Arts Festival
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A Letter to Love : a zine on display in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery during the 2025 Arts Fest
- This is a pdf capture of the zine created by Tanmayee Mhapankar for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a poetry inspired by Chua Ek Kay’s artwork "In Abeyance (Circular Road)" (2002). "The artwork that inspired this poem, In Abeyance (Circular Road) (2002) by Chua Ek Kay, depicts the loss of identity that can follow urbanisation, through the lens of architecture. I tried to apply that process to the human psyche as one grows over the years. My poem talks about how maybe our identity is never truly ours, as so much of it is embedded within bits of the past and it tends to blur over the years, much like the painting. We do our best to hold on to the nostalgia connecting us to who we used to be, but these memories often clash with who we are, leaving us a culmination of shells of our past selves. Though the poem depicts my personal experience with this struggle, readers are encouraged to think about habits or memories that cemented who they were, and how those experiences vary and shaped who they are today." - Tanmayee Mhapankar, Year 4, School of Social Sciences
Dancers from Indancity captures the evolution of self-discovery with contemporary moves
- Live, Laugh, Lor brought together all Singapore universities for the first time in an energetic four‑night collaboration with the Singapore Night Festival, showcasing the rhythms of contemporary Singaporean identity. The photo features student dancers from Indancity, a SMU contemporary dance club. The photo showcases student dancers from Indancity, SMU’s contemporary dance club. Their performance portrayed an evolving journey of self‑discovery—seeking purpose, shaping identity, and navigating change and growth—as meaning unfolds gradually through life’s pressures, choices, and experiences. Founded in 2006, SMU Indancity is the university’s official contemporary dance club. Guided by artistic director Mr Hong Guofeng and technique master Mr Andy Benjamin Cai, the club is committed to upholding strong technical standards and professional discipline. Beyond presenting its annual production, BEYOND, Indancy frequently performs at university events and offers public classes to promote appreciation of contemporary dance.
SMU Alumni helm finale of SMU Jubilee showcase in Campus Green
- Alumni Koh Wei Ren from Class of 2018, School of Economics, and Jasmine Lim Li Hua, from Class of 2019, Lee Kong Chiang School of Business, hosting the final night of Live, Laugh, Lor, held in the campus green of their alma mater. The event brought together eight local institutions of higher education to deliver a dynamic showcase of music and dance. From 22 August to 28 September 2025, SMU transformed its campus and the surrounding Bras Basah Arts Precinct into a vibrant, open‑air stage celebrating student creativity and national heritage. Under the banner “2560” – marking both SMU’s 25th and Singapore’s 60th anniversary respectively – the six-week arts festival was its most ambitious yet, uniting students, alumni and collaborators in five flagship productions and a slate of campus-wide activities. While previous editions of the SMU Arts Festival offered many platforms for student collaboration, this year’s festival stood as a statement of how SMU and its community engage with culture, identity and ambition. Across six weeks, more than 460 performers – students, alumni and peers from other institutions – came together to celebrate not just milestones, but the expression and imagination of youth. It also reflected SMU's journey and growth over the past 25 years.
An elegent blend of tradition and hip hop anchors RE:TURN's Malay dance segment
- Return of RE:TURN is a high energy dance production that explores the disappearing grammar of traditional Malay, Indian and Chinese dance finding its way to influence, evolve and turn dance genres like hip-hop into fresh and exciting possibilities. Featuring the largest dance club, this production celebrates SMU Eurhythmix (EMIX) marking its 25th anniversary alongside SMU25 and SG60. In the Malay segment, choreographer Mr Hafeez Hassan (fourth from right) stepped onstage alongside the students, lending an authentic presence to the sequence’s unhurried tempo. The fusion of hip hop with traditional Malay movement evoked a pastoral simplicity, while the dancers—dressed in green and accompanied by a live musician—move with poised grace, conjuring scenes of tranquil kampong life.
The finale of RE:TURN celebrates cultural expression and collaboration, closing with a powerful ensemble performance under dynamic lighting
- On 20 September 2025, SMU Eurhythmix (EMIX) — the university’s oldest and largest dance club, also celebrating its own 25th anniversary — staged Return of RE:TURN at Drama Centre Theatre. The full-length dance production fused hip hop with classical Malay, Indian, and Chinese dance vocabularies. Under the mentorship of established choreographers, students explored how heritage forms could be reimagined through contemporary movement, creating a dialogue between the past and present. Return of RE:TURN showcased not just the technical skill of SMU’s dancers, but also their ability to use performance as a medium for cultural storytelling. The finale showed all groups of dancers converging in style, gearing towards unity through diversity, celebrating SMU's Jubilee and the nation's SG60 anniversaries.
