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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.
Associate Professor Gary Pan, recipient of the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award in 2018
- Associate Professor Gary Pan from the School of Accountancy (Right) received the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award from SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong (Left) at the 2018 State of University Address. The award recognizes faculty who are dedicated to teaching SMU-X courses and collaborating with partners from the private, public, or social sectors to integrate experiential activities where students address real-world issues impacting communities and organizations. Prof Pan, along with Prof Venky Shankararaman from the School of Information Systems, bridges accounting and information Systems in the SMU-X Accounting Analytics Capstone, preparing students for future changes in the work landscape. Prof Pan was also acknowledged for being nurturing and supportive in guiding students through their learning progress.
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.
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.
Students from SMU and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in a discussion
- In 2019, students from the SMU-XO course "Millennial Talent Management – Recruitment and Engagement" teamed up with their peers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to develop solutions for PT Pagilaran's challenges in attracting and retaining millennial employees.
SMU-X at 10: A decade of learning that turns ideas into action
- (From L to R) Mr Kevin Koh, Head of SMU-X ; Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost ; Professor Venky Shankararaman, Vice Provost (Education) and Associate Professor Yuanto Kusnadi, SMU-X Academic Director, holding the commemorative book launched to mark the 10th anniversary of SMU‑X. The book titled ‘From classroom to real world: A decade of industry project-based experiential learning’, traces the initiative’s journey from a bold pedagogical experiment to a defining pillar of the University’s education ecosystem. Launched at the National Library Building on December 2025, the event brought together students, staff, faculty, industry partners and alumni who have shaped – and been shaped by – SMU-X over the past decade. Through reflections spanning across disciplines, industries, and geographies, the book offers insights into how real‑world, project‑based learning has transformed classroom education at SMU.
SMU-X wins prestigious Triple E Awards for innovation and employability
- SMU-X wins prestigious Triple E Awards for innovation and employability. From L-R : Kevin Koh, Head; Yuanto Kusnadi, Associate Professor and Academic Director; Derek Chiang , Senior Development Partner of SMU-X at the Accrediatation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) Asia-Pacific Forum, where leaders in higher education gathered to advance the role of entrepreneurship and community engagement
SMU students with their friends from Universitas Gadjah Mada took a group photo at a tea plantation in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Students from the SMU-XO course "Millennial Talent Management – Recruitment and Engagement" and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) visited the PT Pagilaran plantation in Yogyakarta to collaborate on developing new solutions for recruiting and retaining millennial employees. The students taught by academics from both SMU and UGM, engaged with tea farmers and factory employees to gather insights for their proposed solutions. PT Pagilaran, a subsidiary of UGM specializing in tea and cocoa exports, provided an experiential learning setting for the students. The innovative pedagogy was lauded at the fourth PIEoneer Awards in 2020, a global award that celebrate innovation and achievement across the whole of the international education industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Experiential booth manned by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore at the SMU-X 10th anniversary book launch
- Guests explored Sarawak’s rich culture at an experiential booth by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore, one of the industry partners featured at the SMU‑X 10th Anniversary Book Launch. In the event, guests were invited to experience the spirit of SMU‑X through interactive showcases and activity booths supported by industry collaborators. These hands‑on experiences highlighted cross‑cultural learning, creativity and human connection — signature elements of the SMU‑X pedagogy. Together, the project gallery and experiential activities demonstrated how SMU‑X learning extends well beyond the classroom, encouraging students to engage deeply with communities, industries and ideas in ways that are rigorous, meaningful and impactful.
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.
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.
SMU-X introduces X-Scent, a collaboration with perfume label "Scent by SIX" in its inaugural INDEX Symposium in 2023
- At its inaugural INDEX symposium, SMU-X unveiled X-Scent, a collaboration with the Singaporean artisanal perfume label "Scent by SIX". With the tagline "Turning possibilities into realities," the fragrance embodies the spirit of dreaming big, reaching for the stars, and believing that anything is possible. Each symposium participant received a complimentary bottle of the perfume. Additionally, the perfume was sold for $50, with all proceeds going to the SMU-X Opportunity Award. This award supports financially needy students who require funding to participate in transformative projects abroad through the SMU-X overseas (SMU-XO) courses.
