Download our e-book to learn more about SMU Challenge and its beneficiaries. 

There are a number of student clubs and registered societies catering to specific interests and professional development, such as wine appreciation, fishing, mixed martial arts, public speaking, debating and more. The Special Interest & Community Service Sodality (SICS) represents and advises this group of special interest clubs by inculcating a deeper sense of belonging and fostering closer ties among the clubs through joint club activities.

There are another seven self-governing clubs that belong under the Registry of Societies of Singapore. These registered societies promote certain interests and faiths within the SMU student community. SMU supports the activities of these registered societies and permits the use of 'SMU' in their names, but they are not a part of the legal entity of SMU and are thus unable to represent or make any representations on SMU's behalf. Their views and activities are the sole responsibility of the respective registered societies and their members.

Sports & Adventure as co-curricular activities (CCAs) provide crucial leadership and unique out-of-classroom learning experience. Through participation in sports, students will be able to develop greater confidence, teamwork and critical thinking essential in both personal and academic development.

As a student, you will learn to lead through activities including club management and development, as well as sports events planning, marketing and implementation. You will also be encouraged to participate in competitions, such as the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Games, national championships, regional and international games. Competitive athletes may be selected to represent SMU in international competitions.

The sports curricular and activities are organised by the Sports & Adventure Clubs. The sports clubs are supervised by SMU Sports Union (SSU) and the adventure clubs by SMUXploration Crew (SMUX). Both SSU and SMUX are guided by the Office of Student Life, to provide a wide variety of recreational and competitive sports for the students’ development, enrichment and enjoyment.

SMU's Arts & Culture clubs complement the student academic journey by offering vibrant platforms for creative expression, personal development and community engagement. Residing under the Arts & Cultural Fraternity (ACF), these CCAs cultivate a passion and interest in dance, music, culture as well as the visual, performing, media and literary arts.

As students of the only local university in Singapore’s civic district, members of SMU’s ACF enjoy ample opportunities for strategic partnerships and artistic collaboration with neighbouring museums, institutions and businesses in the arts and heritage belt. As a city university, SMU supports these efforts by funding training opportunities and working with industry professionals to improve the quality and artistry of its arts and cultural clubs.

In addition, students from the arts and culture clubs are regularly invited to perform and showcase their talent at community events, local and international festivals and competitions. Many SMU Arts & Culture clubs have won awards and honours for the university.

SMU Pathfinders Workshops

The SMU Pathfinders Programme was launched on 18th August 2017 with the generous donation from Mr Kuok Khoon Ean. The Programme is aligned to SMU’s Vision 2025 of delivering a transformative education that enables our students to become leaders of tomorrow who effect positive change in the world.

The SMU Pathfinders Programme comprises a series of both local and overseas student development programmes, focusing on the three inter-related domains of the “Self”, “Self and Team” and “Self and the Community”. Conducted by trained SMU staff and external trainers, the workshops under the SMU Pathfinders Programme aim to provide transformative experiential learning platforms to students. Students can either participate out of their own interest or as part of their existing Co-Curricular Activity training programme(s). The SMU Pathfinders Programme seeks to develop values-driven learners, authentic collaborators, and responsible global citizens.

Local Pathfinders workshops include Open Call workshops like ‘Developing Habits that Stick’ which taught participants practical techniques that allow them to sustainably achieve the outcomes they desire. The SMU Pathfinders Programme also curates customised workshops in collaboration with various student groups such as EYE Investment Club, Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) Student Clubs, Peer Helpers, and SMU Student Association (SMUSA). These workshops range from topics such as cultivating effective communication for team cohesiveness to better understanding of individual strengths to boost emotional resilience.

There are also impactful overseas Pathfinders Programmes, such as the SMU Pathfinders Sustainability Changemakers Overseas Programme and the University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) which are aimed at developing sustainability leaders and change agents. 

Students writing down some habits they struggle with at ‘Developing Habits that Stick’ workshop

Team building activity that required communication amongst the EYE Investment Club members for their ‘Effective Communication for Team Cohesiveness’ workshop

Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) students holding up their certificates to commemorate the end of the ‘LKCSB Student Leadership Training’ programme

Sustainability Changemakers Overseas Programme

The SMU Pathfinders Sustainability Changemakers Overseas Programme, launched in 2022, gives participants the opportunity to embark on a life-changing experience where they learn about sustainability practices adopted in another country in Asia – practices that aim to better the community, economy, and the environment. Participants not only get to glean knowledge and perspectives from thought-leaders about the challenges in dealing with sustainability issues, they also get to engage first-hand in sustainability practices and solutions linked to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. This Programme aims to develop SMU Sustainability Leaders who use the tools and knowledge gained to champion social and environmental stewardship projects that will make a positive difference on campus and beyond.

