Provost

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Singapore Management University (SMU)! Congratulations on your admission. We are thrilled that you have chosen our university as the starting point for your exciting journey ahead.

SMU is an extraordinary place that offers a unique and vibrant academic environment. Our core values, commitment to academic excellence, and diverse community contribute to making SMU a truly exceptional university. Our beautiful campus, located in the heart of the city, provides the perfect backdrop for your educational experience. We want you to make the most of your time at SMU and take advantage of all the opportunities available to you.

We put every effort into offering a quality education, as you experienced during the SMU Open House and the modified admissions process. Our dynamic and agile approach ensures that you will enjoy a fully rounded undergraduate experience of uncompromised quality, regardless of what the future holds.

At SMU, we are dedicated to helping you develop into a well-rounded individual. Through our comprehensive undergraduate curriculum and vibrant student life, we strive to cultivate the SMU Graduate Learning Outcomes in each of you. We want you to think broadly and deeply, sharpen intellectual and creative skills, develop interpersonal skills, foster global citizenship, and demonstrate personal mastery.

The SMU Core Curriculum, consisting of twelve carefully selected credit units (CUs), will be the starting point of your journey towards becoming a well-rounded SMU graduate. It also serves as a platform for students across all disciplines to connect and bond through a shared intellectual experience. The Core Curriculum focuses on three pillars: Capabilities, Communities, and Civilisations.

One of the unique aspects of SMU is the opportunity to pursue a second major. You have the freedom to choose a second major from any of SMU's schools, allowing you to curate your academic experience according to your interests. With over 300 combinations available, you are sure to find a combination that intellectually excites you. Upon completion of your degree programme, both majors will be recognised on your transcript.

To promote multi-disciplinary learning, we have introduced the Exploratory Course scheme. This scheme encourages you to venture beyond your major and explore classes outside your usual sphere of interest without affecting your cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA). It is the perfect chance to challenge yourself and expand your horizons.

Our campus experience is constantly evolving, ensuring that you have access to the most up-to-date resources. Recently, we launched a seven-storey multi-use building which added significant high quality teaching, learning, research and faculty space to our footprint. Together with the rest of the campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art learning spaces, collaborative zones, and industry engagement opportunities.

Diversity is at the heart of SMU. With a global community of students, faculty, and staff representing over 50 countries, we celebrate a wide range of perspectives. As travel conditions improved, we are excited to reinstate the full range of opportunities for global exposure. Participating in global exposure programmes is a graduation requirement, guaranteeing a broad intercultural experience and a comprehensive understanding of thriving in a global environment.

We strongly believe in the value of community service and internships. Engaging in community service allows you to make a difference in humanitarian causes and develop a greater awareness of important issues. Internships provide invaluable insights into your future career choices and often lead to job offers even before graduation. In fact, 70% of our students secure job offers through their internships.

Preparing you for the working world is one of our top priorities. We have a dedicated career centre and a range of initiatives to equip you with the necessary skills and guidance for your career journey. From career skills programmes to personalised counseling and networking opportunities, we will support you every step of the way.

Beyond academics, SMU offers over 120 co-curricular activities (CCAs) for you to explore and participate in. Whether your interests lie in sports, performing and visual arts, community service, entrepreneurship, or international engagement, we have a wide array of options for personal growth. These CCAs also provide essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management.

Your co-curricular involvement culminates in a Co-Curricular Transcript. This groundbreaking transcript, the first of its kind in Singapore, complements your academic transcript by showcasing the activities you have participated in and the skillsets you have developed. Embrace this opportunity to deepen your learning, enhance self-awareness, and celebrate your multifaceted growth through earning digital badges for your achievements.

Creating a respectful and supportive community is our priority. We value the dignity and well-being of all members of our university. If you ever need assistance or want to discuss any concerns, please reach out to Voices@SMU. Additionally, we have implemented an online education module focused on consent and respect to foster a culture of safety and respect within the SMU community.

You have chosen well in coming to SMU and you are now beginning a remarkable journey here. As you make further choices – of courses, student clubs and more – choose well, for the opportunities you pursue here have likely to set your direction for the future. I hope you enjoy every step on your SMU learning adventure.