The Ice Cream Uncle : a zine on display in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery during the 2025 Arts Fest
- This is a pdf capture of the zine created by Amber Choh for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a poetry inspired by Soe Niang's arkwork "Dance" (2011). "I was inspired by Soe Naing’s dancing colours, which came alive with vibrant pinks, yellows, and expressive brushstrokes. I was drawn to how colour has the power to carry emotion and memory. His work reminded me of the pastel swirls of ice cream on rainbow bread from my childhood. In response, I wrote a poem based on a small but meaningful ritual: queuing outside the school gates every day, rain or shine, to buy ice cream from the uncle. It was a simple act that became a lasting memory—sweet, fleeting, and quietly profound. This work reflects my longing for that time and the comfort of routine. Like Soe Naing’s colours, the memory moves, softens, melts, but ultimately remains vivid. I know that the ice cream uncle is no longer there, and I am no longer the child I was. But in reimagining those colours through recollection, I return briefly to that sunny corner of my past. This poem carries a quiet hope: that even as we grow and change, some memories stay warm and bright enough to revisit." - Amber Choh, Year 3, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
The Turmoil : a zine on display in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery during the 2025 Arts Fest
- This is a pdf capture of the zine created by Cecilia Lee Jia Yi for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a poetry inspired by Dang Xuan Hoa's untitled self-portrait (2007). "I’ve always struggled with anxious attachment, where love feels like both sanctuary and threat. the turmoil traces that emotional cycle: fixation, emotional hypervigilance, and the spirals that follow when affection feels uncertain or unreciprocated. When I first encountered Dang Xuan Hoa’s self-portrait, I was struck by the silent unrest. The jagged lines and bruised palette mirrored the feeling of being trapped in one’s own mind, the internal noise of someone trying to hold themselves together. It raised the questions that shaped this piece: What does inner conflict look like? Does healing ever arrive, or does the turmoil simply take on new shapes? I used breath-like spacing, short lines, and recurring stanzas to evoke emotional claustrophobia, mirroring the looping nature of anxiety and grief. Additionally, the refrain, “before the healing always comes the turmoil”, begins with certainty but unravels into doubt: “but what if the turmoil never ends?” This captures the contradiction of healing, the constant sway between hope and despair, and mirrors how anxious thoughts loop, escalate, and contradict themselves, distorting clarity. Perhaps time doesn’t heal. It just teaches you to live with the bruise, without flinching, without letting it hollow you out." - Cecilia Lee Jia Yi, Year 3, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Introducing "Commission", a celebration of commissioning orchestral works
- In this video, Mr Quek Ling Kiong, Artistic Director of the SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO), and Ms Yong Ghek Yee, a third-year student from the School of Accountancy, introduce "Commission", a featured concert in the 2025 Arts Festival held at SOTA Concert Hall. SMUCO continues its tradition of supporting local talent by commissioning new orchestral compositions. To celebrate SMU25 and SG60, this concert commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme includes three world premieres of original commissions, a multicultural music segment and performances by guest musicians --including artists from Singapore’s Purple Symphony, and the use of unique instruments from Asian countries where SMU has her overseas centres. This highlights SMU’s commitment to inclusion and cultural exchange.
A curated display of zines created by students featured in the 25x25 exhibition during the 2025 Arts Festival
- As part of the 25x25 exhibition at SMU's de Suantio Gallery for the 2025 Arts Fest, a segment featured zines crafted by students in response to their interpretations of artworks from the SMU Art Collection. These zines—comprising poems, photographs, and visual compositions—express each student's unique approach and perspective on the themes and subjects explored in the original pieces.
A capivated audience in the orchestral production COMMISSIONS
- The SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) performed to a captivated audience at COMMISSIONS, held in the SOTA Concert Hall. In celebration of SMU25 and SG60, the concert showcased commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces that highlighted Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme featured three world premieres composed specially for the dual milestone, a multicultural music segment, and performances by guest musicians — including artists from Singapore’s Purple Symphony. The hall buzzed with anticipation as attendees gathered to celebrate a landmark event and SMU’s tradition of nurturing original orchestral works. Their warm reception and enthusiastic applause throughout the evening reflected strong community support for both the university’s artistic endeavours and its commitment to showcasing multicultural and inclusive performances.
