Singapore Management University (SMU) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute (CUHK SZRI) to strengthen innovation, talent development and entrepreneurship collaboration between Singapore, the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and ASEAN.
This partnership will open new avenues for innovation, connecting Shenzhen’s vibrant deep tech ecosystem with Singapore’s strengths in governance, sustainability, and enterprise development — pillars that anchor Singapore’s role as an innovation hub in Asia.
The signing ceremony was held at Shenzhen Research Institute (SZRI), with senior representatives from SMU, CUHK, Singapore and Shenzhen government agencies in attendance.
A Strategic Step in Singapore–China Collaboration
SMU is positioning itself to play a bigger role in China’s innovation ecosystem. Professor Alan Chan, SMU’s Provost said the agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening Singapore’s innovation footprint in the Greater Bay Area.
“SMU is committed to shaping the future through impactful research and education that address real-world challenges. Like Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area, SMU thrives on the convergence of ideas, technology, and talent, and we look forward to contributing to and learning from this vibrant ecosystem.”
He added that this MOU “sets out our intention to collaborate on education initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship, student mobility programmes and internships, executive training, and capacity-building opportunities linked to China–ASEAN engagement. These efforts align closely with SMU’s mission to nurture future-ready talent and foster cross-border partnerships that deliver meaningful societal impact.”
CUHK SZRI sees the collaboration as setting a strong precedent for future regional cooperation. Professor Yam Yeung, Director of CUHK SZRI, called the MoU a milestone in China–Singapore ties.
“This collaboration aligns closely with the strengthening of China-ASEAN cooperation and the advancement of regional economic integration, as well as China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, where Singapore has been a steadfast and reliable partner.
As a leading public higher education institution in Singapore, SMU excels at aligning its curriculum with industry demands and fostering robust collaborations with enterprises, and I believe it will also serve as a role model for more cooperation between the two countries and regions in the future.”
The MOU outlines collaboration in four key areas:
1. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
2. Human Capital Development and Capability Building
3. Governance and Implementation
4. Market Outreach and Operation Support
Other focus areas include leadership development, internationalisation, doing business in ASEAN, sustainability, and strategic transformation.
Ms Pauline Ho, Assistant to the Director-General of Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission; Chief Management Services Officer of Digital Policy Office of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau in Hong Kong. congratulated both parties, highlighting it as a perfect example of “Bring in and Going Global”, that will create impactful and regional synergy on scientific collaboration in research and talent development. She added that “the MOU also opens up access to international markets and bring in valuable global innovation resources to the Greater Bay Area.”
Signatories to the MOU included Professor Yeung Yam, Director of CUHK SZRI, and Professor Lim Sun Sun, Vice President (Partnerships and Engagement), Lee Kong Chian Professor of Communication & Technology.
Distinguished guests witnessing the signing included :
- Ms Pauline Ho, Assistant to the Director-General of Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission; Chief Management Services Officer of Digital Policy Office of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau in Hong Kong.
- Ms Grace Lai, Director, Shenzhen Liaison Unit of the Government of HKSAR
- Dr Chen Rong, Director, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Strategy Research Center
- Mr Yap Jun Hong, Enterprise Singapore Regional Director
- Professor Irwin King Kuo-chin, CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
- Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair, Professor of Inter-Religious Studies and Harmony (with courtesy appointment in the School of Social Sciences)
Both institutions will use the MOU as a springboard to develop talent, drive research, and grow industries together, strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem and powering sustainable economic growth.
