The annual Singapore Management University (SMU) Global Summer Programme (GSP) opened to much fanfare this year, with Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh joining students on 26 June 2023 at the SMU Mochtar Riady Auditorium (MRA) to officially launch the new Sustainable Futures track. With the new track, students now had the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage, economic dynamism and diverse social landscapes of multifaceted Asia; underpinned by the crucial elements of sustainable development and protecting the environment.

Addressing GSP participants during the launch, SMU Provost, Prof Timothy Clark said, “I am delighted that we are greening the Global Summer Programme, by placing a firm focus on sustainability.  Students can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, through interactive courses facilitated by SMU faculty members. The addition of a new Sustainable Futures track to the programme comes on the back of a global shift towards greening the economy, and it is our aim to empower young minds to become change agents, equipped with the tools to shape a more sustainable future.”

Prof Clark added that the addition of the new Sustainable Futures track is also aligned with SMU’s strategic priority of Sustainable Living, a key element in working towards realising the University’s Vision 2025. Through focusing on sustainable living, the University intends to serve as thought leader and solution partner in contributing to sustainable city living, enhancing quality of life, and furthering resource sustainability in ways that can propel the region to sustainable living.

A key and sought-after element of the GSP which encompassed experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom continued to form the bedrock of the programme. This year, students had the privilege of visiting prestigious organisations such as 3M Technologies, Adobe Systems, Amazon Web Services, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd, Sembcorp, UOB Kay Hian and Google. These visits gave students a chance to gain valuable insights of the corporate world, an understanding of how these global enterprises contribute to Singapore's economic growth, as well as a window into their corporate visions for a more sustainable future.

In conjunction with corporate visits, masterclasses and guest lectures, GSP participants got to unwind from knowledge sessions through a plethora of fun-filled activities that fostered camaraderie. They gathered to catch the premiere of the newest Mission: Impossible movie and visited Singapore’s many attractions including the Bras Basah arts and heritage precinct.

This year, GSP marked an important milestone – that of welcoming its 1,000th student into its programme. In the process of developing a sense of appreciation for the world's diverse cultures amongst the one thousand students from diverse nationalities who gathered each summer in Singapore, the GSP aimed to give participants a transformative global educational experience where they forged lasting friendships.

Bhudiskul Amphansang, a fourth-year undergraduate from Kasetsart University in Thailand, was delighted to receive a certificate to commemorate the occasion. He commented, “GSP has exceeded my expectations on so many fronts, from the friendships formed to the diverse experiences and incredible opportunities to engage with the business ecosystem. It has become one of my favourite summers ever.”

“We are hopeful that GSP 2023 had left an indelible mark on the students by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and innovative ideas to tackle pressing global challenges and by supporting them to be agents of positive change in their respective communities and beyond,” said Rick Tay, Head, Centre for Global Education and Opportunities at SMU.

The SMU Global Summer Programme is managed by the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities a part of the University’s Academic Services and Operations group. Registration for GSP 2024 will open in mid-January 2024.