SMU’s transformative education approach was highlighted in a special feature. Several initiatives were mentioned, including SMU’s distinctive 'Finishing Touch' career preparation programme, which helps undergraduates develop and focus on career goals progressively throughout their four-year course of study; the SMU LifeLessons, a structured programme that complements the academic curriculum and is the first programme in Singapore’s tertiary sector that looks at values-based education; as well as the 120 co-curricular activity (CCA) choices, at both recreational and competitive levels. Additionally, the University offers a wide array of arts enrichment programmes (most notably the SMU Arts Festival), sports competitions and community outreach events.

100 per cent of SMU students have the opportunity to gain overseas exposure. SMU students are encouraged by the university to embrace diversity and inclusion, and go on a wide range of global student programmes with a unique internationalisation approach, to become global citizens. They are also encouraged to take part in both global and local competitions to increase experiential learning, and tackle challenges practically by applying academic knowledge. 

The article also highlighted SMU’s community service initiative, which requires its students to put in at least 80 hours of community service each in order to graduate, and the SMU Internship Programme, which encourages students to explore and experience the working world, and to integrate classroom theory and personal skills with relevant work experience. The average SMU student completes between two to six internships, and many are talent-spotted and offered jobs by host companies before graduation.