Fifteen years ago, an as-yet unnamed university was seeking academics and administrators who could help to turn it from a vision into a reality and shape it into an institution that would change the educational landscape of Singapore forever. That institution was to become Singapore Management University, and ten of its stalwart pioneers who took up that challenge received 15-year Long Service Awards on 27 January 2014 at a celebratory lunch hosted by SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer and Terence Tan, Vice President of Human Resources & Faculty Administration. The awards were presented by Professor De Meyer.

For this forward-thinking group of individuals, the lunch was one of the rare occasions on which they looked back at how far they and SMU have come. The five faculty members discussed being among the start-up team of 12 led by founding SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping. Professor De Meyer said, “I want to thank you for the commitment, enthusiasm, entrepreneurship and perseverance.” He acknowledged that this team of pioneers faced and overcame daunting challenges. At the same time, he recognised how rewarding the experience must have been. “There must have been great moments: when you received your first students, your first commencement and when you moved to the new campus, for example,” he said.

Professor Tan Chin Tiong, SMU's Founding Provost, reflected: “The journey with SMU has been most interesting, exciting, and rewarding. From day one, there were many changes and surprises, however, we worked hard and flexibly to arrive at where we are today.”

“It was an exciting challenge to contribute to the start of a new university which would be innovative and different from the existing ones in terms of curricula, pedagogy, and class size, for example,” said Associate Professor Low Aik Meng, SMU's Founding Dean of Students.

Asked why they took the bold move of joining an unnamed institution with an uncertain future, Professor Pang Yang Hoong said that it was a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in developing a new university. Associate Professor Low Kee Yang added that it was “for the challenge and adventure”.

With a laugh, Associate Professor Leong Kwong Sin added, “It was exhilarating and fun and a terribly stressful first few years. Has any university ever taken less time to progress from conception to deliver beyond  expectations?”

The administrative staff receiving awards expressed similar sentiments. Shirley Goh said she joined the start-up team to be part of “history in the making”, while Karen Ho explained that she had been working in the university sector for decades, so when she learned that a new university was being set up, it was an opportunity not to be missed, as she could contribute her years of experience.

All had glowing recollections of the early days at SMU: “Looking back, the initial years when the team worked together like a family will remain the fondest memories of my working career,” said Adelene Ang.

Several of the award recipients commented that the University has grown tremendously in size since its first intake of 306 undergraduates to a total of some 8,000 undergraduates and postgraduates today. They noted it has changed in other ways too. From being “the new kid on the block,” said Adelene, “it is now a well-respected brand name and the university of choice for many students”. It has become a “global university,” said Shirley.  Added Professor Pang, “It is most satisfying that what SMU represents is so well received by all sectors of Singapore."

Discussing what had kept them enthusiastic about working at SMU for so long, most said it was because of the dynamic nature of their roles. “My role is challenging but fulfilling and the end results are satisfying. I am also happy that my contributions to SMU are appreciated and acknowledged by management,” said Shirley. “SMU gave me the opportunity to prove my worth,” said Ina Hon, “And I’ve seen myself continually learning, growing and developing my skills and knowledge.” Professor Low Kee Yang added, “Currently, I’m doing teaching and research, which is great. I love teaching law and interacting with young people. Many of my former students have become my friends. Also I have some really good colleagues at SMU.”

As they started to look forward to the future, Grace Cheng reflected, “It has been an extremely rewarding journey. As I begin my 16^th year of service, I hope I will be able to continue to do new things, expand my professional horizons and work closely with my colleagues to bring SMU to even greater heights.”