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SMU President giving a welcome address at SMU Jubilee Arts Festival in 2025
- Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University (SMU), delivered the welcome address at the opening of the SMU Arts Festival 2025, a rare occasion graced by the gathering of senior leaders from Singapore’s universities, alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the National Heritage Board and a former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. Behind Professor Kong stood the festival banner bearing the theme 2560, which commemorates two significant milestones in Singapore’s history: the 25th anniversary of SMU and the nation’s 60th year of independence. The theme 2560 carries a rich symbolism. “25” marks SMU’s remarkable 25-year journey, reflecting the university’s youthful spirit, achievements, and forward-looking aspirations. “60” pays tribute to Singapore’s resilience, growth, and evolving identity as a vibrant global city. Together, the theme weaves tradition and innovation, bridging past achievements with future aspirations. The festival also represents an unprecedented historic moment, bringing together all eight universities in Singapore—NUS, NTU, SIM, SIT, SMU, SUTD, SUSS, and UAS—in a collective artistic collaboration. United by creativity and shared purpose, this collaboration powerfully expresses solidarity and inclusivity through the arts, underscoring the unifying role of culture within the nation’s higher education landscape.
Creative team and cast of MAD The Musical take a bow on opening night
- The creative team and cast of MAD The Musical take a bow on opening night — a triumphant close to SMU Arts Festval 2025’s six-week celebration of youth and imagination. The festival reached its peak with the premiere of MAD The Musical, staged from 26 to 28 September at the Drama Centre Theatre. Marking SMU’s first-ever original musical, the production was built on an original script conceptualised by Jo Tan, featured original songs by Jimmy Ye, and was directed and choreographed by George Chan and Andy Benjamin Cai respectively. Bringing together students, alumni, and even staff, MAD was more than a stage production—it was a coming‑of‑age moment for a new generation of storytellers. Blurring the boundaries between past and present, institution and imagination, the musical struck a resonant chord, with its anthem Mad About quickly emerging as a crowd favourite for its layered harmonies and stirring message of passion and conviction.
Introducing "Live, Laugh, Lor", a 4-night showcase with the Singapore Night Festival
- "Live, Laugh, Lor" unites all Singapore universities for the first time on one stage in a dynamic 4-night showcase with the Singapore Night Festival, celebrating the rhythms of contemporary Singaporean identity. It is also a programme of SMU's 2025 Arts Festival. Held at SMU Campus Green, the vibrant music and dance event celebrates the rhythms of contemporary Singaporean identity through a rich line-up of collaborative performances. Highlights include a five-university dance ensemble and a three-institution acapella act, reflecting the diverse and evolving expressions of Singapore’s cultural landscape. In this video, Mr Andy Benjamin Cai, Creative Producer of the event, and Ms Sim Wen Jing Steph, a second-year student from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, share their insights on the show.
SMU Chinese Orchestra performs in COMMISSIONS, a concert celebrating SMU25 and SG60
- Under the baton of Mr Heng Xiangle (pictured), Mr Quek Ling Kiong and Mr Wilson Neo, the SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) performed in COMMISSIONS, a concert celebrating SMU’s track record of commissioning orchestral works — including three world premieres. SMU had consistently supported local talent by commissioning new orchestral compositions. To celebrate SMU25 and SG60, the SMU Chinese Orchestra presented a special concert featuring commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces that celebrated Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme included three world premieres of original commissions and guest players, including The Purple Symphony, underscoring SMU’s commitment to inclusion. Since its inception in 2009, SMUCO has distinguished itself through various cross-disciplinary works and creative programming under the baton of Mr Quek Ling Kiong. In 2019, the orchestra marked its 10th anniversary with the commemorative concert Perfect 10 – FM SMUCO. Despite the interruption of live performances during COVID‑19, SMUCO remained agile and imaginative, presenting virtual productions such as the 2020 showcase "To Gather" as part of the SMU Arts Festival. In 2022, the orchestra made its return to the stage with Spring Rhapsodies. Today, SMUCO is led by its principal conductor Mr Heng Xiangle, who trained under Mr Quek Ling Kiong and made his conducting debut at the age of 21.
