Pioneers of SMU
A corporate photograph of the original pioneer team who were involved in the conceptualization and start up of the Singapore Management University.
    Collection: People


    Financial Education Programme
    Sunil Sreenivasan, SMU trustee and Citibank's country corporate officer, speaking to Singapore Management University undergraduates on 9 October 2000. His lecture was the first in a financial education programme which is supplementary to the SMU core curriculum. It provides practical lessons in finance, banking and economics.
      Collection: People


      Book launch of “The Art of Leadership: Perspectives from Distinguished Thought Leaders”
      SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Singapore’s 7th President and SMU Honorary Patron Dr Tony Tan, SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer at the launch of the book “The Art of Leadership: Perspectives from Distinguished Thought Leaders” on 16 January 2018 at the SMU Hall in the School of Law.
        Collection: People


        SMU-X student associates enjoying Peranakan food at the SMU 2023 INDEX Symposium's Gala dinner
        Mr Derek Chiang , Senior Development Partner of SMU-X (Standing) is pictured with the student associates who supported the inaugural SMU 2023 INDEX Symposium at its closing Gala dinner. SMU-X hires its first batch of student associates in 2018. They are the unsung contributors who work quietly behind the scenes to support the experiential learning engine. From managing databases and designing resources to facilitating industry engagements and running events, they ensure the smooth delivery of projects while balancing their own studies. With creativity, precision, and a deep sense of ownership, these student associates gain invaluable real-world skills while shaping the SMU-X experience for others. Their efforts may unfold backstage, but their impact is both lasting and essential.
          Collection: People


          The Centre for Case Learning Excellence team at a luncheon with SMU President Professor Lily Kong to commemorate a set of milestones
          The Centre for Case Learning Excellence (CCX) held a celebratory luncheon on March 2026 to mark a major milestone—the publication of its 500th case. In addition, Singapore Management University is ranked sixth globally and first in Asia for case impact in the 2025 Financial Times Research Insights Ranking. Two CCX cases were also featured among the Financial Times Top 15 global cases by reach. SMU remains the only Singapore institution to be consistently placed in the global top 20 since the launch of The Case Centre Impact Index in 2023, ranking 18th in 2025. (From left back row) Ms Tan Suh Wen ; Professor Tamas Makany, Lee Kong Chian School of Business ; Mr Chan Chi Wei ; Mr Alvin Lee ; Ms Sheila Wan ; Ms Mahima Rao-Kachroo ; Dr Havovi Joshi, Director, CCX ; Professor Venky Shankararaman, Vice Provost (Education) ; Dr Cheah Sin Mei. (Front row) Ms Irene Soh ; Professor Lily Kong, SMU President ; Ms Lipika Bhattacharya.
            Collection: People


            Convocation 2010
            Procession of student representatives at Singapore Management University's eleventh convocation. Convocation 2010 was held at Resorts World Convention Centre on 11 August 2010.


              Convocation 2010
              Taekwondo demonstration by SMU students at Singapore Management University's eleventh convocation. Convocation 2010 was held at Resorts World Convention Centre on 11 August 2010.


                Professor Emeritus Arnoud De Meyer at Academic Year Opening Ceremony 2018
                Professor Arnoud De Meyer, SMU President, at Academic Year Opening Ceremony 2018.


                  Guests at Academic Year Opening Ceremony 2018
                  Guests at Academic Year Opening Ceremony 2018.


                    Performance at Academic Year Opening Ceremony 2018
                    Performance at Academic Year Opening Ceremony 2018.


                      Convocation 2002
                      Singapore Management University student performance at Convocation 2002. This is SMU’s third intake of undergraduates–400 business students, 100 accountancy students and the pioneer intake of 50 economics students. The establishment of the Wee Kim Wee Centre was also announced. The event was held at Suntec City Convention Centre on 17 August 2002.


                        Convocation 2002
                        Singapore Management University students performing at Convocation 2002. This is SMU’s third intake of undergraduates–400 business students, 100 accountancy students and the pioneer intake of 50 economics students. The establishment of the Wee Kim Wee Centre was also announced. The event was held at Suntec City Convention Centre on 17 August 2002.


                          Convocation 2010
                          Student group, InDanCity, performing at Singapore Management University's eleventh convocation. Convocation 2010 was held at Resorts World Convention Centre on 11 August 2010.


                            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.
                              Collection: Arts Festival


                              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.
                                Collection: Arts Festival


                                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
                                  Collection: Arts Festival


                                  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.​
                                    Collection: Arts Festival


                                    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
                                      Collection: Arts Festival


                                      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
                                        Collection: Arts Festival


                                        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.
                                          Collection: Arts Festival


                                          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.
                                            Collection: Arts Festival


                                            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.
                                              Collection: Arts Festival


                                              Patron’s Day 2010
                                              Audience at Singapore Management University Patron's Day performances. Patron’s Day 2010 was celebrated at the city campus on 15 January 2010.
                                                Collection: Patron's Day


                                                Patron’s Day 2012
                                                Students enjoying performances in the city campus concourse at Singapore Management University's Patron’s Day celebrations on 13 January 2012.
                                                  Collection: Patron's Day


                                                  The SMU community at SMU Patron's Day 2018
                                                  The SMU community at SMU Patron's Day 2018.
                                                    Collection: Patron's Day


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