A multifaceted gift for a multidisciplinary school

Singapore, 3 October 2023 (Tuesday) – SMU celebrated the visionary contributions of Dato’ Kho Hui Meng, a member of SMU's Board of Trustees, at the unveiling of Dato’ Kho's latest gift to SMU, "The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal" by Sir Grayson Perry.

“Art occupies a unique space in our culture. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to perceive art, but it can encourage discussion, push boundaries, question accepted norms and hold a provocative mirror to society in all its flawed glory,” said SMU President Professor Lily Kong at the event.

“As educators, this is similar to what we hope to do, to fire the curiosity and imagination in our students,” Prof Kong continued.  “At SMU we then take the next step, to find solutions to those intractable issues; to ask how we can approach this from multiple, interdisciplinary, perspectives; to address the issues that society needs addressing; to make a positive impact on our communities.”

Dato’ Kho explained that his gift was intended to add colour to the College of Integrative Studies (CIS), and to encourage discussion and stimulate debate among students. The artwork serves as a thought-provoking catalyst for the first cohort of CIS students, who began their studies this academic year 2023.

Dato’ Kho's visionary gifts extend beyond art to the realm of education, leaving a priceless legacy for generations of SMU students through various scholarships and programmes, as well as SMU's career centre, which bears his name. His eye for art has graced SMU's campus with other magnificent pieces, including "Sitting on History" by Bill Woodrow, "Arc" by Bernar Venet, "Bright Idea" by Michael Craig-Morton, and "Untitled" by Rotraut.

SMU is grateful to Dato’ Kho for his thoughtfulness and generosity. His gifts will have an enduring impact, enriching students’ educational experiences and inspiring them as they address the challenges of the future.