SMU Chinese Orchestra premieres a new composition Moonbound in collaboration with the Purple Symphony
- In the COMMISSIONS concert held at the SOTA Concert Hall, the SMU Chinese Orchestra premiered Moonbound, a new work by local composer Mr Sulwyn Lok, conducted by Mr Wilson Neo. The concert reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The premiere performance features eight guest musicians from The Purple Symphony, each with different disabilities and each taking on lead and solo roles. Their roles embody the values of inclusion, contribution, and strength through collaboration. This mirrors SMU’s belief in creating space for every voice to be heard and every talent to shine. In its spirit and structure, Moonbound becomes more than a composition; it is a living metaphor for SMU’s enduring values and future-facing vision. Moonbound takes on special resonance within the broader theme of “Celebrating Meaningful Impact – 25 Years and Beyond.” Just as the university has grown through bold vision, care for community, and a commitment to inclusion, the piece reflects a journey shaped by purpose and transformation. It invites the audience to reflect on how far SMU has come, and how it continues to progress— with grace, courage, and the shared aspiration to create meaningful impact. Looking skyward, Moonbound honors the past, embraces the present, and leaps into the future guided by grace, courage and care. About the composition : "Moonbound (Bēn Yuè, meaning “to fly towards the moon”) is a contemporary homage to the classic Chinese pipa suite The Moon Rises High (Yuè ér Gāo), reimagining its luminous heritage for a new generation. Taking its title from the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess who ascended to the heavens, the piece reflects the enduring human desire to reach beyond the known, and to find beauty in the journey. Structured in three parts, the work begins with urgency and momentum — a rhythmic pulse that evokes not just youthful ambition, but the heartbeat of someone stepping into the unknown for the greater good. Like Chang’e, whose ascent was both a personal sacrifice and a quiet act of courage, this opening captures the spirit of transformation — a leap towards light shaped by love and purpose. The central section offers a moment of repose, drawing inspiration from The Grace of the Moon Goddess (Sù’é Yǐnǐ) — a delicate movement from the original suite that portrays quiet strength, inner clarity, and the gentle power of care. The final return brings back the energy of the opening, now transformed — brighter, more assured — as if guided by moonlight itself. In this reimagined flight, we are reminded that heroism does not always wear a crown — it can be found in every steady step forward, in every hand extended to others, and in the shared light of a community moving as one."
Food village vendors offering diverse food bites behind their colourful booths
- From 22 August to 28 September 2025, SMU transformed its campus and the Bras Basah precinct into a vibrant stage for youth expression, original works, and community connection. Themed “2560”, celebrating SMU’s 25th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday, the six-week Arts Festival was the university’s most ambitious edition yet, uniting students, alumni, and collaborators in five flagship productions and campus-wide activations. On 29 & 30 August and 5 & 6 September, Campus Green came alive as Live, Laugh, Lor drew in thousands as part of the Singapore Night Festival. The event wasn’t just about performances, it was a celebration of community. A buzzing food village drew festivalgoers, while Singlish-inspired games created a lively, carnival-like atmosphere. Featured in the photo are vendors offering a variety of food bites—including beef cubes, crispy crepes, corndogs, loaded potatoes, pastas, sushi tacos, and Thai snacks—bringing diverse flavours to the community.
Engaging with artworks by student artists in 25x25 Exhibition at 2025 Arts Festival
- Visitors viewing the artwork of three student artists in the 25x25 Exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery. Displayed on the left is "Time of Our Life", a series of photo prints on foam board by Ashlyn Seow. It was inspired by Grayson Perry’s "The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal" (2012), gifted to SMU by Dato’ Kho Hui Meng in 2023. Shown in the centre is an acrylic on canvas piece titled "Sa Gitna ng Gulo (In the Midst of Chaos)" by Rey Pastores, reflecting his response to Dawei Lay's Survival (2013), a gift from Ian Holliday in 2023. On the right are a set of photo prints titled "Signboards" by Celeste Wong. Her inspiration came from Chua Ek Kay's "Under Clear Skies (Seah Street)" (1992), a gift from the artist himself in 2006.