Celebrating cultural confluence with Dan Bau in the orchestral production COMMISSIONS
- Guest musician Mr. Dinh Cao Tue is a Viet–Vietnamese creative and arts practitioner based between Singapore and Vietnam. Apart from writing, he performs on the Dan Bau, a traditional Vietnamese single‑string instrument, through which he explores and shares stories of cultural confluence. Tue has participated in numerous intercultural arts projects within his university’s arts groups as well as in various initiatives across Singapore. In celebration of SMU25 and SG60, the concert commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme includes three world premieres of original commissions written specially for SMU25 and SG60, a multicultural music segment and performances by guest musicians --including artists from Singapore’s Purple Symphony. It reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The concert also features unique instruments from Asian countries where SMU has her overseas centers -- Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, highlighting SMU’s commitment to inclusion and cultural exchange. The Đàn bầu (or Dan Bau) is a distinctive Vietnamese monochord, a one‑stringed zither celebrated for its haunting, voice‑like tones created through harmonic techniques. Traditionally crafted from bamboo, a gourd, and a flexible rod, it has long held a central place in Vietnamese folk music, often accompanying poetry recitations and storytelling. Contemporary versions often crafted with metal and wood, incorporate electric pickups to enhance projection and sound quality.
Five-university dance crew delivers electrifying high energy performances to the stage of Live, Laugh, Lor
- For the first time in the history of the Singapore Night Festival, all eight higher education institutions—including NUS, NTU, SUTD, SIT, SUSS, UAS, SIM, and SMU—shared a common stage in the vibrant music and dance showcase held at SMU's campus green. The area burst into life as thousands gathered to watch the performace Live, Laugh, Lor. More than a showcase of performances, the event became a celebration of togetherness, capturing the very essence of SG60: a story of unity, vibrancy, and youth expression. The featured photograph captures Dreamwerkz, the resident street dance club from SIM. Their performance took audiences on a high‑octane dance journey through Singaporean culture—from the thrill of a first‑class SIA flight, to a warm welcome by locals, and finally a festive finale at Sentosa Beach—honouring movement, diversity, and the joy of Singaporean identity.
25x25, a multidisciplinary art exhibition in collaboration with SMU Libraries
- (From left) Professor Kwok Kian Woon, Vice-Chancellor of UAS; Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU; and a student from the SMU Ambassadorial Corps appreciating Silent Nature, an artwork by student artist Hadirah Binte Mohd Hazarul, featured in the 25x25 Exhibition as a part of SMU's 2025 Arts Festival. The exhibition highlighted a new wave of student creativity, presenting visual and literary responses to 25 works from the SMU Art Collection. Curated in collaboration with SMU Libraries, the exhibition, held in SMU's de Suantio Gallery, fosters cross-medium dialogue and offers fresh interpretations of themes explored in the original artworks. Silent Nature, comprising photo prints on foam board, was inspired by Bernar Venet’s 2004 sculpture 97.5° Arc x 8. The sculpture was installed at SMU's campus green as a gift from Dato' Kho Hui Meng in 2015. "When I first saw Bernar Venet’s 97.5° Arc x 8 (2004), I was skeptical due to its simplicity. Alas, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Venet’s sculpture aims to capture the process behind it, rather than the aesthetic of it. I was soon inspired by the concept art that Venet is presenting: the effect of nature and time. How nature slowly yet surely alters the man-made structure surrounding them, shaping it to conform and accept nature. Through my artwork, I aimed to capture the subtle yet powerful signs of decay that are seen in our daily lives, yet often overlooked. To remain true to the theme, all the photographs that I took and displayed were raw, unedited shots." -- Hadirah Binte Mohd Hazarul, Year 2, School of Accountancy.
