At its opening graduation ceremony, SMU awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to former SMU Chairman Mr Ho Kwon Ping, recognising his significant contributions to the University's development. In his speech, current SMU Chairman Mr Piyush Gupta said that under Mr Ho's leadership, SMU evolved from a business school into a comprehensive institution covering various fields such as law and social sciences. Mr Ho also promoted the establishment of SMU's Overseas Centres and strengthened the University's regional collaborations. “His efforts ensured that SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research, emphasising rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary studies that address globally relevant issues, impacting business, government, and society,” Mr Gupta said.