The SMU Office of Overseas Centres (OOC) expands the university's footprint across Asia by deepening partnerships, strengthening global visibility, and opening new pathways for collaboration. Working in some of the regions's most dynamic innovation and education hubs, the OOC supports knowledge exchange, applied research, and in-market programmes that respond to local needs and opportunities.
Our role is to connect SMU's intellectual captial with partners who are shaping the future of business, policy, and society. Through these partnerships, the OOC enhances SMU's ability to contribute insights, develop talent, and support growth across the region.
OOC MISSION
Advancing SMU’s Regional Presence in Asia
The SMU Office of Overseas Centres (OOC) strengthens SMU’s engagement across Asia by extending the University’s work in education, research, and industry collaboration beyond Singapore. Our mission is to build purposeful connections that create opportunities for learners, partners, and communities throughout the region.
To achieve this, the OOC plans, establishes, and oversees SMU’s overseas presences — including SMU Thailand, SMU Indonesia, and SMU Vietnam. Embedded within their local economies, these centres enable in-country delivery of programmes, executive learning, research collaborations, and partnerships that respond directly to regional needs.
These centres serve as SMU’s strategic gateways in Asia. They strengthen the University’s visibility, deepen cross-border collaboration, and create new avenues for impact by bringing people, ideas, and organisations together. Through this work, the OOC supports SMU’s commitment to expanding access to expertise and contributing to the region’s continued advancement.
SMU's Overseas Presence
Most Recent Updates
Photo Gallery
At Overseas Centre Ho Chi Minh City’s talk show 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Key Drivers of Economic and Social Promotion', Dr. Joshi shared case study-based innovation strategies, and Prof. Kotha shared insights on startup-driven innovation for sustainable business growth, offering practical strategies to unlock entrepreneurial potential.
'Research in Singapore' - Overseas Centre Ho Chi Minh City facilitated a discussion in Hanoi, bringing together leading academics to discuss Singapore's postgraduate research landscape and how PhD education can benefit Vietnam's economy and academic ecosystem.
Overseas Centre Jakarta celebrated International Women's Day 2025 with a panel on 'New Trends and Challenges in Financial Management’, featuring insights from two CFOs, including Ms. Yvonne Chan from SMU."
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the Overseas Centre Bangkok hosted a Leadership in Tech event, spotlighting women in tech sector. Prof. Sun Sun Lim delivered a keynote on ‘AI Ethics and Data Governance in Asian Context’.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Launch at the Overseas Centre Ho Chi Minh City, exploring sustainable development and sustainable finance, empowering Vietnamese business leaders and financial professionals to understand global trends.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Launch at the Overseas Centre Jakarta - “Sustainability & Finance", a beginner-friendly course designed for leaders to learn about climate trends and sustainable finance.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Launch, Introduction to Sustainability & Sustainable Finance at the Overseas Centre Bangkok, and sustainability panel, sharing Thailand's corporate sustainability insights and best practices.
The Office of Overseas Centres convened Singaporean IHLs to strategize on boosting overseas joint collaborations, addressing student mobility, faculty expertise, operational challenges, and strategic alignment.
'Navigating International Arbitration As General Counsel' at the Overseas Centre Bangkok offered practical insights from leading academic and legal experts, covering key arbitration topics.
Participants at the Overseas Chambers of Singapore-Singapore Management University MOU signing ceremony on 18 July 2023.
SMU MBA Students On A Visit to Bukalapak HQ in South Jakarta in March
SMU MBA Students with Dr Minsani Mariani and Dr Marko S. Hermawan (centre) from Binus University after their lecture on Indonesia's business culture.
Visiting historical and cultural sites at Kota Tua (Old City) is part of the UOB-SMU Asian Entrepreneurs Institute's OIP in Jakarta.
SMU MBA students visited Apple Academy @Binus BSD Digital Hub in Jakarta.
Professor Lim Sun Sun spoke on the critical importance women play within ASEAN during the OCJ IWD hybrid forum 'SMU Women On The Forefront of Sustainability'.
Prof Mandy Tham shared her insights on business families at a fireside chat on March 8 to celebrate International Women's Day.
SMU Alumni Members at the IWD Event.
NIDA’s visit strengthened ties with SMU.
SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement, Professor Lim Sun Sun with NIDA’s President Professor Tippawan Lorsuwannarat.
NIDA's delegation on a guided tour of SMU campus in February 2023.
