The 9th issue of SMU Engage can now be downloaded here or picked up free at selected locations on campus for a limited time only. Here is what Alan Goh, Vice President, Corporate Communications & Marketing, wrote in his Editor's Note.

Editor’s Note

Our cover story in this issue focusses on research – one of the three key strategic thrusts of SMU’s Vision 2025. The article looks at five fascinating projects that are building SMU’s reputation as a catalyst in cutting-edge research, having secured significant external research grants.

In the Zest section, read about how we welcomed Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Mr Ong Ye Kung on an informal visit; hosted Principals and other senior figures from Singapore’s Junior Colleges and other institutions for lunch; and showed our appreciation to the organisations who partner SMU-X, our experiential learning courses. The best of student life was on display in Patron’s Day and Open House, and celebrated in the Student Life Awards. And our students keep on winning national and international competitions, in mooting, writing case studies and business plans, and more. While the recent Graduate Employment Survey revealed that SMU graduates continue to be sought-after by employers.

There is more good news about SMU’s global rankings and prestigious recognition for two faculty members’ teaching skills, in the Academia section. There is also news of the launch of a new leadership programme and collaboration on cybersecurity research and education.

In Academia, we welcome Professor Pang Hwee Hwa as the new Dean of the School of Information Systems and salute Professor Steven Miller’s legacy as founding Dean. You will also learn about new developments for alumni, new scholarships and bursaries and community service activities.

In the Connections section, we review events that extended SMU’s reputation for thought leadership. We have hosted talks by the US Ambassador to Singapore Mr Kirk Wagar; as well as two former presidents — Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia and Mr Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria. The most recent season of Channel NewsAsia’s flagship panel discussion programme Perspectives, for which we are knowledge partner, featured several of SMU’s own thought leaders, including Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, President Professor Arnoud De Meyer and Provost Professor Lily Kong, as well as several senior faculty members. I hope this issue keeps you engaged with the SMU community. Enjoy! 

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