The Singapore Management University (SMU) announced today that it is launching a public lecture series entitled “Lien Fung’s Colloquium”. This is made possible by an endowed donation of S$500,000 from Mrs Ho Lien Fung, the wife of former Singapore Ambassador to Thailand, the late Ho Rih Hwa.

The aim of the lecture series is to enhance awareness and appreciation of cultural and societal issues, with a particular focus on everyday life, among SMU students and the general public. The inaugural lecture is scheduled to take place in the latter half of this year.

On why she established the Lien Fung’s Colloquium at SMU, Mrs Ho commented, “Singaporeans are too ‘stressed out’ and get too caught up with the ‘serious’ issues. It’s important for us to enjoy the “little things” in life that relax us and make us laugh. In that essence, the Lien Fung’s Colloquium will feature topics that will cover life, societal and cultural issues, which is in line with SMU’s broad-based approach to education. I particularly like SMU’s ‘open’ style which sets it apart from other universities, plus my donation attracts a 3:1 matching grant for SMU”.

Also known as 廉凤讲座 (“Lien Fung Jiang Zuo”) in Chinese, the lecture series will feature well-known and thought-provoking speakers from the region and internationally. Acknowledging the diversity of cultures, the lectures will be delivered in English, Chinese or any other language the speaker is comfortable with. Each lecture may also feature a side event, such as a master class, demonstration, workshop or an exhibition.

“Apart from imparting professional skills to our students through our core management curriculum, SMU also exposes them to ‘art and culture’ which is part of our broad-based approach to education. Through activities such as the Lien Fung’s Colloquium, we aim to foster an appreciation and understanding of cross-cultural sensitivity among the students, which is key in succeeding in today's global business,” said Professor Tan Chin Tiong, Provost, SMU. “Thus, we are very grateful for Mrs Ho’s generous gift, which will contribute significantly to SMU’s vision of a lifelong learning experience. Not only is Mrs Ho a strong supporter of the University since its inception, her accomplishments – both business and literary - will be exemplary for our students to emulate.”

A Speakers’ Committee has been set up to oversee the selection of speakers and recommendation of topics. It will be chaired by the Provost of SMU, or his designee. Besides Professor Tan and Mrs Ho, it comprises two SMU faculty members, Practice Professor Pang Eng Fong and Associate Professor Kirpal Singh, an esteemed journalist, Dr Goh Nguen Wah, Associate Editor of Lianhe Zaobao, and Yuan Jian.

About Mrs Ho Lien Fung 
Wife of former ambassador to Thailand, Ho Rih Hwa, Mrs Ho Lien Fung is a successful businesswoman who pioneered the tapioca starch business with her husband. She is currently the director of Thai Wah Food Products Company Limited.

Mrs Ho is well known for her philanthropic efforts, regularly supporting local community initiatives and theatrical groups. For several years while in Thailand, she devoted much time and effort to fundraising. Mrs Ho is also a prolific writer who penned the long-running bilingual Bamboo Green column in The Straits Times, which was published in book form.

In 2001, Mrs Ho established the Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series at SMU, in honour of her late husband’s business and entrepreneurial achievements.