Celebrating cultural confluence with Khong Wong Yai in the orchestral production COMMISSIONS
- Guest musician Ms De Silva Alicia Joyce, a versatile composer-educator educator with a deep appreciation for the diverse sounds and practices of Southeast Asian music cultures, was invited to perform on the Khong Wong Yai in COMMISSIONS. It was a one-night-only concert presented by the SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) held at the SOTA Concert Hall. Her experience in Javanese gamelan and Thai Piphat ensemble has led to frequent collaborations where she performs on the Javanese gamelan and Thai Piphat instruments across arts disciplines to create new experiences and perspectives towards the arts through multi-sensory performances. In celebration of SMU25 and SG60, the concert commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme includes three world premieres of original commissions written specially for SMU25 and SG60, a multicultural music segment and performances by guest musicians --including artists from Singapore’s Purple Symphony. It reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The concert also features unique instruments from Asian countries where SMU has her overseas centers -- Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, highlighting SMU’s commitment to inclusion and cultural exchange. The Khong Wong Yai is a circular frame of gongs used in Thai classical music. Consisting of sixteen tuned bossed gongs set within a rattan frame and played with two beaters, it serves a central role in the piphat ensemble by outlining the skeletal melody that guides the surrounding instruments. Each gong is individually tuned using beeswax beneath it, contributing to the instrument’s distinctive timbre.
SMU Chinese Orchestra premieres a new composition And Beyond in the SMU25 Arts Festival concert
- In the COMMISSIONS concert held at the SOTA Concert Hall, the SMU Chinese Orchestra premiered And Beyond, a new work by local composer Mr Eric Watson, conducted by Mr Quek Ling Kiong. The concert reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The premiere featured collaborations with guest musicians Ms De Silva Alicia Joyce and Mr Dinh Cao Tue, performing on the Khong Wong Yai and Dan Bau respectively. Alongside the Angklung, these instruments represent the musical traditions of Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia—countries where SMU has established overseas centres. Their inclusion reflects SMU’s dedication to diversity, cross-cultural exchange, meaningful contribution, and the strength that emerges from collaboration. This mirrors SMU’s belief in creating nurturing spaces for every voice to be heard and every talent to shine.
Set on Campus Green, In Sight is a kinetic light installation that ignites the curiosity and imagination of all ages
- The photo featured In Sight, a kinetic light installation in Campus Green that was inspired by Michael Craig-Martin's Bright Idea. It comprised five outlines of lightbulbs uprighted in layered progression, animated in moving lights with changing angles and patterns. The bulbs appeared fragmented, abstract from different perspectives, yet aligned into a single, luminous image from one precise vantage point. The installation formed a metaphor for creativity -- when ideas often need to evolve through layers, shifts, and unexpected connections, coming into clarity only when viewed from the right angle. Through the fusion of light, movement, and perceptual illusion, In Sight prompts viewers to pause and rediscover how a spark of inspiration can illuminate new perspectives. In collaboration with the Singapore Night Festival, the SMU Arts Festival opened on 22 August 2025 with 25 x 25 Exhibition, a multidisciplinary exhibition held at SMU de Suantio Gallery and Campus Green. The result was a vibrant dialogue between generations: a calligraphy piece reimagined through contemporary spoken word; a traditional ink painting reflected through a photographic lens; and a large-scale light installation that transformed Campus Green into an immersive walk-through experience. Visitors included SMU students, staff, alumni, and members of the public, many of whom commented on how the works deepened their understanding of SMU’s commitment to fostering creativity beyond the classroom.
SMU Eurhythmix opens RE:TURN showcase for SMU's Jubilee celebration with a high energy fusion of hip hop with classical forms
- On 20 September, SMU Eurhythmix (EMIX) – the university’s oldest and largest dance club, itself marking 25 years – staged a Return of RE:TURN at the Drama Centre Theatre. The full-length production fused hip-hop with Malay, Indian and Chinese classical dance, blending mentorship from established choreographers with student-driven innovation. Students, staff and partners pushed creative boundaries with confidence and flair, forging a new dance vocabulary that extends beyond SMU to Singapore, making an iconoclastic and impactful contribution to the nation's art and culture. 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.