Participants in the inaugural SMU-XL class presenting their proposal to the instructors
- Participants in the inaugural SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL) class presenting their proposal to Professor Gary Pan and Professor Venky Shankararaman (Seated third and second from right). SMU-XL programme is offered in the Industry Practice Master (IPM) of Digital Economy Capstone, building on the Industry Project-Based Experiential Learning (INDEX) programme that focus 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.
Professor Venky Shankararaman, recipient of the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award in 2018
- Professor Venky Shankararaman from the School of Information Systems (Right) received the inaugural SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award from SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong (Left) at the 2018 State of University Address. The award recognizes faculty who are dedicated to teaching SMU-X courses and collaborating with partners from the private, public, or social sectors to integrate experiential activities where students address real-world issues impacting communities and organizations. Prof Shankararaman, along with Prof Gary Pan from the School of Accountancy, bridges accounting and information systems in the SMU-X Accounting Analytics Capstone, preparing students for future changes in the work landscape. Prof Shankararaman was also acknowledged for assuming the roles of facilitator, negotiator to bolster students' confidence and support their learning in interacting with the real-world.
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).
Welcome to SMU Labs
- SMU partners with Ascott Limited to launch lyf@SMU in 2017. Located within the SMU Labs, it provides SMU copmmunity with a 24/7 dynamic and trend-setting co-study, co-work, co-living environment that also serves as a ‘living lab’ where applied research simultaneously takes place.
SMU-X team in the 2024/2025 INDEX Symposium held in CUHK Business School, Hong Kong
- From L - R : Gloria Zhang, Joyce Tay, Kevin Koh (Head), Yuanto Kusnadi (Academic Director), Derek Chiang, Emmaline Lim (Deputy-Head), John Tay. SMU-X team with Professor Kusnadi at the 2024/2025 INDEX Symposium in Hong Konog. Launched by SMU's SMU-X team in 2023, the INDEX Symposium was created as a platform to foster collaboration between academia and industry. With its second edition, SMU-X joined forces with CUHK Business School to expand this global dialogue, reaffirming its commitment to advancing experiential education through interdisciplinary partnerships.
SMU wins prestigious THE Awards Asia 2025 – Teaching & Learning Strategy of the Year
- SMU's Vice President (Partnerships & Engagement) Prof Lim Sun Sun receiving the prestigious award on behalf of the University. Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that it has been named Winner in the ‘Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year’ category at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025. The accolade was awarded in recognition of SMU-X, the University’s flagship industry project-based experiential learning framework that integrates academic knowledge with real-world industry projects. It marks a significant milestone for SMU-X, pioneered 10 years ago as a differentiating pedagogy, underscoring the University’s longstanding commitment to redefining learning through interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential approaches.
Faculty, Adjunct Teaching Mentors and Staff behind the SMU-X programme
- SMU Provost Prof Tim Clark (seated front row, fifth from the right) shared a light-hearted moment with the Faculty, Adjunct Teaching Mentors (ATMs), and staff supporting the SMU-X programme during an appreciation lunch event. The SMU-X programme first engaged ATMs in 2018. Since then, they have played a vital role alongside faculty in guiding student teams through real-world, project-based experiential learning. These mentors familiarize themselves with the course structure and objectives, regularly meeting with student teams to coach them through research, analysis, prototyping, and deliverable preparation. Beyond mentoring, ATMs also support logistical and academic coordination by recruiting guest speakers or technical experts, attending major project events like kick-offs and final presentations, reviewing drafts, offering substantive feedback, and ensuring smooth collaboration between students, faculty, and project partners. Through their hands-on facilitation and structured guidance, ATMs help uphold SMU-X’s high standards while enabling students to develop professional confidence, teamwork, and practical problem-solving skills.
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.
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.