In an era of disruptions characterised by generative artificial intelligence (AI), pandemics, geopolitical risks and a relentless pursuit of growth, how might universities continue to deliver transformative education and create societal impact? How adept are university leaders in steering their institutions and taking them far? Within this context, Singapore Management University (SMU) Executive Development (ExD) organised the very first Advanced University Leadership Programme (AULP), which commemorated the graduation of its inaugural cohort on 25 September 2024.
The AULP, which started in March 2024, was designed with the aim of equipping Singapore’s senior university leaders with the tools and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of higher education in a rapidly changing world. Supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the programme was attended by 23 participants from autonomous universities including National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, as well as SMU.
Speaking at the AULP graduation ceremony held on SMU campus, SMU President, Prof Lily Kong said, “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all graduates. You have demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience throughout this programme. As you return to your respective institutions, I am confident that you will carry forward the lessons learned here, shaping the future of higher education in ways that will benefit generations to come.”
She thanked Education Minister Chan Chun Sing for gracing the occasion as Guest-of-Honour and underscored SMU’s commitment, with the support of MOE, towards ensuring that Singaporean universities remain nimble, adapting to the needs of the nation and to the world, with initiatives such as AULP.
Over the span of several months, participants of the AULP delved deeply into the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead for their institutions through a rigorous, multifaceted and experiential curriculum that had been curated by ExD.
AULP commenced with a three-day module in Singapore that explored what it meant to lead with authenticity and adaptability in a digital age. Through insightful sessions, participants were tasked to reflect on the importance of grounding their actions in core values, while remaining flexible in the face of change and developing capabilities to co-create the long-term future.
They had opportunities to interact with thought leaders and practitioners, many of whom brought real-world industry expertise. The conversations with esteemed guests, including Lai Chung Han, Permanent Secretary (Development), Ministry of Finance enriched these discussions, offering both local and global perspectives on the future of higher education.
The learning journey took participants across continents to the Netherlands, where participants engaged in an immersive experience focusing on lifelong learning and trends shaping the sector. The exchange of ideas with faculty members at institutions such as Vrije Universiteit, TU Delft, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, gave AULP participants a broader understanding of the diverse models and cultural contexts shaping education today. Organised by SMU’s partners at Advance HE, this segment significantly enhanced the depths of discussions around the path forward for strategic university leaders.
The next chapter of AULP shone a spotlight on creating sustainable value within university institutions. Through an intensive series of discussions and workshops co-designed, delivered and hosted at NUS, AULP participants explored the imperatives of business model innovation, sustainable governance, and the role of ecosystems in fostering entrepreneurship and continuous learning.
Under the guidance of esteemed faculty such as Professor Emeritus of SMU Arnoud De Meyer and SUTD President, Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, and through engaging interactive lectures and debates, AULP participants examined how universities can thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The learning journey took participants across continents to the Netherlands, where participants engaged in an immersive experience focusing on lifelong learning and trends shaping the sector. The exchange of ideas with faculty members at institutions such as Vrije Universiteit, TU Delft, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, gave AULP participants a broader understanding of the diverse models and cultural contexts shaping education today. Organised by SMU’s partners at Advance HE, this segment significantly enhanced the depths of discussions around the path forward for strategic university leaders.
The next chapter of AULP shone a spotlight on creating sustainable value within university institutions. Through an intensive series of discussions and workshops co-designed, delivered and hosted at NUS, AULP participants explored the imperatives of business model innovation, sustainable governance, and the role of ecosystems in fostering entrepreneurship and continuous learning.
Under the guidance of esteemed faculty such as Professor Emeritus of SMU Arnoud De Meyer and SUTD President, Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, and through engaging interactive lectures and debates, AULP participants examined how universities can thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
“Leadership, much like conducting an orchestra, requires more than just technical skill,” commented Prof Kong at the AULP graduation event. “A successful leader holds a deep understanding of harmony, timing, and the ability to inspire and unify diverse voices.”
With this philosophy as a guiding concept, this edition of AULP concluded with an inspiring session known as “The ‘Conduct’ of Leadership”. Here, parallels were drawn between the art of conducting music and the art of leading institutions, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not merely about directing, but about bringing together the strengths of individuals to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This served as a fitting conclusion to a programme dedicated to developing the next generation of transformative leaders in higher education.
“It was a pleasure and honour being in charge of designing and conducting this programme serving the whole Singaporean Higher Education ecosystem. We know that our graduates developed strong bonds across Autonomous Universities and a refreshed perspective on leadership in academia," said François Bogacz, Programme Director of the AULP, SMU ExD.
Photo credit: SMU