In a commentary, SMU President Professor Lily Kong opined that universities need a whole-system approach to sustainability that shifts attitudes and behaviour, instead of compartmentalising decisions about infrastructure or resource allocation. She discussed SMU’s sustainability blueprint and how it is aligned to the SMU Vision 2025. The blueprint outlines four strategies for sustainability: cultivate a greener university; develop change agents; drive impactful research; and foster resilient communities. Targets are mapped onto relevant United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), giving focus and tangibility to planned action. Prof Kong also highlighted how SMU is embedding sustainability across the curricula as it seeks to develop change agents and build the talent pipeline for green industries.