Establishment of the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), under the newly formed Academic Services and Operations (ASO) division
The cake-cutting ceremony celebrating the establishment of the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), a new member of the Academic Services and Operations (ASO) group. GEO plays a pivotal role in driving global exposure participations of our students through immersive and meaningful signature global education programs. The event was attended by (Front, from left) Mr Ivan Low, Head of Marketing and Outreach, Office of Admissions and Financial Assistance (OAFA); Mr Tan Lee Chuan, Director, Office of Registrar; Ms Linette Lim, Director, OAFA; Dr Navin Rajagobal, Senior Director, ASO; Professor Timothy Clark, SMU Provost; Mr Rick Tay, Head, Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), (Back, left) Ms Prasanthi Guda, Head, Undergraduate Careers, Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC); (Back, 4th from right) Mr Henry Yeo, Deputy Director, Postgraduate Careers, DKHMCC; along with the staff of ASO and GEO.


    The first Makerspace available to SMU community in SMU Labs
    In 2018, the first Makerspace supported by Prudential was made available to SMU community. It serves as a collaborative environment for students and the SMU community to create, learn, explore, share, and generate new ideas. Workshops and activites were organized for the community to learn how to use the 3D printing machines and various tools available in the Makerspace.


      Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Global Summer Programme
      The Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Global Summer Programme on 23 June 2025, with a cake cutting ceremony at the Mochtar Riady Auditorium. At the event are (from left to right) Cheska Geraldine Gonzales Padilla, SMU student emcee ; Ms Bay Hwee Eng, Senior Assistant Director, GEO ; Ms Pooja Nikam, Head of Loyalty, Disney + ; Assistant Professor Darlene Machell Espena, College of Integrative Studies ; Mr Ted Howland, Vice-President Group Sustainability, CapitaLand ; Alan Chan, SMU Provost ; Dr Navin Rajagobal, Senior Director, ASO ; Mr Rick Tay, Head, GEO. The Global Summer Programme was started in 2015. It was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resumed in 2021.


        A student showcasing various ideas generated with 3D printing machines from the newly opened Makerspace in SMU Labs
        During the opening of the Makerspace in SMU Labs in October 2018, a student showcased various objects created using 3D printing machines to Ms. Neetha Nair, Head of the Center of Excellence with Prudential. Supported by Prudential, the Makerspace serves as a collaborative environment for students and the SMU community to create, learn, explore, share, and generate new ideas using 3D printing and other tools available in the space.


          SMU-X : Transforming Education for a VUCA World
          A video highlighting SMU-X, an interdisciplinary and experiential learning framework that emphasizes project-based, real-world learning through collaboration with corporate, non-profit, and government organizations.


            Students in the inaugural run of SMU Asia Global Exposure programme at University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City
            SMU students with local students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Vietnam, during the inaugural run of the SMU Asia Global Exposure (SAGE) programme in 2024. The photo was taken in a UEH campus classroom during their first lesson. SAGE is a series of short-term immersion programmes comprising classes hosted by local universities, cultural immersion activities and company visits in Southeast Asia countries. The initiative aims to broaden students’ understanding of regional economies and diverse cultures.


              Group discussion using the deck of cards from the IdeaX Toolkit
              Students in a group discussion using the deck of cards from the IdeaX Toolkit to build their project road map. SMU-X hosted its inaugural IdeaX workshop – an innovation and problem-solving session for students on how to better approach their SMU-X projects in February 2021. The IdeaX toolkit is designed to guide students in their project challenges, where the deck of cards are used to facilitate conversations, ideate solutions and evaluate ideas. IdeaX can also be used beyond the classroom by organisations seeking opportunities to make meaningful impact.


                The first IdeaX Innovation and Problem-Solving Workshop in 2021
                Mr. Derek Chiang, Senior Development Partner of SMU-X, is featured as one of the instructors for the first workshop that utilized the IdeaX Toolkit in 2021. The workshop aims to equip students with the skills needed to support their SMU-X project journey, from ideation to execution.


                  SMU-XO students on a boat cruise along the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
                  As part of the SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) programme for ECON248 Overseas Project Experience (Macroeconomics in Asia), the students engaged in a recreational activity by taking a boat cruise along the Mekong River before heading to one of the local villages for a cultural exchange.


                    Students in the 2024 cohort of the SMU-XO Applied Psychology in Asia course in Tainan, Taiwan
                    Students posing under an old world map in the National Museum of Taiwan History in Tainan, Taiwan as part of the cultural tour under SMU-XO course PSYC308 Applied Psychology in Asia. The group is led by Professor Cheng Chi-Ying (left in photo) from the School of Social Sciences. This course delves into advanced theoretical and empirical studies on the psychological relationship between culture and creativity/innovation, among other relevant topics. Students gained practical cross-cultural collaboration experience by working with their Taiwanese counterparts, including students and faculty members from the Institute of Creative Industries Design at National Cheng Kung University, as well as a business client.