Senior management from the universities in Singapore at the opening of the SMU Arts Fest : 2560
- A rare photograph capturing the senior management from the universities in Singapore, together with the CEO of National Heritage Board and former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore at the opening of the SMU Arts Fest : 2560. The festival in 2025 commemorates two significant milestones in Singapore’s history: the 25th Anniversary of Singapore Management University and the nation’s 60th birthday. The theme, 2560, carries deep symbolism —“25” celebrates SMU’s remarkable 25-year journey, reflecting the university’s youthful spirit and its aspirations for the future. “60” honours Singapore’s resilience, growth, and identity as a vibrant global city. Together, the theme bridges tradition and innovation, connecting past achievements with future aspirations. The festival also marks an unprecedented historic moment when all eight Singapore universities --NUS, NTU, SIM, SIT, SMU, SUTD, SUSS, and UAS collaborated, united by creativity, to share one stage, powerfully expresses solidarity and inclusivity through the arts. First Row (From L-R): Prof Wei Kwok Kee, SIM President & CEO ; Ms Euleen Goh, SIM Chairman ; Prof Kwok Kian Woon, UAS Vice-Chancellor ; Prof Lily Kong, SMU President ; Mr Piyush Gupta, SMU Chairman ; Dato’ Kho Hui Meng, SMU Board of Trustee ; Ms Chang Hwee Nee, National Heritage Board, CEO ; Mr Heng Swee Keat ; Mr Lee Tzu Yang, SUTD Chairman ; Prof Tan Eng Chye, NUS President Second Row (From L-R): Associate Prof Michelle Lee, SMU Associate Provost, UG Education ; Prof Mark Chong, SMU Associate Dean of Students ; Associate Prof Chan Tze Law, NUS Vice-Dean of Students, Office of Student Affairs and Vice-Dean, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music ; Prof Ho Han Kiat, NUS Dean of Students ; Prof Alan Chan, SMU Provost ; Mr Lim Boon Wee, SMU Senior Vice President (Administration) ; Prof Venky Shankararaman, SMU Vice-Provost, Education ; Associate Prof Themin Suwardy, SMU Associate Provost, PGP Education ; Ms Linette Lim, SMU Director, Office of Admissions and Financial Assistance ; Mr Lee Chin Ek, SMU Director, Office of Safety and Security Third Row (From L-R): Ms Shameen Nilofar Maideen, SMU Libraries, University Librarian ; Prof Sabine Benoit, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Professor of Marketing (Practice), Associate Dean (Impact) ; Ms Edwina Tang, UAS Deputy Director, Strategic Planning ; Ms Wendy Gwee, NTU Deputy Director, Student Affairs Office ; Ms Zoe Peters, NTU Director, Student Affairs Office ; Mr Jimmy Ye, SMU Director, Office of Student Life ; Mr Harminder Singh, SUSS Vice-Dean of Students ; Mr Kenneth Chan, SIM Director, Student Life ; Mr Lawrenz Sim, SIT Director, Office of SITizen Experience ; Ms Jobina Tan, NUS Senior Associate Director, Office of Student Affairs ; Ms Goh Mia Yang, NUS Senior Associate Dean of Students, Office of Student Affairs
Basking in the moment : a zine on display in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery during the 2025 Arts Fest
- This is a pdf capture of the zine created by Asha Balamurali for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a collection of photos inspired by Chua Ek Kay’s artwork "A Junction on Rochor Road" (1999). "A Junction on Rochor Road (1999) by Chua Ek Kay was created a decade after A Busy Corner on Middle Road (1989). What drew me in was the intense melancholy that can be felt in a single glance—a feeling so palpable it almost pauses time. Inspired by this, I wanted to explore the idea of stillness: the act of pausing to fully take in a moment (a feeling we often overlook and undervalue). I explored how light could be played with to convey this feeling and it has influenced most of the photographs in this collection. By slowing down, we open ourselves to the awe and richness of life—moments we might otherwise miss! This zine is a collection of such moments that made me stop and take a second look." - Asha Balamurali, Year 5, School of Social Sciences
Musician from the Purple Symphony performed alongside SMU students in the orchestral production COMMISSIONS
- The SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) performed in COMMISSIONS, a concert that celebrates SMU25, SG60 and SMU’s longstanding commitment to commissioning new orchestral works — including three world premieres. Reflecting the university’s support for local talent and its dedication to inclusion, SMU also collaborated with The Purple Symphony for the premiere of Moonbound. In this performance, eight guest musicians from The Purple Symphony were featured, each with different disabilities and each taking on lead or solo roles. Their contributions embodied the values of inclusivity, participation, and the power of collaboration, aligning with SMU’s belief in providing space for every voice and every talent to shine. Pictured is Lucas Ong (wearing a purple tie) playing the zhongruan, a Chinese string instrument with a moon‑shaped body renowned for its warm, mellow, and resonant tone.