MAD The Musical was SMU's first-ever original musical, based off an original script
- (Front from right) Ms Michaela Leung, Alumna, School of Social Sciences and Ms Melody Faith Ng, Year 2, Yong Pung How School of Law, lead female cast of the musical MAD, injected humour and energy to an adaptation of “Hey Mickey” in an exuberant dance number. The Arts Festival 2025 reached its crescendo with the premiere of MAD The Musical, staged from 26 to 28 September at the Drama Centre Theatre. The musical is SMU's first-ever original musical, conceived by Jo Tan, scored by Jimmy Ye, and directed and choreographed by George Chan and Andy Benjamin Cai. With “2560” as its theme, the SMU Arts Festival marked how far both SMU and Singapore have come, and hinted at what lies ahead: a future built on creativity, resilience and community. It was not merely about performances, but about the resilient spirit of imagination that challenges community perspectives and reinforces collective connection to the SMU story.
Student sharing insights of her artwork in the 25x25 exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery
- Ms Alexis Lim (right) shared insights of her artwork inspired by Aung Khaing’s “Kogyi Kyaw Nat (Min Kyawzwa Nat)” (2014) with (from left) Mr Lim Boon Wee, SMU Vice-Provost, Education, Professor Kwok Kian Woon, UAS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sabine Benoit, SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Professor of Marketing (Practice) and Prof Lily Kong, SMU President. They were at the 25x25 exhibition in SMU de Suantio Gallery, where 25 diverse artworks created by students, in response to pieces from the SMU Art Collection, were showcased. "Law is a continuous interaction between structural forces (malevolent or benevolent), and human agency. This work narrates the progress of constitutional law appeals concerning 377A, the law that criminalises intercourse between gay men. This is done through drawing from the origin story of Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King. Specifically, through his challenge against the Jade Emperor, subsequent imprisonment in the elixir cauldron, and emergence from the holy fires of Samadhi. This gives him 火眼金睛 (Huǒyǎn-jīnjīng, firey eyes), the ability to recognize evil. The work draws from the fauvist inspirations of the Burmese artist, Aung Khaing, in celebration of the spirit of perseverance and rebellion." -- Alexis Lim, Year 3, Yong Pung How School of Law
Mad About, official music video from the musical MAD
- Celebrate SMU’s 25th anniversary with "MAD ABOUT", an original song from MAD The Musical, performed during the 2025 SMU Arts Festival at the Drama Centre Theatre. The music and lyrics were composed by Mr Jimmy Ye, Director, Office of Student Life (SOL). The cast features a vibrant mix of SMU staff, current students and alumni. (From L in the video) Ms Joyce Tan, Year 2, School of Social Sciences ; Ms Shayanne Leung, Alumna, Lee Kong Chian School of Business ; Ms Michaela Leung, Alumna, School of Social Sciences ; Ms Melody Faith Ng, Year 2, Yong Pung How School of Law ; Mr Jimmy Ye, Director, SOL ; Mr Lennel Chua, Year 2, School of Computing and Information Systems ; Mr Sam Wu, Head, Office of Advancement ; Mr Neil Dyason, Alumnus, Master of Business Administration.
Introducing return of RE:TURN, a dance production by SMU Eurhythmix
- "return of RE:TURN" is a high energy dance production showcased in the 2025 Arts Festival. It explores the disappearing grammar of traditional Malay, Indian and Chinese dance forms, tracing their evolution and influence, turning dance genres like hip-hop into fresh and exciting possibilities. Held at the Drama Centre Theatre, this dynamic performance features the largest dance club and celebrates the 25th anniversary of SMU Eurhythmix, in conjunction with SMU25 and SG60. In this video, Gin Lam, the Creative Producer of the production, and Bianca Mikchaela Jao Arana, a Year 3 student from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, share their perspectives and reflections on the creative journey behind the show.
