SMU ushers in Academic Year 2024-25 with a celebration of Talent, Diversity and Impact

By the SMU Corporate Communications team

26 Aug 2024

Singapore Management University (SMU) welcomed its 25th cohort of about 2,400 freshmen for the Academic Year 2024/25 on Monday, 19 August 2024.

The SMU Academic Year Opening celebration was held on 16 Aug at the SMU Hall. About 580 guests comprising SMU Board of Trustees, senior management, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, freshmen (undergraduates and post-graduates) and student leaders ushered in the new Academic Year with a Grand Procession, a gala dinner, and themed student performances.

In his speech, SMU Chairman Mr Piyush Gupta said, "Consider the prism. It does not change the light that enters it but rather reveals its full spectrum. Similarly, our role at SMU is not to change who you are but to help you discover and develop the myriad of talents and strengths you already possess. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, a future policymaker, or a social innovator, our programmes are designed to help you shine in your own unique way."

In her speech, SMU President Professor Lily Kong said, "Impact, the theme of this event, is core to what we do at SMU. We strive to instill in our students a sense of responsibility towards society. Through community service, social innovation, and ethical leadership, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world." She encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead by engaging deeply with their studies, participating in campus life, and contributing to the community because each experience "will add a new dimension" to their education and help them discover "new strengths and capabilities."

Several student groups showcased their talents at the gala dinner, with performances curated in celebration of the remarkable capabilities and multi-faceted nature of human intelligence.

Enhancements to Core Curriculum and courses

From AY2024/2025, undergraduates will benefit from an enriched educational experience with SMU's enhanced Core Curriculum graduation requirements. The enhanced SMU Core Curriculum aligns with the University's strategic priorities of Digital Transformation, Sustainable Living and Growth in Asia, nurturing graduates who are adept at addressing the realities of modern economies and societies.

In addition, the University continues to ramp up its offering of SMU-X courses in the new academic year, with at least 55 SMU-X courses that undergraduates across all years can choose from. New SMU-X courses include a focus on interdisciplinary topics, such as 'Forecasting and Forensic Analytics', offered by School of Accountancy. Beyond Singapore, students will have the opportunity to travel and work on exciting projects with our overseas partner organisations located in Belgium, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The University will be working with at least 100 local and overseas partners across the public, private and NGO sectors to roll out the SMU-X courses through the academic year.

Freshmen Orientation 2024

To set the stage for an enriching university life, SMU Freshmen Orientation 'SMUtopia' offered a valuable platform for incoming students to cultivate new friendships and immerse themselves in the vibrant SMU culture. The programme provided many interactive and bonding opportunities, where freshmen navigated campus grounds and took part in engaging games centred around the SMU CIRCLE values. Held over three days with three sessions in July and early August, Freshmen Orientation catered to a total of 1,600 freshmen. The orientation also involved 41 passionate student organisers, over 200 student facilitators, game masters and staff trainers who were crucial in ensuring the orientation's success.

Watch highlights of Freshmen Orientation here.

Vivace 2024

Vivace, SMU's annual CCA fair, held on 15 and 16 August, was a resounding success with 37 sponsors, attracting over 3,200 attendees across both days. This year's event featured more than 150 clubs, ranging from sports and performing arts to community service, entrepreneurship, and international student organisations. The event was packed with energy, showcasing thrilling CCA performances, interactive booths, and engaging fringe activities, including Vivace Lucky Draw, mini games and a photobooth. Attendees also enjoyed a diverse array of culinary delights from more than five food stations.

Vivace was certainly a vibrant and engaging platform for students to discover new interests, build connections and find a sense of belonging within SMU. Along with many programmes planned for the coming months, SMU strives to offer a well-rounded and impactful learning experience for its diverse student body.