Malay wedding ceremony brought to life with vibrant dance performance
- Live, Laugh, Lor brings together all of Singapore’s institutions of higher learning for the first time in a vibrant four‑night collaboration with the Singapore Night Festival, celebrating the heartbeat of contemporary Singaporean identity. The photo showcases student dancers from Ilsa Tari, the Malay dance group from NUS. They brought the traditional Malay wedding ceremony Adat Bersanding to life, complete with expressive customs, lively kompang rhythms, and playful rituals that honour love, blessings, and the richness of Malay heritage. Ilsa Tari is a beginner‑friendly Malay dance group from NUS. Its name is derived from the word Asli—meaning “native”—reflects a bold reimagining of Malay dance that embraces radical creativity while honouring cultural roots. Drawing from traditional Malay dance vocabulary, Ilsa Tari explores contemporary themes and highlights prevailing social issues, pushing the boundaries of expression, innovation, and modernity within the art form.
SMU Eurhythmix reimagines tradition in high‑energy RE:TURN showcase for SMU's Jubilee celebration
- On 20 September 2025, SMU Eurhythmix (EMIX) — the university’s oldest and largest dance club, also celebrating its own 25th anniversary — staged Return of RE:TURN at Drama Centre Theatre. The full-length dance production fused hip hop with classical Malay, Indian, and Chinese dance vocabularies. Under the mentorship of established choreographers, students explored how heritage forms could be reimagined through contemporary movement, creating a dialogue between the past and present. Return of RE:TURN showcased not just the technical skill of SMU’s dancers, but also their ability to use performance as a medium for cultural storytelling. The performance opened with a modern prelude that explores the influence of social media in the dance amongst the youth, using trendy Tik-Tok favourite tracks ranging from K-pop to Billboard hits. At a point, the dancers performed behind a softly lit translucent screen animated with social‑media imagery.
Part of the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery in the 2025 Arts Festival
- The exhibition 25x25 spotlights a new wave of student creativity, featuring visual and literary responses to 25 works from the SMU Art Collection. Curated in collaboration with SMU Libraries, it invites cross-medium dialogue and fresh interpretations of the themes explored in the original artworks. Under the mentorship of artists Deanna Ng and Susie Wong, and poet Yong Shu Hoong, each student artist develops their own method and perspective, whether responding directly to the theme and subject of the artwork, or drawing parallel threads to their personal biographies and lived experiences. The exhibition was on view from 22 Aug 2025 to 6 Sep 2025 at SMU de Suantio Gallery.
Putting things into my head : a zine on display in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery during the 2025 Arts Fest
- This is a pdf capture of the zine created by Janice Loke for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a poetry inspired by Bill Woodrow's sculpture "Sitting on History I" (2003). "I initially thought the ball-and-chain shackling a book in Bill Woodrow’s Sitting on History I (2003) made a mockery of Singapore’s stressful education system where students feel trapped and have nowhere to go. However, the artist’s notes gave me a new perspective. It’s not so much the artwork, but rather, the perspective of the viewer that makes interpreting art so dynamic. While writing this piece, I named it “Uncultured Swines” originally as I placed myself in my persona’s shoes. Here, my persona is from a rural village where patriarchy and misogyny are prevalent. Her guile and her thirst for education makes her an outcast as she doesn’t fit into their vision for girls. With my anger towards such unfairness happening in the real world even till now, I had decided to use that insult as the title. It was after discussing with my mentor that I realised I’ve unironically fallen into the trap of literally restraining myself to my persona’s viewpoint, just like the ball-and-chain imagery of the sculpture. Hence, I decided to try for a more neutral approach and ended up choosing Putting things into my head as the final title. Additionally, I believe this decision adds depth to my persona’s character as she flits around her new findings and propriety." - Janice Loke, Year 3, School of Accountancy
Movement and Memory : a zine on display in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery during the 2025 Arts Fest
