The importance of embracing governance in higher education

By the SMU Corporate Communications team

04 Sep 2024

In an era where universities need to continuously innovate to deliver transformative education, robust regulations and ethics are critical enablers to maintaining integrity and effectiveness. Recognising the important role that governance and accountability play in shaping the future of educational excellence, Singapore Management University (SMU) Executive Development (ExD) organised a programme dedicated to enhancing higher education governance that commenced on 27 August 2024.

Themed "Enhancing Governing Capacity ", the in-person programme took place on SMU campus over two and a half days and was attended by 80 academic and administration leaders from Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). Through insightful sessions, participants gained an overview of the governance of universities in Singapore and around the world, how to implement digital transformation in higher education, as well as the roles of leadership and organisational culture in driving meaningful change.

SMU President, Prof Lily Kong, in her closing remarks to programme participants, said, "I would like to acknowledge the pivotal meeting with Dr Vu Hai Quan, Chancellor of VNU-HCM, during my visit to Ho Chi Minh City in April for the launch of our Overseas Centre there. That meeting was a testament to the strong and growing relationship between our two institutions. It laid the groundwork for this collaborative programme and highlighted our shared vision for advancing higher education in our respective regions."

Encouraging participants to apply the knowledge and experiences gained from the programme to their respective roles at VNU-HCM, Prof Kong commented, "Do keep in mind that governance is not just about policies and procedures; it is about fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It is about empowering your colleagues and students to embrace change and strive for excellence in everything they do."

Facilitated by thought leaders and faculty members with a rich diversity of industry experience, participants had plentiful opportunities during each session to exchange insights, best practices and strategic roadmaps for building rigorous governance frameworks. Speakers included Danny Bielik, President of Digital Education Council and Anjali Kapoor, Founder of Alt Key Theory, as well as members of the SMU community such as Viet Anh Vu, Ho Chi Minh City Overseas Centre Director, Associate Professor Eugene Tan from Yong Pung How School of Law, Yeun Yeun Lim, Deputy Director of Treasury & Governance and James Foo, Senior Associate Director (Technology Enhanced Learning & Innovation), Centre for Teaching Excellence.

In a nod to how the educational landscape is being increasingly reshaped by the meteoric rise of generative AI, the programme included a focus on how digital transformation impacts user behaviour, as well as the digital trends driving change in higher education. By exploring the importance of data in informing decision-making, optimising processes and enhancing student outcomes, participants gained food for thought in terms of setting up a compelling central vision for culture change within the university.

They also learnt about creating operational excellence and process frameworks crucial for successful digital transformation. Furthermore, they gained practical applications of transformative mindsets and behaviours necessary to implement collaborative governance within the institution.

"It was an honour partnering with VNU ILEAD to design the first edition of this programme and welcoming the distinguished leaders of VNU-HCMC," said François Bogacz, Programme Director, SMU ExD. "We had a fruitful conversation and it was exciting to see the deep engagement from participants during the programme. We hope to continue our efforts in supporting their growth as leaders who effect meaningful change."

Photo credit: SMU