SMU Receives $1.05 Million Gift to Advance Computing, Family Enterprise Education and Innovation

Generously supported by an anonymous donor, the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) and the Business Families Institute (BFI) at Singapore Management University (SMU) are set to benefit from a transformative gift that will empower students, celebrate faculty excellence and support innovative programs. This gift underscores SMU’s commitment to academic and industry leadership.

1. Fortitude Scholarships: Empowering Students to Excel

Two Fortitude Scholarships will empower SCIS students to excel academically and professionally. The SMU Fortitude Scholarship is awarded to exceptional first-year SCIS undergraduates, recognising academic excellence and supporting their journey toward achieving their full potential. 

The SMU Fortitude Scholarship (Elevate@SMU) is especially designed for financially challenged first-year SCIS students enrolled in the Elevate@SMU programme. This marks the first donor-supported scholarship for the Elevate@SMU programme, which enables working adults to pursue undergraduate degrees at SMU. 

Both scholarships will award $15,000 annually to first-year SCIS undergraduates and are tenable for four academic years.

2. Fortitude Fellowship: Advancing Faculty Excellence 

The SMU Fortitude Fellowship in Computing Education is the first of its kind at SMU and SCIS, recognising faculty teaching, learning and research. Professor Venky Shankararaman, Vice Provost (Education) has been named the inaugural recipient in recognition of his exceptional contributions to computing education and pedagogy.

3. WhiteHacks: Inspiring Future Innovators 

The WhiteHacks cybersecurity bootcamp, organised by student-led interest group Whitehat Society, will receive sustained funding over seven years to continue inspiring junior college and polytechnic students to explore careers in computing and IT.

4. Family Enterprise Programme: Building the Next Generation of Leaders 

A portion of the gift will also support the Family Enterprise Programme run by the Business Families Institute (BFI). This initiative equips future generations of family business leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate challenges and drive success in family enterprises.

This generous gift will open doors for students, empower faculty and strengthen SMU’s ability to lead in education and innovation. By investing in the next generation of talent and knowledge, the donor has created a ripple effect that will shape the future of technology, business and education. SMU is deeply grateful for their vision and generosity, which will leave an enduring mark on the University and the wider community.