Office of Industry Engagement
The Office of Industry Engagement (OIE) is SMU's strategic gateway for organisations seeking to collaborate with the University to advance research, innovation, and real-world impact.
We partner with industry, government, and professional organisations to co-create solutions to complex challenges by connecting them with SMU's multidisciplinary expertise across business, technology, law, economics, social sciences, computing, and the behavioural sciences. Through strategic research partnerships, we bring together academia and industry to generate new knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and accelerate research translation for societal and commercial impact.
As the University's central office for strategic industry research partnerships, OIE works closely with SMU's schools, colleges, institutes, and research centres to identify collaboration opportunities, facilitate research engagement, and build long-term partnerships that deliver mutual value.
Guided by SMU's vision as an engaged city university, OIE serves as a trusted partner for organisations looking to access cutting-edge research, collaborate with leading academics, and shape solutions for the future. Together, we transform ideas into impact and create lasting value for industry, society, and the region.
Catherine Chong
Director
Email: catherinec@smu.edu.sg | Connect on LinkedIn
Catherine Chong is currently the Director of the Office of Industry Engagement at the Singapore Management University.
She leads the University's engagement with industry, government, and professional organisations, serving as the primary interface for partners seeking to leverage the University's thought leadership, research expertise, and innovations. She is responsible for advancing the University's strategic research partnerships with industry, cultivating high-impact collaborations that accelerate research translation, drive innovation, and support the University's strategic ambition of creating meaningful societal and global impact.
Catherine comes with more than 20 years’ experience in Strategic Business Development, predominantly in the public sector, such as the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), driving key industry sector development and transformation.
Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) with Honours, from the National University of Singapore (NUS), with a Minor in Technopreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania, USA
Genevieve Ng
Senior Associate Director, Industry Partnerships
Email: genevieveng@smu.edu.sg | Connect on LinkedIn
Genevieve Ng brings extensive experience in partnerships and business development across various industries in both private and public sectors. As Senior Associate Director of Industry Partnerships at Singapore Management University (SMU), Genevieve cultivates impactful research partnerships between academia and industry to advance innovation and drive societal impact.
Throughout her career, Genevieve has successfully expanded partnership ecosystems, negotiated strategic alliances, and launched award-winning marketing campaigns. Her professional journey includes leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank, DBS Bank, ZUJI and Infocomm Media Authority Development (IMDA), where she consistently delivered measurable business and strategic outcomes.
With a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, Genevieve is committed to shaping the future of industry-academia partnerships and empowering organisations to thrive in an evolving landscape.
Francis Lim
Assistant Director, Industry Partnership
Email: francislim@smu.edu.sg
Francis Lim is an industry partnership professional with the Office of Industry Engagement at Singapore Management University. He plays a key role in bridging academic research with industry and public-sector needs, leading external engagement, research partnerships, and technology collaboration initiatives. Francis has worked closely with faculty, government agencies, industry partners, and C-level stakeholders to advance research funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, technology trials, and adoption of SMU research innovations, helping to identify project opportunities, facilitate agreements, and create pathways for research impact and commercialization.
Known for his practical business perspective, collaborative leadership, and ability to translate technology into real-world value, Francis brings deep experience in connecting organizations, people, and ideas to drive meaningful innovation outcomes.
He has brought over 40 years of cross-functional experience spanning information technology systems, business development, quality management, EHS, manufacturing, marketing and sales, operations, logistics, systems integration, business transformation, and product development. In his current role.
Jenn Goh
Senior Assistant Manager, Industry Partnerships
Email: jenngoh@smu.edu.sg | Connect on LinkedIn
Jenn supports the industry engagement efforts at OIE, facilitating partnership interests and broadening opportunities. Jenn developed and currently manages SMU’s internal partnership resource platform which allows OIE and colleagues across the university to coordinate and share engagement updates.
Driven by her passion for fostering connections between academic and industry, Jenn is committed to working with SMU’s industry partners to create and communicate the real-world impact through their collaborations with SMU. She brings with her diverse experiences in project management, marketing, communications, and event coordination to her role at OIE.
Jenn graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from LASALLE College of The Arts, where she has contributed to the art community through exhibitions and curatorial programmes.
Sharolyn Paul
Office Manager
Email: sharolynp@smu.edu.sg
Sharolyn Paul is the Office Manager at SMU, bringing over 20 years of experience in administration, finance, events, and stakeholder management across diverse industries. In her current role, she streamlines partnership operations, enhances team efficiency, and supports strategic initiatives that strengthen SMU's industry collaborations and drive institutional success.
A firm believer that dreams come true, Sharolyn is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law degree at Birmingham City University, fulfilling a childhood aspiration. Her legal studies complement her professional expertise, deepening her understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks—essential skills that enhance her ability to anticipate partnership needs and contribute holistically to organizational goals.
Outside of work, she is passionate about Indian classical dance and fitness, embracing the discipline and balance they bring to her life. Sharolyn's commitment to continuous learning and personal growth reflects the same dedication and excellence she brings to her professional endeavours.