In line with SMU Pathfinders Programme’s desired outcomes, the learning objectives for the Sustainability Changemakers Overseas Programme would be for participants to:

  • Develop skills necessary to make an impact on campus, community and in their career
  • Apply principles to understand real-world challenges and global perspectives
  • Apply strategies to take up leadership roles and effect positive and meaningful change 

A group photograph of the 2022 Sustainability Changemakers Overseas Programme student participants and staff in Bali, Indonesia

Participants involved in the reforestation project in Bukit Indah, Bali

Participants learning about the ridge-to-reef approach in the Bukit Indah Reforestation and Watershed Regeneration Project

Learn more about the SMU Pathfinders Sustainability Changemakers Overseas Programme.

University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS)

The annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) brings hundreds of youth delegates together, where ideas grow, collaborations take place and diverse voices unite for a better world. At USLS, delegates get the opportunity to network with like-minded peers from around the world who are passionate and committed to positive social change. USLS nurtures emerging world leaders by giving them the confidence to lead sustainable development projects to address issues such as poverty, climate change and inequality.

Delegates at the United Nations Conference Centre

Mangrove planting activity on Kindness Day, where USLS delegates contribute to the advancement of the People and the Planet through volunteerism that advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The USLS delegates getting ready to prepare a vegetarian Pad Kra Pao at The Courageous Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that offers food aid and food education to the less privileged

THRIVE Workshop Series

The THRIVE Workshop series is a student development programme that revolves around six pillars:

The topics for THRIVE Workshops are curated to address the 6 dimensions of resilience in the SMU Resilience Framework as we adopt a proactive approach towards promoting students’ holistic wellbeing. Some of the THRIVE workshops are conducted as ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions, with bento lunches provided so that students can nourish themselves as they gain valuable knowledge from expert trainers.

Examples of past THRIVE workshops include ‘Optimising your LinkedIn Profile’, where students learned from LinkedIn representatives on how to enhance their LinkedIn profiles and the best practices to effectively garner greater outreach. In the ‘Investing Demystified: Strategies and Tips for Beginner Investors’ workshop, students were introduced to the role investing plays in one’s overall financial planning and how to identify and manage the possible risks of investing.

Students learning tips on how to enhance their LinkedIn profile at ‘Optimising your LinkedIn Profile’ workshop

Group photograph of participants at the ‘Investing Demystified: Strategies and Tips for Beginner Investors’ workshop

At SMU, we believe in the strength of peer support and the power of community. Launched in late 2023, the SMU Peer Well-Being Network brings together passionate student groups to foster well-being, resilience and a caring campus culture.

This network currently comprises:

Each group contributes its unique strengths to support fellow students through peer engagement, advocacy and a shared commitment to student well-being. Coordinated by Student Care Officers, the network ensures efforts are aligned and responsive to the evolving needs of the student community.

What We Do

The SMU Peer Well-Being Network empowers students to support one another through purposeful peer-led initiatives. Whether it's offering a listening ear or creating spaces for important conversations, our members are here to make a difference.

Here's how each group contributes:

  • SMU Peer Helpers provide one-on-one peer support, offering a safe and empathetic space for emotional and mental well-being concerns.
  • Voices Student Advocates lead conversations around harassment, bullying and discrimination, encouraging openness and student empowerment.
  • Student Council of Discipline promotes character development based on SMU’s CIRCLE Values to uphold the interest and welfare of students.
  • SMU Purple drives inclusive practices and behaviours, with a strong focus on disability awareness and advocacy.
     

Stay Tuned!

Keep an eye out for upcoming Peer Well-Being Network initiatives around campus from pop-up booths and outreach events to engaging campaigns, designed by students, for students!

Past Events/Roadshows

Student representatives at the Peer Well-being Network’s Digital Well-being Roadshow in Feb 2025, with Guest-of-Honour MOS Rahayu Mahzam (second from right)

Student representatives at the Peer Well-being Network engaging with peers

Students from the Peer Well-being Network enjoying an icebreaker at a Chill & Connect session

To support students in achieving their potential, as well as personal and academic successes, SMU is committed to building a resilient community by providing encouragement, support and assistance to students and promoting students’ holistic wellbeing.

In SMU, there are dedicated Student Care Officers (SCOs) who actively engage with students to help address stressors (e.g. transition challenges) and develop their abilities to make well-informed choices towards a flourishing life. Student Care Officers are involved in the operationalisation of the SMU Resilience Framework – such as planning and executing wellbeing initiatives and early intervention measures that include education, prevention, and outreach programmes.

CHECK IN WITH US!

Look out for the SCOs as they roam the campus in their regular outreach, offering encouragement and snack treats to students. You can also catch them at campus roadshows, where they dispense tips to empower students to take charge of their own wellbeing.

You can also get in touch with the Student Care Officers at studentcare@smu.edu.sg or via Instagram @sgsmu.studentcare.

Past Events/Roadshows

Student Care & Support Services roadshow at Voices Week

Roadshow focusing on financial and career resilience

Rewarding students with some treats for taking part in the SCO booth activities

Students offering encouraging words to their peers during the Exam Angels Programme

Students enjoying various activities organized by the SCOs as part of the Exam Angels Programme

Subscribe to