SMU is a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities with about 12 per cent of its 7,500 students coming from 23 overseas countries. According to SMU Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Corporate Communication (Practice) Ong Siow Heng, integration is important as the school hopes students will be able to embrace cultural diversity, given the increasingly globalised environment they are expected to operate and thrive in. As such, SMU ensures both Singaporean and international students have ample opportunity to interact with each other.