GIVING REVIEW 2023 01
GIVING REVIEW 2023 02 EMPOWERING STUDENTS TOTAL NUMBER OF GIFTS RECEIVED: 2,326 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNIQUE DONORS: 1,150 GRAND TOTAL $21,577,973 55.8% $12,030,987 CREATING KNOWLEDGE 15.8% $3,404,895 IMPACTING COMMUNITIES 28.5% $6,142,091
GIVING REVIEW 2023 03 In the world of higher education, universities are meant to deliver education and push the boundaries of knowledge through research. At SMU, I am proud to say that faculty and staff dedicate themselves to the cause with a sense of purpose and conviction, enriching student journeys and undertaking research with impact. In 2023, we advanced steadily in our missions of transformative education, impactful research, and fostering societal change, and celebrated remarkable milestones: > In AY2022, we supported more than 2,600 students with financial need, including those who could not have had a university education if not for your generosity, those who could not have availed themselves to global exposure opportunities if not for your support, and those who suddenly found themselves in dire situations because of life-changing events in their families. > We celebrated the 20th anniversary of the School of Computing and Information Systems, marking 20 years of nurturing 6,000 tech talents for the country and region, including many that you supported, enabling their education and skills development, and setting them on the path to impactful contributions. > We recognised and supported research in important areas, especially in Digital Transformation, Sustainable Living and Growth in Asia. For example, we celebrated Associate Professor Hao Liang’s impactful contributions in sustainable finance by conferring on him the prestigious Ho Bee Professorship in Sustainability Management, while Professor Winston Chow became the first Singaporean to be elected as Co-Chair of Working Group II within the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). ADVANCING TOGETHER TOWARDS NEW FRONTIERS > We sought to contribute to the region, and inaugurated our second Overseas Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, bolstering SMU’s endeavours in the region, including contributing to human capital development and offering useful and useable research insights. Over the last year, your unwavering support has empowered the next generation of changemakers, supported our mission of knowledge production that makes societal impact, and encouraged our ambition to make a difference not only in Singapore but to our region. To all who have contributed, your acts of generosity have been a source of inspiration and strength. As we anticipate SMU’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 2025, our fundraising endeavours will focus especially on supporting students in financial need. We are confident that, with the support of our partners and donors, and the indomitable spirit of the SMU community, we will look forward to 2025 as a united, resolute, and inspired university, determined to achieve our aspirations. Our deepest appreciation extends to all donors, whose remarkable contributions are chronicled in the Giving Review 2023. Through your boundless generosity, we are emboldened to continue our odyssey towards even greater impact. Professor Lily Kong PRESIDENT SINGAPORE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 04
GIVING REVIEW 2023 05 A brighter future begins with better-equipped leaders of today. We make this happen by ensuring that our students always have access to the resources and opportunities needed to explore avenues for growth and unleash their full potential. Our collective commitment empowers students through gifts of INSPIRATION, RESILIENCE, and EXPOSURE. Witness these outcomes as we shape promising futures and empower dreams of aspiring individuals. EMPOWERING STUDENTS BURSARIES/ STUDY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS GLOBAL EXPOSURE VALUES-DRIVEN EDUCATION
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 06 Cindy Karim (BBM, 2014) and Chayadi Karim (BBM, 2015) “We experienced some of the most formative years of our lives during our time at SMU and in Singapore, and we count ourselves very fortunate to be able to help provide this same opportunity to other aspiring Indonesian undergraduates.” Initiated by SMU alumni siblings Cindy Karim (BBM, 2014) and Chayadi Karim (BBM, 2015), the Karim family made the single largest alumni donation of S$2 million to set up the endowed Karim Family Foundation Scholarship at SMU. The siblings had a rewarding and enriching experience at SMU and sought to give back to their alma mater, which had played a crucial role in their life journey. Their contribution will provide bond-free scholarships to bright but financially challenged full-time undergraduate students from Indonesia, so that these students can benefit from the same quality education that the Karim siblings had. The siblings hope that these scholarships will spur these students towards greater heights of excellence despite adversity and financial hardship. INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS TO GREATER HEIGHTS INSPIRATION Professor Lily Kong accepting the cheque from the Karim family: Mdm Dewi Sukwanto, Mr Bachtiar Karim, Ms Cindy Karim and Mr Chayadi Karim at the gift ceremony held at SMU on 27 February 2023.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 07 SMU ALUMNA PAYS IT FORWARD The Tiffany Kuek Endowed Study Award was established through the generous contribution of SMU alumna Tiffany Kuek (BBM, 2015), with a $200,000 gift to her alma mater. Tiffany’s goal is to inspire bright undergraduate students with limited financial means to strive for academic excellence at SMU. Leveraging her success in venture capital investing, Tiffany founded Kapex Corporate, a corporate advisory and services firm, as well as GVRN, a legal-tech platform. She has also provided valuable guidance to numerous technology start-ups on strategies and fundraising. INSPIRATION Tiffany Kuek (BBM, 2015) “I believe that deserving students should be granted the opportunity to immerse themselves in their studies without the burden of financial concerns. Education is empowering not only for the student and his/her family, but also contributes to the broader advancement of society in the long run. I hope my donation serves as a stepping stone towards this collective transformation.”