                      A SMU-X class in collaboration with industry partner SearchAsia
                      Adjunct faculty, Mr. Jörg Dietzel from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, commented on the recommendations presented by students to enhance the brand strategy of industry partner SearchAsia in January 2024. The SMU-X pedagogy offers a transformative approach to business education by seamlessly integrating interdisciplinary learning, industry collaboration, and experiential methodologies. It connects students with real-world projects, fostering innovation and practical problem-solving through engagement with industry partners, complemented by data-driven insights and analytics. This approach empowers students to lead with agility and creativity, preparing them to be future leaders capable of navigating complex global environments. SMU won the Innovation in Business Education Award at the 11th QS Reimagine Education Awards & Conference held in London in December 2024.


                        SMU Global Summer Programme 2024 introduces a new Digital Intelligence Track
                        Singapore Management University (SMU) launched the 9th edition of its annual Global Summer Programme (GSP) with the introduction of a Digital Intelligence track. The new track empowers students to confidently harness technology for success in an AI-driven world. Held at the Mochtar Riady Auditorium on campus, the launch event was attended by more than 250 programme participants from 35 nationalities around the world. Gracing the event was Guest of Honour Ms. Feon Ang, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, LinkedIn (4th from right). Joining her (on her right) was Aidan Wong, Asst Prof, Urban Studies (Education), College of Integrative Studies, who moderated at the launch and (from her left) Yuanto Kusnadi, Assoc Prof of Accounting (Education) and Academic Director (SMU-X), as well as Mr. Rick Tay, Head, and Ms. Bay Hwee Eng, Asst Director, from the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO). Attendees from the SMU Office of Industry Engagement (OIE) included (from the left) Ms. Jenn Goh, Asst Manager, Mr. Nelson Ng, Assoc Director, and Ms. Catherine Chong, Director.


                          SMU students with the representatives from Sabanci University from Turkey at the 2024 Study Abroad Fair
                          The 2024 Study Abroad Fair (SAF) saw a record-breaking 1,512 registered participants, the highest since its inception. Students are offered a wide range of Global Exposure (GE) programmes at SMU to enrich their learning. These include overseas community service projects by the Centre for Social Responsibility, overseas internships by the Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre, study abroad and immersion programmes by GEO, overseas study missions offered by Schools and overseas project experiences by SMU-X, among others. The Fair served as a comprehensive platform for students to learn about the various programmes available, engage directly with representatives from SMU’s partner universities, and gain insights into overseas exposure opportunities. The photo shows SMU students interacting with representatives from Sabanci University in Turkey, marking the university's first participation in the Fair.


                            Victorious SMU team with the judges of the 2025 Jessup moot
                            SMU 2025 Jessup moot team with the judges after winning the championship trophy since Singapore’s last victory in 2001. The team comprised Lovein Sui (LLB, final year); Elizabeth Ho (LLB, final year); Genieve Wu (LLB, final year); Raelee Toh (LLB, final year); and Erica Wee (LLB, final year). A key factor driving the moot success at SMU YPHSL is the Ian R Taylor International Moots Programme, which has firmly established the law school on the global stage. This programme has nurtured generations of mooters who have earned numerous world-class accolades, enabling it to consistently excel at the most prestigious international moots.


                              Kicking off the first SMU-X Lifelong Learning course in August 2024
                              In August 2024, Professor Gary Pan from the School of Accountancy (standing) and Professor Venky Shankararaman from the School of Computing and Information Systems (left, seated) launched the first lesson of the SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL) programme, offer in the Industry Practice Master (IPM) of Digital Economy Capstone. It builds on SMU’s Industry Project-Based Experiential Learning (INDEX) programme, focusing on andragogy, lifelong learning, and industry collaboration. SMU-XL connects adult learners with industry partners for practical, hands-on learning experiences throughout different stages of their careers and education. The initiative leverages the principles of andragogy, emphasizing the unique needs of adult learners and promoting a self-directed, collaborative, and experience-based learning approach. At SMU-XL, faculty members and industry champions mentor adult learners to innovate solutions to actual business challenges and objectives.


                                International students in the 2024 Exchange Student Ambassador (ESA) Training
                                This is a group photo featuring the batch of graduating students from the 2024 Exchange Student Ambassador Training. The Training was first launched in February 2023 to equip exchange students with skills to be an ambassador of SMU through a series of specially curated workshops held over a semester.