Student performing on the Angklung in the Arts Festival’s orchestral production COMMISSIONS
- Ms Valerie Chan Si Xuan, a Year 4 undergraduate from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, performed on the Angklung in COMMISSIONS, one-night-only concert presented by the SMU Chinese Orchestra (SMUCO) held at the SOTA Concert Hall. In celebration of SMU25 and SG60, the concert commissioned works from past years alongside multicultural pieces celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity. The programme includes three world premieres of original commissions written specially for SMU25 and SG60, a multicultural music segment and performances by guest musicians --including artists from Singapore’s Purple Symphony. It reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The concert also features unique instruments from Asian countries where SMU has her overseas centers -- Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, highlighting SMU’s commitment to inclusion and cultural exchange. The Angklung, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a traditional Indonesian West Java musical instrument crated from tuned bamboo tubes mounted on a frame. As each instrument produces only one note or chord when shaken, ensemble collaboration is essential to create full melodies.
SMU Chinese Orchestra premieres a new composition And Beyond in the SMU25 Arts Festival concert
- In the COMMISSIONS concert held at the SOTA Concert Hall, the SMU Chinese Orchestra premiered And Beyond, a new work by local composer Mr Eric Watson, conducted by Mr Quek Ling Kiong. The concert reaffirmed SMU’s long-standing tradition of commissioning local works, a rare initiative for a non-conservatory university. The concert used large visual images and lighting designs inspired by the concept of each song to augment the presentation to the audience. About the composition: And Beyond is a celebratory composition created to mark 25 years of genesis and growth of SMU. In shaping the piece, the composer endeavoured to capture the spirit and intent of the anniversary theme "Celebrating Meaningful Impact: 25 Years and Beyond" in the general tone of the composition. The overall mood of the music and its varied textures ranges from full orchestral passages, expressive solo instrumenting to quiet meaningful strings, and boisterous yet controlled percussions. SMU’s 25-year journey has left a deep and far-reaching impact, extending beyond Singapore through the establishment of campuses in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. To reflect this expanding influence, the composer weaves into the orchestral tapestry three instruments from these countries—the Dan Bau, Khong Wong Yai, and Angklung—which enter the work about one-third of the way through, symbolizing unity across cultures and communities. The occasion celebrates only the first chapter of SMU’s story. The title, And Beyond, points toward the meaningful future ahead—one filled with exciting possibilities, continued growth, and new horizons yet to be discovered.
Cast and crew behind Return of RE:TURN strike a fun pose after performance
- Some of SMU Eurhythmix (EMIX) cast and crew behind Return of RE:TURN strike a fun pose after the performance at the Drama Centre Theatre on 20 September 2025. (Seated in chair from L - R) : Professor Mark Chong, Dean of Students and Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University. Seated beside Professor Kong is Gin Lam, creative director of the production. EMIX is the university’s premier Hip-Hop club, celebrated for its professionalism, showmanship, and technical precision. Guided by its mission to “train and provide dancers with opportunities and exposure to hip-hop, to guide them to their maximum potential and inculcate a strong passion for hip-hop", EMIX delivers performances that go beyond strong choreography. Each piece is crafted to connect with audiences, conveying relatable stories with a touch of humour. The group is also widely recognised for its iconic biennial productions, Timeless and RAW, which spotlight EMIX’s creativity, innovation, and passion.