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 08 LIGHTING A PATH OF HOPE FOR STUDENTS The KMVCL Scholarship is supported by alumni couple Kenny Mah (BSc(Econs), 2007) and Valerie Loh (BAcc, 2007), who both strongly believe that that no deserving student should be deprived of quality education due to financial considerations. Kenny and Valerie hope that the supported scholarship recipients will benefit from the same SMU experience the couple had and in turn be inspired to pay it forward in the future in their own ways. The KMVCL Scholarship marks the second gift from the couple, who initiated the first scholarship in 2016, which had aimed to support financially challenged or disadvantaged students pursuing an overseas exchange programme. Motivated by their philanthropy journey, they extended their support for their alma mater through the establishment of the KMVCL Scholarship in 2023 to assist fulltime Singaporean undergraduates at SMU facing financial challenges, illuminating a path of hope for students in need. INSPIRATION Kenny Mah and Valerie Loh with their children.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 09 “My time at SMU – collaborating, networking, managing a busy schedule, presenting requests and making proposals, sometimes to a C-suite level – really prepared me for life beyond the classroom; to be workplace-ready…SMU transformed who I was as a student, and the Enneagram programme has very much developed my sense of who I am. I’m happy to empower generations of bright students who lack financial opportunities, so that they can reach for their dreams and accomplish their goals in life.” Cindy Leong (BSocSc, 2011) INSPIRING LEARNING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM A visible change in student behaviour has been noticed through the ages, characterised by a shift in what they perceive as important. SMU alumna Cindy Leong (BSocSc, 2011) agrees, opining that students are “less practical and money-minded these days”, defining themselves through skills and opportunities beyond the classroom while making a positive social impact. Having experienced the full rigour of an SMU education, Ms Leong, an entrepreneur and founder of INSPIRATION The Enneagram Academy, believes SMU is the best place for students to further their dreams. To express her gratitude for the impactful time at SMU and in celebration of her company’s tenth anniversary, she has chosen to gift SMU with a generous donation of $300,000 to establish The Enneagram Academy Scholarship which assists full-time SMU undergraduates with financial need, in perpetuity. Through this endowed scholarship, she hopes to inspire students to pursue their dreams and achieve their life goals.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 10 SCIS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY Over 400 alumni, faculty members and students gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) in October 2023. The school’s transformation has been remarkable, transitioning from its humble beginnings as a building on the edge of the old Bukit Timah campus to becoming a highly sought-after school for computing and software engineering. With the rapid pace of technological advancement in recent years, the demand for business professionals with well-rounded expertise in tackling cyber threats and other cyber issues has increased. The growing trend of these knowledge areas within the IT field has resulted in heightened interest in enrolment at SCIS. As the enrolment at SCIS continues to grow, from less than 300 students in its early years to over 6,000 students and alumni currently, the school maintains a tight-knit, supportive community where students actively build and nurture strong bonds with alumni. Milestones to remember: (Clockwise from top left) Launch of the School of Information Systems at the Bukit Timah Campus led by Founding Dean, Professor Steve Miller (back row, fourth from left); first Commencement ceremony of the school; celebrating the 10th anniversary of the school in 2013; first batch of students in the SMU Master of IT in Business (MITB) programme. INSPIRATION
GIVING REVIEW 2023 11 MEANINGFUL TEACHING AND RESEARCH INITIATIVES – CIS DEAN IMPACT FUND To mark the inauguration of The College of Integrative Studies (CIS), the Dean Impact Fund has been established with the primary objective of directing resources towards impactful research and teaching initiatives. The CIS Dean Impact Fund continues to receive support from the broader SMU community, including staff and faculty. Contributions to the fund will play a crucial role in advancing various aspects of the college’s mission, focusing on initiatives related to undergraduate education, graduate development, and research and faculty development. Professor Elvin Lim, Dean of SMU’s College of Integrative Studies (CIS) (centre) with CIS students. INSPIRATION THE CIS DEAN IMPACT FUND – IMPACT AREAS UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND FACULTY DEVELOPMENT > Curriculum development > Student research > Student welfare > Support unpaid internships > Exchange programmes > Emergency grants > Graduate conferences > Field trips > Graduate Research > Research grants for faculty > Collaborative faculty research projects > Conferences and seminars > Visiting professors > Faculty welfare
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 12 RACE AND RAISE THE SMOO WAY SMOO Challenge is a bi-annual community-galvanising fundraising initiative aimed at enhancing physical and mental wellness through walking, running or cycling, whilst doing good. In a remarkable show of unity, the 2023 event saw 969 participants—including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public— cover a substantial distance of over 60,000km in 16 days and raise more than $617,000, far exceeding its initial goals of 53,000km and $530,000 respectively. The proceeds have gone towards the SMU Bursary Fund, which will provide much-needed bursaries to 75 financially disadvantaged SMU students. The success of SMOO Challenge 2023 underscores the indomitable OneSMU spirit, as well as the resilience and generosity of participants who have gone the extra mile—literally and metaphorically. RESILIENCE ACCOMPLISHED OVER 60,000km RAISED MORE THAN $617,000
