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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.
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's Jessup moot team in Washington D.C.
- (From L to R) : Erica Wee, Genieve Wu, Elizabeth Ho, Fu Qiyuan (Coach), Raelee Toh, Lovein Sui. The 2025 team posing in front of the Capitol Building before the 66th Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. They eventually beat 805 teams to clinch World Chanpion with Erica named Best Oralist of the competition
Inaugural run of ASEAN Internship Programme Plus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Students participating in the inaugural ASEAN Internship Programme Plus (AIP+) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, had the opportunity to visit a local business and gain firsthand insights into how agriculture contributes to economic growth and supports rural livelihoods. They also studied at Vietnam National University to gain insights into Vietnam’s politics, economy, and society. Launched in May 2025, the AIP+ programme is jointly managed by the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) and the Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC). It aims to enhance students' employability and global readiness through internships at ASEAN companies. Students are introduced to ASEAN cities with high business potential, providing them with an understanding of the companies, challenges, opportunities, and the business culture and landscape. They are also given opportunities to acclimatize to the city and country, and to build contacts in their assigned location.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: An Inspired Journey
- From an ambitious idea to a trailblazer in education, research, and innovation—SMU has spent 25 years pushing boundaries, creating impact, and empowering future-ready changemakers. Celebrating the evolution of Singapore Management University since its inception in 2000, this video features interviews with founders, pioneers, students, alumni and partners who have fuelled our journey as they reminisce their unique experiences with the University.
Leading Global Institutions launch alliance to advance human-centric urban research
- The founding members of the Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies are (R-L) Prof Orlando Woods, Director, Urban Institute, Singapore Management University, Prof Karen Chapple, Director, The School of Cities, University of Toronto, Prof Cathy Oke, Director, Melbourne Centre for Cities, Prof Loretta Lees, Director, The Initiative on Cities, Boston University, Prof Hyun Bang Shin, Head of Department, Department of Geography and Environment, The London School of Economics and Political Science. Five globally respected academic institutions have come together to launch the Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies – a pioneering initiative that places people at the heart of urban research and policymaking. The partnership was announced on 1st July 2025 at the Singapore Management University (SMU) City Dialogues held in Vienna, taking place as part of the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2025. The alliance aims to deepen understanding of how city dwellers sense, navigate and shape the urban environments they inhabit. This includes examination of the social and cultural norms, social networks and economic linkages – the “soft infrastructures” – that underpin resilient and sustainable cities.
SMU and Tax Academy of Singapore established the Singapore Tax Academy Research Initiative on 11 Aug 2025
- (From left to right) Assistant Professor Vincent Ooi, Professor Lee Pey Woan, both from Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL), Singapore Management University ; Mr Dennis Lui, CEO and Ms Eunice Toh from the Tax Academy of Singapore. Singapore Management University (SMU) Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) and Tax Academy of Singapore announced the establishment of the Singapore Tax Academy Research Initiative (STARI) which will be undertaken by YPHSL’s Centre for Commercial Law in Asia. Supported by a grant from the Tax Academy of Singapore, this initiative aims to both contribute to the international tax academic community and serve the body of tax professionals in Singapore through three main streams of work: 1) conduct world-class international tax research; 2) develop local academic capacity in taxation; and 3) build links with international thought-leaders in taxation.
SMU’s Co-Curricular Transcript wins Gold at QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025
- Singapore Management University (SMU) has been awarded the Gold Award in the Nurturing Employability category at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025, in recognition of its groundbreaking Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT), a pioneering University-wide initiative that makes visible the skills and competencies students develop through experiential, out-of-classroom learning. The win underscores the CCT’s innovation, real-world impact, and scalability. Developed by the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS), the Co-Curricular Transcript is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Singapore that complements the academic transcript by formally documenting students’ engagement in co-curricular activities and the skills developed through these experiences. At the heart of the initiative is the Integrated Co-Curricular Management System (ICMS), a digital platform that supports participation tracking, guided reflection and mentor feedback. Through this system, students are guided to make intentional co-curricular choices, reflect meaningfully on their experiences, and translate learning into demonstrable competencies. The photo featured the core team from ODOS and Integrated Information Technology Services behind the CCT and the ICMS. (From R - L) : Mr Tan Gak Khiam, Senior Deputy Director, Digital Enterprise Services, IITS ; Mr Lau Kai Cheong, Chief Information Officer and Vice President, IITS ; Ms Yvonne Yong, IITS ; Professor Paulin Straughan, former Dean of Students ; Mr Alvin Sim, Head, Co-Curriculum Development and Student Care & Support Services, ODOS ; Mr Toh Xiao Wee, ODOS and Mr Hendry Wangsa, IITS.
How Co-Curricular Transcript is transforming the way SMU students document and articulate their learning
- Singapore Management University (SMU) has been awarded the Gold Award in the Nurturing Employability category at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025, in recognition of its groundbreaking Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT), a pioneering University-wide initiative that makes visible the skills and competencies students develop through experiential, out-of-classroom learning. The win underscores the CCT’s innovation, real-world impact, and scalability. Developed by the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS), the Co-Curricular Transcript is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Singapore that complements the academic transcript by formally documenting students’ engagement in co-curricular activities and the skills developed through these experiences. First awarded to the graduating Class of 2025, the CCT reflects SMU’s long-standing philosophy that meaningful learning occurs not only in the classroom, but also through leadership roles, community service, internships, student organisations and other experiential opportunities. This video presents how the Co-Curricular Transcript is transforming the way SMU students document and articulate their learning with the support of the Integrated Co-Curricular Management System (ICMS).
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
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 25 years of impact : an inspired journey
- On 23rd July 2025, Singapore Management University featured this infographic on page three of The Straits Times, showcasing its key milestones over the past 25 years as part of its Jubilee celebration. "Since our inception, we set out to do things differently. A university built in the heart of the city. In just 25 years, we've shaped world-ready graduates, sparked breakthrough ideas, and built a legacy of innovation and impact. These milestones are more than moments, they'remarkers of how far we've come and a glimpse of how far we'll go."
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.