SMU launched SMU China in Shenzhen on 22 October 2026. The University’s first centre in China, SMU China extends SMU’s regional presence beyond Southeast Asia, complementing its centres in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Four memoranda of understanding were signed at the launch ceremony, with ‘Go Global’ Global Service Centre; Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation; CIIC International Business Development Co. Ltd.; and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shenzhen. The launch also featured a panel discussion themed ‘Connecting China and ASEAN: Building a Double Gateway for Innovation, Talent and Opportunity’, with Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Singapore; SMU alumnus Xu Zhihao, CEO of Geely Technology Group and a member of the SMU International Advisory Council China; and SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan.
In his welcome remarks, SMU Chairman Piyush Gupta said that Asia is helping to shape the next phase of global growth, and universities that aspire to understand and contribute to Asia's future must be present where that change is taking place. He noted that Shenzhen brings together leading technology companies, research institutions and entrepreneurs. SMU President Professor Lily Kong summed up the centre's role in three words: connect, create and contribute. Prof Kong said, "SMU brings together management, the social sciences and technology. What we care about most is preparing people who are Asia-ready: who do not simply know about Asia, but can work across it, understanding its markets, its systems and its people. The Greater Bay Area needs such talent, and so does Southeast Asia. That is why we have come to Shenzhen, and why we intend to stay for the long term.