GIVING REVIEW 2023 13 RESILIENCE SMU faculty, staff, alumni, students and public who came together as One SMU and contributed to the success of the SMOO Challenge.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 14 MORE FUNDING TO DO GOOD OVERSEAS Realstar Premier Group, a leading real estate agency in Singapore, has made a generous contribution of S$1,000,000 to establish the Realstar International Study Award and the Realstar Community Service Fund at SMU. This marks the largest donation to date for SMU’s overseas community service initiatives. The Realstar International Study Award will be offered annually to three full-time undergraduates from financially underprivileged backgrounds in Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This award provides an opportunity for the beneficiaries to receive a holistic educational experience at SMU. The Realstar Community Service Fund will aid SMU’s Centre for Social Responsibility (C4SR) by offering five years of grant assistance to full-time undergraduates engaged in community service projects. The fund includes two grants: an Overseas Community Service Project grant, supporting expenses for projects in Southeast Asian countries and Nepal; and a Local Community Service Project Grant, funding new projects in Singapore aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). EXPOSURE “Giving back to society has always been an important aspect at Realstar. SMU’s goals and beliefs are well-aligned with that of ours – to lend support to the less-privileged yet highly driven students. We believe that they should be given equal opportunities and access to a good education, and it is our hope that by supporting them, they will in turn reach out to the future generations and lend the financially needy a helping hand as well.” Mr Julian Yip MANAGING DIRECTOR OF REALSTAR PREMIER GROUP (From left to right): SMU President, Professor Lily Kong receiving the gift from Realstar Managing Director, Mr Julian Yip and Realstar Founder, Mr William Wong.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 15 EXPOSURE “As a venture capitalist, I have witnessed how venture capital has effectively funded disruptive innovations that fundamentally change the way we work and live. For Singapore to successfully engage the challenges of tomorrow, we must cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy, agile and skilled decisionmakers who can take the lead in navigating the turbulent and uncertain technological and economic landscape with sensitivity and wisdom.” Mr David Su FOUNDING MANAGING PARTNER OF MATRIX PARTNERS CHINA AND MEMBER OF SMU ENTERPRISE BOARD CULTIVATING EARLY-STAGE STARTUPS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS The Marina & David Su Protégé Ventures Fund II, the first contribution at SMU dedicated to student venture activities, has been launched by Protégé Ventures (PV), a student-managed venture fund programme under the SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE). This sector-agnostic fund of $500,000 backs early-stage technology start-ups founded by students or recent graduates from polytechnics or universities in Singapore who are seeking pre-seed to seed funding. Made possible by the generosity of Mr David Su, founding managing partner of leading venture capital firm Matrix Partners China and a member of the SMU Enterprise Board, the fund aims to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions in Singapore. Mr Su noted PV’s strong track record, affirming its position as a credible platform for investing in student start-ups. Established in 2017, the PV fund programme connects university innovations with venture capital funding, fostering collaboration among students across tertiary institutions. PV has achieved notable success since its inception. (From left to right): Sherwin Ng and Anaanya Bijay, Managing Partners of Protégé Ventures, Professor Lim Sun Sun, Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, SMU, Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, Mr David Su, Founding Managing Partner of Matrix Partners. OVER 7 YEARS, PROTÉGÉ VENTURES HAS ACHIEVED: TRAINING OF 251 STUDENTS EVALUATION OF 1,100 DEALS INVESTMENT OF S$265,000 IN 10 STUDENT START-UPS SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING OF S$35 MILLION BY THE START-UPS FROM NOTABLE INVESTORS
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 16 EXPOSURE UOB KAY HIAN GLOBAL SUMMER IMMERSION PROGRAMME The UOB Kay Hian Global Summer Immersion Programme was designed to facilitate cross-cultural learning and foster rapport among students from China and Singapore. This enriching experience was made possible through the generous support of Mr Wee Ee Chao and UOB Kay Hian. During the two-week programme, participants attended seminars on capital markets and engaged with industry representatives from various corporations and regulatory bodies. The programme, which included students from SMU alongside those from esteemed partner universities in China, fostered diverse perspectives and promoted collective learning. (Front row from left): Associate Professor of Accounting (Practice) Wang Jiwei and Dr Song Xuetao, Tianfeng Securities with participants of the UOB Kay Hian Global Summer Immersion Programme. Empowered by their educational experience, the 42 participants are now poised to make a positive impact both within the university and beyond. “The guest speakers’ knowledge and practical tips were truly inspiring. Through the UOB Kay Hian Global Summer Immersion, I gained a deeper interest in China’s capital markets and finance. It has clarified my career path, and I am now more determined to pursue a future in this field. Thank you for this life-changing experience!” - Ng Jia Yi, LKCSB Year 3 student
