SMU Visionary Series 2026 explores the transformative impact of AI on business, technology and leadership
On 1 October 2026, Singapore Management University (SMU), in partnership with BlackRock, hosted the SMU Visionary Series, bringing together leaders from investment, enterprise and technology for a fireside chat entitled “The AI Shift: Redefining Business, Technology, and Leadership.” Attended by some 300 participants from academia, government and industry, the discussion explored the transformative impact of AI on organisations and the evolving world of work. Key insights included the role of strong governance in enabling innovation to scale in highly regulated industries such as finance, the need for organisations to rethink business models rather than simply optimise existing processes with AI, and the growing importance of human capabilities such as critical thinking, articulation and judgement. The conversation highlighted that the AI shift extends beyond technological advancement to encompass how organisations build the capabilities to harness AI, how leaders exercise sound judgement and governance, and how individuals continue to learn and adapt in a changing world of work.
Through the SMU Visionary Series, SMU aims to provide a platform for leading voices from industry and academia to exchange perspectives on the forces shaping business and society. By fostering dialogue around emerging technologies and their wider implications, the series encourages meaningful conversations on how innovation can be harnessed to create impact.
Panelist from left : Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement) and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication and Technology ; Mr Lee Chuan Teck, Chairman of Enterprise Singapore ; Mr Rob Goldstein. Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock ; and Mr Sam Kim, Chief Operating Officer and Director, Investment Insights Group at GIC.
Through the SMU Visionary Series, SMU aims to provide a platform for leading voices from industry and academia to exchange perspectives on the forces shaping business and society. By fostering dialogue around emerging technologies and their wider implications, the series encourages meaningful conversations on how innovation can be harnessed to create impact.
Panelist from left : Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement) and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication and Technology ; Mr Lee Chuan Teck, Chairman of Enterprise Singapore ; Mr Rob Goldstein. Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock ; and Mr Sam Kim, Chief Operating Officer and Director, Investment Insights Group at GIC.