SMU launched its third overseas centre on Thursday (25 April), in Vietnam’s bustling commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the institution’s efforts to extend its regional reach and contribute to Asia’s growth. This is the first official presence of a Singaporean university in Vietnam. It is expected to increase SMU’s opportunities to collaborate with local partners in education and industry, enhance human capital development, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two Asean countries. The University, which was founded in 2000, also aims to launch three more representative offices across Asia by 2030, with the locations to be decided after gaining the necessary experience in the first three centres across South-east Asia, SMU President Professor Lily Kong, told The Business Times at a media briefing.