GIVING REVIEW 2023 17 EXPOSURE SMU-PEELI ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME The SMU-PEELI Entrepreneurship Programme is a collaboration between the SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) and the Jiangsu Tao Shing Pee Education Foundation (Tao Foundation). The Tao Foundation was founded and funded by Singapore entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr Tao Shing Pee and his wife, Mdm Liu Kwan Li to connect students in Singapore and China in an entrepreneurship community. Geared towards cultivating entrepreneurship, the programme selects up to 15 SMU students annually to engage in a reciprocal exchange between Singapore and China. SMU students travel to China to share their entrepreneurial skills with fellow Tao students, visit incubation centres, and explore the Chinese entrepreneurship ecosystem. Conversely, Tao students hosted in Singapore experience learning in SMU from top academics and practitioners. Programme highlights include visits to start-ups, innovation and entrepreneurship-related centres and a business plan competition. PEELI participants in SMU during their two weeks’ immersion in Singapore. SMU students at an engagement session with the founder of Nowwa Coffee, Mr Guo Xingjun at the Nowwa HQ in Shanghai. Study visit to Xiao Dang Jia’s (小当家集团) office in Nanjing.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS 18 SMU-WISENET ASIA GLOBAL IMMERSION PROGRAMME WiseNet Asia, a leading HR firm, and SMU have joined forces to launch the SMU-WiseNet Asia Global Immersion Programme. This strategic partnership aims to forge a stronger bond and promote cultural exchange between university students from China and Singapore. The proposed initiative, which will span five years, offers students from China an immersive experience in Singapore’s business ecosystem, gaining insights in areas such as the start-up and entrepreneurship scene, digital transformation and sustainability issues in business, and skill sets relevant to starting a business. The students get to engage Singaporean youths and business owners, fostering networks that may lead to potential collaborations and the creation of startups. EXPOSURE
GIVING REVIEW 2023 19 EXPOSURE “It’s about us – SMU alumni – working together to achieve the goal of improving SMU’s standing and reputation in Southeast Asia. The more we contribute to the Southeast Asia Exchange Award, the more students we can bring to SMU on exchange, and the more we make an impact on the region as a result.” Mr Tee Yock Siong, SMU ALUMNUS (BBM AND BSC (ECON), 2006) AMPLIFYING SMU REPUTATIONALLY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA SMU alumnus Tee Yock Siong (BBM and BSc (Econ), 2006) is leading an innovative effort to strengthen SMU’s recognition across Southeast Asia. Through his endowed gift, the SMU Southeast Asia Exchange Award will provide one award annually, in perpetuity, to a fulltime undergraduate from Southeast Asian universities to partake in a semester-long exchange programme at SMU. Inspired by his own enriching time at SMU, Yock Siong believes that the financial support provided by the award will allow these overseas beneficiaries to focus on their immersive SMU experience, thereby cultivating enthusiastic ambassadors who will hopefully share positive memories about SMU to their friends upon their return to their home countries. Yock Siong emphasises the importance of alumni collaboration in achieving the shared objective. His initial contribution kickstarted the initiative, inviting fellow alumni to join in amplifying SMU’s impact across the Southeast Asian region.
CREATING KNOWLEDGE 20 Driven by the goal of providing our students and stakeholders with dynamic learning experiences and valuable insights, we focus on enhancing our academic resources and strengthening our partnerships with regional and global communities. This ensures that our research continues to be impactful and pertinent in developing innovative, Asia-focused solutions to address societal issues across academia, business, government, and society. CREATING KNOWLEDGE
GIVING REVIEW 2023 21 FELLOWSHIPS INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES CHAIRS WORLD-CLASS FACULTY
CREATING KNOWLEDGE 22 PROFESSORSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS & LECTURE SERIES PROFESSORSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS Professorships and Fellowships at SMU help the University to attract top-tier faculty by providing an avenue for recruiting the best minds, the most creative researchers, and the most engaging teachers. This in turn attracts the brightest students to the University and creates valuable experiences for them. More than just a form of recognition, Professorships and Fellowships expand our collective knowledge and guide us toward the best solutions for economic and social issues in our nation and region. LECTURE SERIES Our Lecture Series provides faculty members with a platform to share enriching discourse that explores current issues and resolutions around their areas of research and teaching. They are also an avenue for fellow academics to learn from one another and aid in creating broader awareness for SMU’s renowned pedagogy and leading-edge research. Each lecture series provides opportunities for communication and engagement with wider audiences such as governments, industries, and even the public.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 23 The Allen & Gledhill Fund was established to bolster the efforts of Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) in creating impactful programmes and opportunities for legal education and research. These initiatives include scholarship, exposure grant, legal writing programme and visiting scholars programme. The Visiting Scholars programme, in particular, aims to support YPHSL’s legal research endeavours and contribute to areas of strategic and/or emerging interests. It also seeks to promote interactions and collaborations with YPHSL faculty on legal and interdisciplinary research. EMPOWERING FUTURE LEADERS IN LAW (From left to right): Associate Professor of Law Jason Grant Allen, Director, Centre for AI and Data Governance; Professor Felix Chang, Co-Director, Corporate Law Center, University of Cincinnati College of Law and Professor of Law Yip Man, Associate Dean, SMU Yong Pung How School of Law at a seminar organised in collaboration with SMU Centre for AI and Data Governance (CAIDG) and Allen & Gledhill LLP. The first Allen & Gledhill Visiting Professor, Professor Felix Chang, Co-Director of the Corporate Law Center at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, visited SMU in August 2023. During his visit, Professor Chang engaged the SMU community in a discussion on U.S. antitrust interventions against platform monopolies. Additionally, he conducted an internal research methodology workshop, addressing the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research collaboration with scholars from various disciplines. The sessions fostered a vibrant discussion among colleagues across the SMU community.