Student artist featured in the 25×25 Exhibition, presenting her acrylic on paper art piece to a group of visitors
- Ms Trisha Tay (Right), a student artist featured in the 25×25 Exhibition, presenting her acrylic on paper art piece "Better To Be Alive (Aftermath)" to a group of visitors. Her artwork was inspired by Aung Ko's "We Are Moving" (2013), an acrylic on canvas gifted to SMU by Ian Holliday in 2023. The exhibition presented 25 diverse artworks created in response to selected pieces from the SMU Art Collection, in collaboration with SMU Libraries. Twenty-five student and alumni artists were invited to respond to 25 artworks, developing original interpretations under the mentorship of artists Deanna Ng and Susie Wong, and poet Yong Shu Hoong. Each participant explored their own method and perspective—whether engaging directly with the themes and subjects of the original works or drawing connections to personal biographies and lived experiences. On view from 22 August to 6 September 2025 at SMU de Suantio Gallery, the exhibition highlighted creative reinterpretations across mediums, including traditional ink paintings reimagined through photography and calligraphy transformed into spoken word. "The censorship of past traumas, such as in Aung Ko’s We Are Moving (2013), tends to highlight the power of narratives to steer the collective consciousness towards positivity or vice versa, art being one such storytelling device. In times of difficulty or transition, we crave the comfort of stories to counter our expectations of reality—as they naturally progress events towards a resolution that validates and heals our lost inner realities. However, the visibility of visual art can hamper artists’ ability to create a safe space for the ugly and uncomfortable to exist without intrusion. When people are changed thoroughly by their experiences and take on forms that no longer fit into life as we know it, does an artist’s reconstruction of such events convey their reclamation of their experiences, or enable further regression? How does public perception determine whether these known strangers move forwards, backwards, or towards stagnation? My response is centred on the national narrative around progression—if it leads to erasure or neglect of healing when people or events diverge from an orderly linear trajectory. While we reach for the stars, do we acknowledge those we leave behind?" - Trisha Tay, Year 2, School of Social Sciences
MAD ensemble and supporters with SMU President and Provost after the second night performance in SMU Arts Festival 2025
- The cast, performers, backstage crew, and supporters of the musical MAD pose for a photograph with SMU President Professor Lily Kong (seated right) and SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan (seated left) after the second night’s performance. MAD The Musical followed the journey of a present-day SMU undergraduate whose world collides with the fascinating, storied past of the site where one of our schools now stands. It was a playful and heartfelt blend of past and present, brought to life through the reimagining of pop hits by the likes of Taylor Swift, Green Day, and many others. A rare collaboration between SMU and top industry professionals - including Jo Tan for the original script concept, Jimmy Ye for original songs, George Chan as director, and Andy Cai as choreographer - MAD is an original musical created to celebrate SMU's 25th anniversary.
Engaging with an artwork in 25x25 Exhibition at 2025 Arts Festival
- Two visitors engaged with "Pride and Dignity", an acrylic and oil pastel on canvas artwork by Nicole Wong, in the 25x25 Exhibition at SMU de Suantio Gallery. The work reflected the artist's response to Zwe Mon's "Untitled" (2013), an acrylic on canvas gifted to SMU by Ian Holliday in 2023. The exhibition presented 25 diverse artworks created in response to selected pieces from the SMU Art Collection, in collaboration with SMU Libraries. Twenty-five student and alumni artists were invited to respond to 25 artworks, developing original interpretations under the mentorship of artists Deanna Ng and Susie Wong, and poet Yong Shu Hoong. Each participant explored their own method and perspective—whether engaging directly with the themes and subjects of the original works or drawing connections to personal biographies and lived experiences. On view from 22 August to 6 September 2025 at SMU de Suantio Gallery, the exhibition highlighted creative reinterpretations across mediums, including traditional ink paintings reimagined through photography and calligraphy transformed into spoken word. "In response to Zwe Mon’s work on her lived experience as a Burmese woman, I created a piece that holds personal meaning for me, expanding on her work's message of the complexities of womanhood. I wanted to open up further conversation on the topic of being a woman, and being in pain. My lifelong health problems have made me deeply familiar with this subject. On the left, a disturbing representation of physical pain on the body. On the right, emotional pain in the