Singapore Management University (SMU) has signed a new agreement with Canadian national research and innovation organisation Mitacs, giving SMU undergraduates the opportunity to participate in the Globalink Research Internship (GRI) programme from 2025 to 2030.
This marks Mitacs’ first GRI partnership in Singapore and a major step forward in expanding SMU’s global research footprint.
Under the partnership, selected SMU undergraduates will spend 12 weeks during the summer working with top researchers at leading Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, with which SMU established a strategic partnership in 2022. These internships will provide hands-on globally competitive research experience, build international networks, and deepen students’ exposure to cross-border innovation. It will also help advance the development of an aspirational research mindset among SMU undergraduates and foster deeper research collaboration between SMU and Canadian universities.
“SMU is honoured to be partnering with Mitacs on the Globalink Research Internship program. This collaboration opens new doors for our undergraduates to work alongside leading researchers in Canada and reflects SMU’s drive to build a strong pipeline of globally attuned, research-oriented talent. It will also add to SMU’s research linkages with our network of Canadian partner universities and complement our efforts to generate leading-edge research with impact on Singapore, the region, and beyond.” Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University
The partnership stems from an introductory meeting in 2024 between SMU and Mitacs facilitated by the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, and builds on SMU’s strategic focus on global exposure, impactful research, and strong academic-industry linkages.
Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs remarked, “Our collaboration with Singapore Management University is a significant step in strengthening academic and research ties with Singapore and the Indo-Pacific region. It is a meaningful way to foster knowledge exchange, attract and develop top global talent, and deepen Canada’s connections in innovation and education.”
The initiative also aligns with broader Canada–Singapore efforts to strengthen ties in research and innovation.
Jean-Dominique Ieraci, High Commissioner for Canada in Singapore, noted: “We are pleased to see strong partnerships forming between Canada and Singapore to support the next generation of researchers. This collaboration between Mitacs and Singapore is a meaningful step in strengthening innovation ties between our two countries.”
Applications for the 2026 GRI cohort will open in Fall 2025.
For more information about SMU’s research and its impact, please visit the SMU Research website. More information about the Globalink program is available on the Mitacs website.