CREATING KNOWLEDGE 24 GLOBAL ACCLAIM FOR SMU FACULTY Professor Winston Chow from the SMU College of Integrative Studies has become the first Singaporean to be elected as Co-Chair of Working Group II within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) Cycle Bureau. A Professor of Urban Climate and Lee Kong Chian Fellow at SMU, Professor Chow will play an active role in shaping the work of AR7 which will inform global climate action. His notable research on urban climate change risk and vulnerability and urban climatology with a focus on heat island adaptation and mitigation forms an integral part of his academic contributions. Since 2017, Professor Chow has led as Principal Investigator for the multi-institute Cooling Singapore Initiative, dedicated to providing solutions to the urban heat challenge. Professor Chow’s election to the top UN climate body and ongoing research in climate adaptation align with SMU’s strategic priority of Sustainable Living. This focus aims to position SMU as a thought leader and solution partner in managing environmental change, contributing to sustainable urban living, advancing resource sustainability, and improving quality of life. “My goal is to enable humans and intelligent agents to collaborate effectively, safely, inclusively, and responsibly, thereby contributing to societal betterment.” Professor David Lo SMU SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (SCIS) Professor Winston Chow SMU COLLEGE OF INTEGRATIVE STUDIES “I’ve been fortunate to work on my climate research here in SMU, while educating our students on what can be done to enable climate solutions as they face a complex world after they graduate. I’m proud not just to represent Singapore in leading global climate discussions, but also to represent the SMU vision of making an impact globally.”
GIVING REVIEW 2023 25 Professor David Lo from the SMU School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) has been honoured as a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Professor Lo is currently OUB Chair Professor of Computer Science and the Director of the Information Systems & Technology Cluster at SMU’s SCIS. ACM, the largest professional computing organisation, is renowned for the Turing Award, the ‘Nobel Prize in Computing’. ACM Fellows, considered the most esteemed member grade, are inducted each year for SMU Associate Professor of Finance Hao Liang’s significant contributions in sustainable finance have earned him the prestigious Ho Bee Professorship in Sustainability Management. With over 10 articles published on various topics in sustainable finance, Professor Liang’s expertise extends beyond academia to consulting for financial institutions and companies in Singapore and China. His most recent paper, Responsible Hedge Funds (published in the Review of Finance) examines the performance of hedge funds that adhere to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment. He reveals insights into their underperformance compared to traditional funds. This paper was co-authored with Associate Professor Lin Sun of the Fanhai International School of Finance at Fudan University and Professor Melvyn Teo, Professor of Finance and Deputy Dean of SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business. Presently engaged in research on “greenwashing”, Professor Liang aims to develop an Impact-Weighted Accounts Framework (IWAF). This comprehensive framework aims to transparently assess and monetise the overall environmental impact of businesses, facilitating informed decision-making in investments and loans. Hao Liang’s academic journey began during the global financial crisis, prompting his switch to academia and his journey into exploring the role of finance in navigating economic challenges and promoting sustainability. “I began to think deeper about the role of finance and consider how finance could be a tool to serve society and how it can play a role in promoting sustainability.” Associate Professor Hao Liang SMU SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY their transformative contributions to computing science and technology. Professor Lo is among the 68 new Fellows worldwide recognised for their groundbreaking work, and is the fourth academic in Singapore (and one of four researchers in Asia) to receive this honour. Professor Lo’s research focuses on human-centred solutions for the intelligent systems-enabled future of work, aiming to foster effective collaboration between humans and intelligent agents for societal betterment.