                                  Students visited the Old Town White Coffee Coastal Playgrove at East Coast Park under the Global Summer Programme
                                  As part of the Asia Pacific Business course within the Global Summer Programme (GSP), students visited the Old Town White Coffee Coastal Playgrove at East Coast Park. The programme features onsite visits to various local companies, allowing participants to enhance their socioeconomic and cultural understanding of Singapore and Asia. Students learned about the importance of leveraging technology for business success and appreciating cultural diversity. The visit to Old Town White Coffee offered real-world exposure to the local food industry.


                                    SMU-XO students network with alumni over dinner in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
                                    While in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, students participating in the SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) programme for ECON248 Overseas Project Experience (Macroeconomics in Asia) took advantage of the opportunity to network with SMU alumni working in the city. This allowed them to gain insights into the work culture, environment, and career opportunities in Vietnam, as well as establish valuable contacts for their future endeavors. They were accompanied by the course instructor Ms. Que Hoang-Phuong Vu, Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Economics, SMU (in blue floral blouse).


                                      Crowds of students thronged the in-person Fair at the SMU Concourse in the first-ever hybrid Study Abroad Fair in 2023
                                      After conducting virtual editions of the Study Abroad Fair (SAF) in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, GEO ran the first ever hybrid SAF in 2023. Over a thousand students thronged the in-person Fair at SMU Concourse and seized the chance to engage with representatives from 22 partner universities and 53 exchange students from various continents, gaining valuable insights into what to expect from an exchange or global exposure programme at different universities.


                                        Singapore Management University and FairPrice Group partner to reduce food waste
                                        Group photo of SMU Students who were part of the Food Waste Management Project with representatives from Fairprice Group. As part of the Singapore Management University’s SMU-X initiative, students from the School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian School of Business worked together with FairPrice Group (FPG) to come up with a Food Waste Management Monitoring Dashboard to better visualise and analyse data to help with food waste management at the supermarket chain. This was achieved through the implementation of a write-off monitoring dashboard and the application of predictive analytics. From August to November 2022, the project team leveraged on Tableau dashboarding and Python predictive analytics to identify which were the outlets with the most write-off and which products contribute the most write-off.


                                          Students at the University College London booth during the 2023 Study Abroad Fair
                                          The Centre of Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) hosted its first hybrid Study Abroad Fair (SAF) in 2023, as in-person overseas immersion opportunities resumed after the Covid-19 pandemic. The in-person SAF was held in SMU Concourse and was abuzz with excitement as students explore the University's diverse Study Abroad programmes, destinations, and partner universities, including the popular International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP). In the photo, students are seen engaging with a representative from University College London (UCL).


                                            SMU-XO students with GoPizza founder and SMU alumnus, Jay Lim
                                            In the front row from left to right: Professor Mark Chong and Jay Lim, the founder and CEO of GoPizza. In 2022, following the Covid pandemic, the first group of students who ventured overseas under the SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO) programme are those enrolled in the "Business of the Creative Industries" course. The course introduced them to the business models of cultural content producers and the role of digital platforms in enabling these models. In addition, students explored the key characteristics of the emerging creator economy and the associated social media entertainment. In Seoul, Korea, they learnt about its culture, explored renowned sites like Hongdae, Gyeongbokgung Palace and took part in a networking session with SMU alumni living in the city. They also toured Hanyang University and learnt valuable insights from presentations by TikTok Korea, Netflix Korea, Teammates, 11018, GoPizza, Enterprise Singapore, and a Korean make-up YouTuber. The trip ended with a presentation to the Gushcloud team, where they applied their knowledge to a significant real-world project.


                                              Participants in a creative workshop at the opening of the Makerspace in SMU Labs in 2018
                                              A instructor is pictured conducting a workshop for a group of students at the opening of the Makerspace in SMU Labs in 2018. Supported by Prudential, the Makerspace serves as a collaborative environment for students and the SMU community to create, learn, explore, share, and generate new ideas. Workshops and activites were organized for the community to learn how to use the 3D printing machines and various tools available in the Makerspace.


                                                SMU-X Overseas : Transforming Education for a VUCA World
                                                A video highlighting SMU-X Overseas (SMU-XO), a programme that immerses students in international, entrepreneurial environments to tackle real-world business challenges, in collaboration with global partners.


                                                  SMU undergraduates build sustainability competencies through urban farming in sustainability law elective course
                                                  Assoc Prof Liu Nengye (standing), with students from the 'Introduction to Sustainability Law' elective. The course was co-convened by Yong Pung How School of Law’s Associate Professors Michelle Lim and Liu Nengye, and taught in partnership with SMU’s Office of Campus Infrastructure and Services (OCIS). The aim was to build students’ nature connectedness and sustainability competencies.


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