Singapore Management University (SMU) marked the 20th anniversary of its Masters of Science in Wealth Management (MWM) programme with a gala dinner and awards ceremony on 18 October 2024. Themed Glitter, Sparkle and Glow, the event celebrated two decades of excellence in educating talent within the wealth management sector and underscored the programme’s role in shaping the careers of its illustrious alumni.
Attended by close to 200 alumni spanning 20 intakes, from the Class of 2005 to the Class of 2024, the event was easily one of the MWM’s largest homecoming since its inception. Adding to the milestone was the presence of the programme’s 21st cohort, the Class of 2025, alongside valued industry partners, as well as SMU faculty members and staff.
Addressing the audience, SMU Provost, Prof Timothy Clark noted, “The MWM is the first programme in Singapore to be accredited by The Institute of Banking & Finance under the new 2018 IBF Standards for Wealth Management - Relationship Management (Private Banking). The MWM programme has also received significant international recognition, where it was ranked #1 in Asia by the Financial Times for five consecutive years. In the latest 2025 QS Master in Finance rankings, MWM secured the top spot globally for Value-for-Money and ranked second for Thought Leadership. The MWM programme has grown from strength to strength over the past 20 years, thanks to the efforts by everyone here.”
Keeping in tune with the demands of the wealth management industry, which is evolving at a rapid pace, the MWM curriculum is updated annually, with recent revisions including themes around family office, sustainability and impact investing. In delivering tri-continental global exposure, the MWM encompasses experiences in Asia, Europe, and North America through an overseas study period spanning two weeks.
MWM graduates have the opportunity to delve into European family business succession and family office management during a one- week immersion at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. They thereafter benefit from a focus on alternative investing, ESG development, philanthropy and impact investing gained the following week at the Wharton School of Management.
“I joined the SMU MWM in 2004, as part of its inaugural intake,” reminisced George Lam, Head of Discretionary, Funds and ETF, South East Asia HSBC Limited. “At the time, nobody knew what was MWM. I was looking for a mid-career switch into wealth management. This programme has certainly helped me to do that. Because of this programme, I was able to successfully transit into a role in a private bank. I’ve spent the past 20 years in a private banking industry.”
A Platform for Mentorship and Career Growth
By honouring the remarkable professional achievements of its MWM graduates and alumni, the anniversary dinner also sought to fostering meaningful connections and future collaborations amongst the community.
In a first since the programme was incepted, SMU presented the MWM Distinguished Alumni Award to recognise seven outstanding individuals for their exceptional leadership, professional achievements and contributions to the University. Selected by a panel comprising the MWM Advisory Board Members, these alumni represent the programme's legacy of producing leaders who have made a significant impact on the financial landscape.
In another first, the event provided an opportunity to showcase the MWM Mentorship Programme, which connects current students with industry professionals for guidance and career development. The SMU MWM Alumni Group Exco encouraged more MWM alumni to step up and mentor the next generation.
Reflecting on her own experience, Joey Chow, a 2024 graduate of the MWM programme, shared how the mentorship she had received from Lily See, Managing Director, Bank of Singapore, during her postgraduate experience with SMU had played a pivotal role in her transition from HR to private banking. “Lily has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of wealth management. Her guidance has been invaluable in refining my approach and preparing me for success in this competitive field,” said Joey.
“Lily is especially superb at analysing issues and challenges, and our conversations have evolved from academic and job search to focused discussions on private banking success,” commented Joey. “With her guidance, I’ve learnt to leverage my HR skills, such as empathy and communication, and position them as my unique strengths for excelling in private banking.”
According to Joey, Lily’s mentorship was an enabler that gave her insights into the ofttimes exclusive world of private banking. This included knowledge about certain guiding principles to grow wallet share within a sophisticated client landscape, as well as the advanced investment skills crucial for meeting the needs of sophisticated clients, especially second-generation wealth. With Lily’s mentorship, Joey picked up on the techniques with which to stay ahead of industry trends and to broaden her understanding of financial products.
Fundraising initiatives to support students
The evening also served as a platform to raise awareness of the MWM Study Award Fund, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting future students. With a target of $200,000, the fund reflects the programme’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and talent development.
Additionally, a significant $375,000 gift from alumnus Keeve Tan was announced, earmarked for scholarships supporting high-potential students from the ASEAN region.
An important criterion for this scholarship is that candidates should have worked or currently be working in a financial institution in a related asset management or wealth management role.
“In line with his passion for cultivating future leaders in finance, Keeve has established the Keeve Tan Wealth Management Scholarship aimed at talented and high-potential students from Southeast Asia who demonstrate both academic excellence and a keen interest in wealth management but lack the opportunities to pursue their ambitions. Through this scholarship, Keeve seeks not only to support promising professionals but also to contribute to the sustained growth and excellence of Singapore’s wealth management sector, ensuring the development of a new generation of leaders who will elevate the region’s financial landscape and drive transformative impact in the global wealth management industry,” said Chan Wai Leng, Vice President, Advancement & Alumni Relations, SMU.
"In establishing this scholarship, I hope to give back to the community that shaped my career and help aspiring professionals access opportunities in wealth management," commented Keeve Tan.
As SMU MWM celebrates this milestone, the University remains committed to advancing financial education and fostering the next generation of leaders in wealth management.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to evolve the SMU MWM programme, integrating new industry trends and offering enhanced learning opportunities for both current students and alumni,” said Mandy Tham, Academic Director, Master of Science in Wealth Management, SMU. “We are committed to a promising future, one where MWM alumni, students and industry partners continue to build on the programme’s strong foundation, driving innovation and success in the global wealth management sector.”
Photo credit: SMU