CREATING KNOWLEDGE 26 The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) is a biennial SMU startup challenge in Singapore which is organised by the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE). Named after Singapore’s visionary founding Prime Minister, the competition embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity in the University. As an innovation hub, SMU continues to attract world-class university start-ups to compete in the LKYGBPC. The event offers a platform where entrepreneurial minds can showcase their groundbreaking ideas. Participants compete for awards in diverse categories tailored to tackle different aspects of 21stcentury entrepreneurial challenges. Some of the awards include the Zhang Fan Global AI Initiative Award, which recognises startups harnessing AI to address pressing global issues, and the Sembcorp Greennovation Award, presented to the most innovative solution with the potential to drive decarbonisation. Besides Mr Zhang Fan and Sembcorp Industries Ltd, generous contributions from partners including KSF Beverage Holding (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Maybank Singapore Limited, Natwest Development (Pte) Limited, OUE Limited and Sage Partners Pte Ltd enhanced the vibrancy and success of the competition. By convening the brightest minds to tackle critical issues in entrepreneurship, SMU continues to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation in deep tech. PAVING THE WAY FOR BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS 11TH LKYGBPC IN NUMBERS RECORD-BREAKING SUBMISSIONS 31 Prize Winners Over 3,600 participants from over 1,000 universities across 77 countries >1,100 Attended LKYBGPC Events The eight grand finalists of the 11th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 27 LIST OF PROFESSORSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS & LECTURE SERIES PROFESSORSHIPS AXA CHAIR PROFESSOR OF CYBERSECURITY Professor Robert Deng Huijie School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University CELIA MOH CHAIR PROFESSOR Professor Phang Sock Yong School of Economics Singapore Management University JANICE BELLACE PROFESSOR Professor Heli Wang Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University JONES DAY PROFESSOR OF COMMERCIAL LAW Professor Kim Kon Sik Seoul National University LEE KONG CHIAN CHAIR PROFESSOR Professor Cheng Qiang Dean, School of Accountancy Singapore Management University Professor Lily Kong President, Singapore Management University Professor, School of Social Sciences Professor Chandran Kukathas Dean, School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Professor Pang Hwee Hwa Dean, School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University LEE KONG CHIAN PROFESSOR Visiting Professor Samuel Becher Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Professor Shantanu Bhattacharya Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Professor David Chan School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Professor Chen Xia School of Accountancy Singapore Management University Professor Gokhan Ertug Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Professor Nirmalya Kumar Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Professor Li Jia School of Economics Singapore Management University Professor Filip Lievens Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Professor Archan Misra School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Visiting Professor Sandy Steel Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Professor Tang Hang Wu Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Professor Melvyn Teo Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Professor Kapil Tuli Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Professor Yu Jun School of Economics Singapore Management University Professor Zhang Liandong School of Accountancy Singapore Management University MPA VISITING PROFESSORSHIP IN MARITIME BUSINESS Martin Jes Iverson Vice Dean of International Education Copenhagen Business School OUB CHAIR PROFESSOR OF FINANCE Professor David Lo School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University RICHARD HU VISITING PROFESSORSHIP Lukas Schmid Professor of Finance and Business Economics University of Southern California TOMMIE GOH VISITING PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS Visiting Professor Martin Kilduff Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Visiting Professor Marcin Kacperczyk Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University V3 GROUP PROFESSORSHIP IN FAMILY ENTREPRENEURSHIP Professor Yip Man Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University YONG PUNG HOW PROFESSORSHIP IN LAW Professor Yeo Tiong Min Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University
CREATING KNOWLEDGE 28 FELLOWSHIPS BNP PARIBAS FELLOW OF FINANCE Associate Professor Mandy Tham Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University DELLA SUANTIO FELLOW Assistant Professor Ng Shaphan School of Accountancy Singapore Management University D.S. LEE FOUNDATION FELLOW Assistant Professor Jerrold Soh Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University IAN R. TAYLOR FELLOWSHIP Associate Professor Jacob Ricks School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University JUBILEE TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP Professor Tan Ah Hwee School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University LEE KONG CHIAN FELLOW Assistant Professor Cao Yixin School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Cheng Cheng School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Associate Professor Cheng Chi-Ying School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Kenny Chng Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Associate Professor Cho Young Jun School of Accountancy Singapore Management University Associate Professor Adeline Chong Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Associate Professor Winston Chow College of Integrative Studies Singapore Management University Professor Maartje De Visser Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Associate Professor Ding Xuhua School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Dean Dulay School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Kimin Eom School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Associate Professor Gao Debin School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Professor Henry Gao Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Gao Yang School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Associate Professor Aurelio Gurrea-Martinez Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Matthew Hammerton School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Aljoscha Janssen School of Economics Singapore Management University Professor Jiang Lingxiao School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Associate Professor Devin Joshi School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Professor Takashi Kunimoto School of Economics Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Lau Kwan Ho Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Associate Professor Hady Lauw School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Lee Seulki School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Associate Professor Li Jiangtao School of Economics Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Li Yuchen School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Associate Professor Alwyn Lim School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Associate Professor Lin An-Ping School of Accountancy Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Liu Jiaqi School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Associate Professor Lou Yun School of Accountancy Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Ma Lin School of Economics Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Mei Yuan School of Economics Singapore Management University
