SMU launched its lifelong learning unit on Wednesday (Apr 26), which is the first in Singapore to offer part-time modular courses that can lead to a master’s degree. Called the SMU Academy, it offers professional continuing education programmes that support the Government’s Industry Transformation Maps and SkillsFuture initiatives. The academy will focus on the development of functional skills across industries, as well as sector-customised courses in financial services, human capital, management and leadership, and technology and intelligent systems. The courses are in the form of individual modules, which can be accumulated into credits to earn graduate certificates or diplomas conferred by SMU.

SMU Academy has already rolled out 40 new modules, which have seen about 180 sign-ups by 70 students. "Given the fast-changing economy that we are in, the modular courses that SMU Academy offers are practical and immediately applicable. These courses are industry relevant, and focuses on critical and emerging skills,” said SMU Academy Executive Director Dr Lim Lai Cheng.