mind. I drew inspiration from how Zwe Mon portrayed the female silhouette, and represented my two figures with the same elongated neck to show the pride and dignity of accepting one’s fate. They lack eyes, as the missing “soul” lies in the viewer. Being ugly and experiencing pain is an integral part of being human, but the frustration and despair is also proof that we continue to recognise even the worst of it, and that we continue to live on." - Nicole Wong, Year 4, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Preservation - Skewed Desire : 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 Arvin Tay for the 2025 Arts Fest 25x25 exhibition which contains a poetry inspired by Chua Ek Kay’s artwork "Wall Of History" (2006). "I wrote Preservation-Skewed Desire to be didactic and easy to understand, expecting that people coming to this exhibit will only read our works just once, so I hope they could get something out of this from just one read. I was looking at Chua Ek Kay’s Wall Of History (2006) and, in my head, trying to find meaning in all of its abstractness, then I caught myself over-obsessing with how my work would be perceived by you now (in the future). Then there was a lot contemplation about being an artist and making art, and eventually when my train of thought led to the painting itself, I thought about how the wildness of the painting and its untamed style manifested exactly what I needed to take away, the lesson of not being skewed by worries about the result and embracing a good amount of uncertainty. So I felt it was perfect that my piece could try to break down our desires for preservation and to also be a reminder to live in the moment. I wrote the last stanza first; it reads faster (more clauses per line) to get the exciting euphoric feeling of revelation across. Then I wrote the first 2 stanzas after as I painstakingly dug through my mind for the root causes of these desires. I hope you guys managed to take away something from this :3, hopefully it was an opportunity to know ourselves a little better and live life a little better" - Arvin Tay, Year 2, School of Computing and Information Systems
Introducing MAD the Musical
- This video features Mr Jimmy Ye, Director at the Office of Student Life and composer, Ms Melody Faith Ng, a second-year student from the Yong Pung How School of Law, and Mr George Chan, Director, as they introduce MAD, a musical production presented as part of the 2025 Arts Festival held at the Drama Centre Theatre. MAD The Musical follows the journey of a present-day SMU undergraduate whose world collides with the fascinating, storied past of the site where one of our schools now stands. This original production is a playful and heartfelt blend of past and present, brought to life through the reimagining of pop hits by the likes of Taylor Swift, Green Day, and many others. Created in celebration of SMU's 25th anniversary, MAD is a rare collaboration between SMU and top industry professionals. The creative team includes Jo Tan for the original script concept, Jimmy Ye for original songs, George Chan as director, and Andy Cai as choreographer, making MAD is a truely special musical experience.
Festivalgoers gather at SMU Campus Green for Live, Laugh, Lor, where students from all eight Singapore universities shared the stage in a vibrant showcase of youth talent and collaboration
- Campus Green came alive as Live, Laugh, Lor drew in thousands as part of the 2025 Singapore Night Festival and SMU Arts Fest. For the first time in Singapore’s history, all eight higher education institutions, including NUS, NTU, SUTD, SIT, SUSS, UAS, and SIM, shared a stage with SMU. Strategic lightings and spotlights elevated the ambiance for the audience. The event was held over four nights on 29 & 30 August and 5 & 6 September. The evenings were filled with dynamic showcases: a five-university street dance crew that coordinated rehearsals across WhatsApp threads and homes; joint a cappella renditions of beloved local songs; and cultural performances that highlighted Singapore’s diversity.
Singapore's karaoke culture brought to a high by student DJ from SMU Stereometa
- Live, Laugh, Lor unites all Singapore's institutions of higher education for the first time in a dynamic 4-night showcase with the Singapore Night Festival, celebrating the rhythms of contemporary Singaporean identity. The photo features Josiah Tan Zheng Keng, a year 2 student with School of Computing and Information Systems and a member of SMU Stereometa, lighting up the stage with a high-energy dance set that pays tribute to Singapore's KTV culture, inspired by nostalgic karaoke hits, weaving throwback anthems and well-loved crowd favourite songs. Stereometa, SMU’s only DJ (Disc‑Jockey) club, has grown into one of the most exciting tertiary DJ collectives in Singapore’s nightlife scene. Equipped with industry‑grade gear, the club pushes musical boundaries while providing structured training that shapes student members into confident, skilled DJs—empowering them to express themselves freely through any genre they love.