GIVING REVIEW 2023 29 Associate Professor Ngoei Wen-Qing College of Integrative Studies Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Yasmin Ortiga School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Distinguished Term Professor Peter Charles Bonest Phillips School of Economics Singapore Management University Associate Professor Alvin See Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Charlotte Setijadi School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Kenneth Tan School of Social Sciences Singapore Management University Professor Tham Chee Ho Yong Pung How School of Law Singapore Management University Associate Professor Terry Van Gevelt College of Integrative Studies Singapore Management University Associate Professor Wang Hai School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Wang Yong School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Associate Professor Fiona Williamson College of Integrative Studies Singapore Management University Associate Professor Orlando Woods College of Integrative Studies Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Xie Xiaofei School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Associate Professor Yang Guomin School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Professor Yue Heng School of Accountancy Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Zhang Xuan School of Economics Singapore Management University LEE KUAN YEW FELLOW Professor Jiang Lingxiao School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University Professor Pradeep Varakantham School of Computing and Information Systems Singapore Management University MPA FELLOW IN MARITIME BUSINESS Associate Professor Marcus Ang Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Joyce Low Lee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University LECTURE SERIES Dentons Rodyk Dialogue Forging a Path to Excellence: The Singapore Experience Various Speakers Herbert-Smith Freehills-SMU Asian Arbitration Lecture Constraints on the Engagement of State-Owned Enterprises in Mediation and Arbitration Professor Andrea K. Bjorklund Professor of Law & L. Yves Fortier Chair in International Arbitration and International Commercial Law McGill University Ho Rih Hwa Leadership Lecture Series In Conversation with the Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Arden Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Lien Fung’s Colloquium Work Pray Code – When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley Carolyn Chen Professor of Ethnic Studies University of California, Berkeley The Annual Ikeda Peace and Harmony Lecture Achieving Peace Among the Major Powers Jeffrey D. Sachs University Professor Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development Columbia University The Ngee Ann Kongsi Annual Lecture Series Does Disability Really Make Us Worse Off? Linda Barclay Associate Professor of Philosophy Monash University, Australia
IMPACTING COMMUNITIES 30 IMPACTING COMMUNITIES At our core, we desire to make a positive impact by actively working with partners locally and globally to inspire actionable solutions and pilot real-world strategies to communities around us. Our collaborative approach in creating an impact will continually propel us forward to our next step and a better future.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 31 KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS APPLIED RESEARCH
IMPACTING COMMUNITIES 32 Standard Chartered Bank has partnered with SMU’s Lien Centre for Social Innovation to launch the Women in Entrepreneurship Incubator. The bank’s donation of US$300,000 to the university aims to support female entrepreneurship focused on achieving social impact. The incubator will provide current and aspiring female entrepreneurs with access to training, mentoring and seed funding. The incubator was launched in response to significant barriers faced by female entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, including limited mentorship, networking opportunities and funding. According to a 2020 International Finance Corporation (IFC) report, women receive only 8% of venture capital funding despite constituting 30% of the region’s entrepreneurs. With the Women in Entrepreneurship Incubator, a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem will be achieved by providing tailored support and resources for female-led start-ups. Between October 2023 and March 2024, an incubation programme will be offered to a maximum of 20 female entrepreneurs from 10 start-ups, ultimately leading to the provision of seed funding. SOCIAL IMPACT THROUGH FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP 30% OF THE ENTREPRENEURS IN THE REGION ARE WOMEN WOMEN ONLY RECEIVE 8% VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDING
GIVING REVIEW 2023 33 ON A MISSION TO RAISE FOOD SECURITY Food security is a prevalent problem in today’s world, affecting developing countries like India and even food secure nations like Singapore. SMU Lien Centre for Social Innovation (LCSI) found that in a study published in the Hunger report in 2020, an estimated 1 in 10 households in Singapore were not confident of having “economic and physical access to sufficient, acceptable food for a healthy life”. The issue of food insecurity across the world has prompted the Citi Foundation to set up the Global Innovation Challenge (GIC). This two-year grant identifies and provides philanthropic support to community organisations aiding social and economic challenges facing low-income communities. Each recipient of this challenge has been granted US$500,000 to support programming across four key areas: food access, availability, affordability, and community resilience. Innovations can range from piloting new technology to launching apps to address food supply and demand. SMU LCSI has the privilege of being the only recipient from Singapore among 50 organisations that have been granted a total of US$25 million in Citi’s inaugural GIC. LCSI will use the grant to develop an applied research and trial project, beginning from January 2024. The research aims to address the root causes of food insecurity across local marginalised communities, with the objective of improving their access to food and reducing the financial burden to vulnerable families. Tibor Pandi CITI COUNTRY OFFICER FOR SINGAPORE “Citi’s mission is to enable growth and progress to our clients and the community, and that commitment has been guiding us in making a positive difference in Singapore since 1902. Through this inaugural Global Innovation Challenge, we will leverage on Citi Foundation’s philanthropic capital to help SMU develop and scale innovative ideas that contribute towards addressing food insecurity issues in Singapore.”