- This is a pdf capture of the zine created by Mack Rei for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a poetry inspired by Aung Ko’s artwork "We Are Moving" (2013) and Ba Khine's "Living in Harmony (Temples)" (2014). "Movement and Memory is a poetry cycle inspired by two paintings from Myanmar: Aung Ko’s We Are Moving (2013) and Ba Khine’s Living in Harmony (2014). Both artworks highlight collective movement, but from opposing directions; one being born of fear, and the other grounded in ritual. I began to ponder what it means to move together when you are running from something, or walking toward something sacred. My initial response came in bits of poetry. Some pieces include voices from philosophy and history, with fragments of Locke, Benjamin, and Bashō echoing how memory is layered and incomplete. Others lean into rhythm and breath, reflecting the quiet continuity in Ba Khine’s work. The poems gradually came together as a cycle. They can be read on their own or in pairs, unfolding across moments of tension and rest. The pieces responding to Aung Ko’s painting are tighter and more fragmented, mirroring the urgency of the scene. Those written in response to Ba Khine’s are more spacious, carried by a different kind of weight. Both works raise questions about how people gather, how they endure, and what kind of road is left behind when memory carries both trauma and tradition." - Mack Rei, Year 4, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Introducing 25 X 25 Art Exhibition
- A video featuring Ms Kamiliah Bahdar, Curator with SMU Libraries, introduces the concept behind the 25 X 25 Art Exhibition held at SMU de Suantio Gallery as part of the 2025 Arts Festival. The video also includes reflections from Ms Alexis Lim, a Year 3 student artist from the Yong Pung How School of Law, who shares her experience participating in the exhibition. The exhibition showcases 25 diverse artworks created in response to pieces from the SMU Art Collection, in collaboration with SMU Libraries. This year’s exhibition spotlights a new wave of student creativity, featuring visual and literary responses to 25 works from the SMU Art Collection. Curated in collaboration with SMU Libraries, it invites cross-medium dialogue and fresh interpretations of the themes explored in the original artworks.
Featuring the highlights of SMU Arts Festival in its Jubilee year
- In 2025, the SMU Arts Fest takes center stage with two significant milestones in Singapore’s history: the 25th Anniversary of Singapore Management University and the 60th birthday of the nation. The theme, 2560, carries deep symbolis —“25” celebrates SMU’s remarkable 25-year journey, embodying the university’s youthful spirit and its aspirations for the future. “60” pays tribute to Singapore’s resilience, growth, and identity as a vibrant global city. Together, the theme bridges tradition and innovation, connecting past achievements with future aspirations. To commemorate these milestones, staff, students, alumni, and collaborative partners have curated a programme that celebrates in all things Singaporean—from the nation’s rich cultural heritage to its diverse communities. It will also provide a platform to recognise the inspirations and accomplishments of our forebears, fostering meaningful dialogue between the young and old, through collective shared experiences. This video features the festival's key highlights, including the opening ceremony ; the 25x25 Art Exhibition ; the Live, Laugh, Lor dance and music showcase ; the Food Village ; Commissions, a performance by the SMU Chinese orchestra ; a dance production by the SMU dance club RETURN and MAD, a theatrical musical featuring staff, students and alumni.
Rentak reviving childhood melodies through Malay traditional percussions and music
- Live, Laugh, Lor brought together all Singapore universities for the first time in an energetic four‑night collaboration with the Singapore Night Festival, showcasing the rhythms of contemporary Singaporean identity. The photo features Rentak (which means Rhythm), the percussion wing of SMU Malay Language and Cultural Club (MLCC), sharing the rich heritage of traditional Malay percussion and music with the community. Their performance offered a heartfelt return to cherished childhood melodies, weaving warm, nostalgic medley of familiar tunes with the use of Angklung and percussions to celebrate the instruments and music that shaped many early memories. Rentak was formed in 2016 with the aim of sharing their love of Malay percussion and music with audiences from all walks of life. Since then, their early percussion works have expanded into a wider repertoire inspired by the diverse sounds of the Nusantara, incorporating nuances of Minangkabau, Javanese and Arabic musical traditions, among many others. Each song is thoughtfully crafted to stretch their musical capabilities, spark joy, and uplift both the performers and the communities they play for.
SMU Eurhythmix dancers blend hip hop and heritage forms in Return of RE:TURN, a full-length production honouring the club’s 25th anniversary
- Return of RE:TURN is a high energy dance production that explores the disappearing grammar of traditional Malay, Indian and Chinese dance finding its way to influence, evolve and turn dance genres like hip-hop into fresh and exciting possibilities. Featuring the largest dance club, this production celebrates SMU Eurhythmix (EMIX) marking its 25th anniversary alongside SMU25 and SG60. In collaboration with choreographer and Chinese dancer Ms Pang Xin Yi (left in picture), the EMIX dancers embraced a quieter, more refined expression of strength and grace, marked by poised control over overt spectacle, for the Chinese performance.