Grounded, Growing, Giving: Professor Lily Kong’s National Day reflections in 2026
Professor Lily Kong (in white), President of SMU, sang a selection of well-loved national day songs with the SMU community during the 2026 National Day Observance Ceremony.
In her speech for the event, she reflected on three themes: Grounded, Growing, and Giving. She noted that although SMU is still a relatively young university, it is built on strong foundations rooted in student-centred education and research that contributes meaningfully to society. She highlighted the university’s growth in recent years, including the expansion of its faculty, overseas presence, and campus facilities, emphasizing that such growth is valuable because it enables SMU to deepen its impact and contribution.
Professor Kong also underscored the importance of giving back, describing how the university serves society through community service, volunteerism, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the achievements of its graduates. Reflecting on the collective effort behind the institution, she stressed that a university is sustained not only by its faculty, but also by the staff whose often unseen work supports and advances its mission. Her remarks served as a reminder that institutions and communities alike are strengthened by the people whose dedication, service, and shared purpose uphold them every day.
In her speech for the event, she reflected on three themes: Grounded, Growing, and Giving. She noted that although SMU is still a relatively young university, it is built on strong foundations rooted in student-centred education and research that contributes meaningfully to society. She highlighted the university’s growth in recent years, including the expansion of its faculty, overseas presence, and campus facilities, emphasizing that such growth is valuable because it enables SMU to deepen its impact and contribution.
Professor Kong also underscored the importance of giving back, describing how the university serves society through community service, volunteerism, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the achievements of its graduates. Reflecting on the collective effort behind the institution, she stressed that a university is sustained not only by its faculty, but also by the staff whose often unseen work supports and advances its mission. Her remarks served as a reminder that institutions and communities alike are strengthened by the people whose dedication, service, and shared purpose uphold them every day.