IMPACTING COMMUNITIES 34 SMU received a generous $2.5 million gift from UOB, further solidifying the long-standing partnership between the two institutions and underscoring UOB’s dedication and support for the UOB-SMU Asian Enterprise Institute (UOB-SMU AEI). To date, the bank has contributed over $10 million in cumulative donations to SMU. Since its establishment in 2005, UOB-SMU AEI has been conducting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Consulting Programme (SCP). The programme engages SMU students in business consultancy projects with local enterprises, fostering real-world applications of classroom concepts. Throughout the years, more than 800 projects have been completed, involving FOSTERING INNOVATION AND GROWTH: UOB-SMU’S COLLABORATIVE JOURNEY EMPOWERING SMEs AND STUDENTS Mr Wee Ee Cheong DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, UOB “Over the years, the UOB-SMU Asian Enterprise Institute has supported SMEs in their business growth and regional expansion as well as provided students with the opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical real-world issues. As SMEs adapt to the fastchanging external environment, it is increasingly important for them to build resilience and new capabilities, and the Institute will continue to offer expertise to support them.” nearly 2,900 undergraduate and postgraduate students and benefitting over 670 SMEs. With the recently acquired funding, UOB-SMU AEI plans to introduce an SME Leadership Programme, targeting the annual training of 50 SME leaders in areas such as digital transformation, regional expansion, and succession planning. The programme will be conducted across three Southeast Asian countries in 2024. To further contribute valuable knowledge and inspiration for SMEs and enrich SMU’s training materials, the institute will develop case studies on SMEs that have undergone leadership transition, innovation in their core business and/or successfully expanded regionally. SMU President Professor Lily Kong (left) receives a gift of SGD $2.5million from UOB Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wee Ee Cheong.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 35 SMU BUSINESS FAMILIES INSTITUTE MARKS A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE The SMU Business Families Institute (BFI) commemorated its 10th anniversary with a conference, “From Succession Planning to Legacy Building” to acknowledge and express gratitude to business families for their support over the past decade. Launched in 2013 as Southeast Asia’s first regional business-family-centric institute, BFI serves as an educational, engagement and research platform that brings together business families in Asia. The institute addresses issues specific to business like family governance, succession, and philanthropy. The anniversary conference brought together academics, family-business leaders and industry experts, including a diverse panel of next-generation leaders who have combined wisdom passed down through generations with their unique vision and entrepreneurial spirit, and infused these qualities into their ventures. In her speech, SMU President Professor Lily Kong illustrated BFI’s commitment to its mission by citing the Family Entrepreneurship Programme, a BFI flagship that equips participants with critical tools and develops their mindsets to undertake challenges related to family entrepreneurship. In his keynote speech, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founding Chairman, SMU Board of Trustees highlighted the unprecedented challenges for Asia’s business families. He emphasised the need for next-generation leaders to innovate and transform legacies in response to a complex global environment. (Left to Right) Academic Director, BFI, Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship Kenneth Goh; Senior Advisor, BFI, Professor Emeritus of Finance Annie Koh; Dean, Lee Kong Chian School of Business Professor Bert De Reyck; Founding Chairman, SMU Board of Trustees Mr Ho Kwon Ping and SMU President Professor Lily Kong. Mr Ho Kwon Ping FOUNDING CHAIRMAN, SMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES “The challenge of every nextgen leader of a business family is that you have to invigorate it, you have to change and innovate, you have to transform it so that the legacy you leave is not just a legacy – it is a transformation of a legacy to meet the needs of a new environment.”
IMPACTING COMMUNITIES 36 SMU honours the visionary contributions of SMU Trustee Dato’ Kho Hui Meng with the unveiling of his latest gift, “The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal” by Sir Grayson Perry. The momentous occasion celebrates the role of art in challenging norms, stimulating dialogue, and reflecting societal complexities. Dato’ Kho intends for his latest gift to add vibrancy to the College of Integrative Studies (CIS) and to promote dialogue and lively debates among CIS students. Dato’ Kho Hui Meng’s discerning eye has graced SMU’s campus with a remarkable collection of artworks: “Sitting on History” by Bill Woodrow, “Arc” by Bernar Venet, “Bright Idea” by Michael Craig-Morton, and “Untitled” by Rotraut. These pieces leave a lasting imprint on students’ educational journeys, inspiring them to confront future challenges. His visionary gifts extend beyond art into education through scholarships, programmes, and SMU’s career centre for students, which proudly bears his name. THE ART OF INSPIRING STUDENTS Professor Lily Kong PRESIDENT, SMU “As educators, this (art) is similar to what we hope to do, to fire the curiosity and imagination in our students… 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.” SMU President Professor Lily Kong (right) receives the vibrant painting, “The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal” by Sir Grayson Perry from SMU Board of Trustees member, Dato’ Kho Hui Meng.
GIVING REVIEW 2023 37 VENTURING INTO NEW HORIZONS SMU advances its mission of fostering knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration with the opening of its second Overseas Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The SMU Overseas Centre Bangkok (OCB) will facilitate SMU’s initiatives in Thailand, leveraging the university’s expertise to cultivate local networks and forge collaborations. It aligns with SMU’s Vision 2025 to strengthen its presence in Asia and contribute to the region’s social and economic development. The centre, serving as SMU’s “embassy” in Thailand, will focus on student exchanges, experiential learning, executive development, and leadership events. Led by Centre Director Ms Celine Kuok, OCB aims to empower individuals and sectors in Thailand through strategic partnerships and transformative education. In conjunction with the OCB launch ceremony, the SMU-Bangkok Bank Industry Leaders Dialogue was held and the panel discussed artificial intelligence (AI) as a current digital phenomenon and its implications on businesses in the region. (Left to right): Striking the gong to launch the SMU Overseas Centre Bangkok on 27 October 2023 were Professor Lily Kong, SMU President; Mr Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, SMU Trustee and Group CEO of Frasers Property Limited; Guest of Honour Dr Krissanapong Kirtikara, Former Deputy Minister of Education & Chairman, Kasetsart University Council; Mr Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Chair of SMU International Advisory Council Thailand and President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited; Mr Alexander Lim, Charge d’Affaires ad interim, Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Bangkok and Professor Lim Sun Sun, Vice President, Partnerships and Engagement, SMU.
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