Singapore Management University (SMU) marked the 10th anniversary of SMU-X with the launch of a commemorative book titled ‘From classroom to real world: A decade of industry project-based experiential learning’ . The book traces the initiative’s journey from a bold pedagogical experiment to a defining pillar of the University’s education ecosystem.
Held at the National Library Building in December 2025, the event brought together students, staff, faculty, industry partners and alumni who have shaped – and been shaped by – SMU-X over the past decade. The book captures this collective journey through reflections from across disciplines, industries and geographies, offering a window into how real-world, project-based learning has transformed classroom education at SMU.
A hallmark of SMU’s educational excellence
In his address, SMU Provost, Professor Alan Chan, described SMU-X as a “gem in SMU’s education ecosystem”, underscoring both its pedagogical strength and its collaborative reach.
“Pedagogically, it is innovative; students face real challenges and turn ideas into action. That is empowerment and is the best way to prepare them for the future,” he said. “At the same time, as so much effort and attention are needed to prepare for every course, it also brings colleagues and partners together across multiple sectors, disciplines and even generations – that is why SMU-X is a sustainable and unique educational model.”
Professor Chan noted that the 10th anniversary was not only a celebration, but also a moment of reflection on how SMU-X has become embedded in the University’s key offerings.
“This anniversary is a moment to recognise the journey we have travelled together – from a single course to a community of hundreds across different schools, units and centres,” he said. “SMU-X has evolved into a key part of SMU as a university. Its growth reflects the values we hold dear – innovation, relevance, partnership and care.”
The statistics speak for themselves. From a pilot of 58 students in two courses in 2015, SMU-X has grown to 46,418 enrolments in 182 courses a decade later. Over 7,100 projects have materialised with more than 1,200 partners. In the Academic Year 2024-2025, 90 SMU-X modules are being offered, with about 5,000 students partnering with organisations across all sectors, in Singapore and overseas. Its impact and approach have also garnered international recognition. In 2025, SMU-X won the Teaching & Learning Strategy of the Year award at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025, and was recognised with the Outstanding Industry-Academia Collaboration Award (Higher Education) at EDUtech Asia 2025.
From bold idea to thriving ecosystem
The SMU-X 10th Anniversary Book was officially unveiled by Vice Provost (Education), Professor Venky Shankararaman. The publication documents student journeys, faculty insights and the perspectives of industry partners who have co-created learning experiences with SMU-X over the years.
SMU-X Academic Director, Associate Professor Yuanto Kusnadi, reflected on the programme’s evolution from an idea into a flourishing ecosystem that champions interdisciplinary, experiential learning grounded in real-world challenges. Today, it serves as a University-wide approach that connects students with authentic industry and community challenges.
Underscoring SMU-X’s commitment to inclusion and to widening access to transformative learning experiences, Mr Kevin Koh, Head of SMU-X, also highlighted the SMU-X Opportunity Award. The initiative is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of background or circumstance, can access global industry project-based experiential learning opportunities.
Learning brought to life
Beyond speeches and reflections, the launch invited guests to experience the spirit of SMU-X through interactive showcases and activity booths supported by industry partners. These included immersive experiences that highlighted cross-cultural learning, creativity and human connection – hallmarks of the SMU-X approach. Together, the gallery of projects and experiential activities illustrated how learning at SMU-X extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to engage deeply with communities, industries and ideas in ways that are both rigorous, meaningful and impactful.
About the SMU-X 10th Anniversary Book
The SMU-X 10th commemorative book chronicles the evolution and growth of SMU-X over the past decade. It features collaboration stories with various organisations – in Singapore and overseas – spanning diverse sectors, from retail, healthcare and social services to banking and tourism. Furthermore, through reflections from students and alumni, alongside faculty perspectives, the publication captures how real-world challenges have been woven into SMU’s curriculum across disciplines, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and organisations.
More than a commemorative volume, the book serves as a record of how collaboration, experimentation and partnership have shaped SMU-X into a distinctive and sustainable educational model within SMU, and as an invitation to imagine what lies ahead. Copies are now available for loan at SMU Libraries and the National Library.
Looking ahead
SMU-X’s emphasis on interdisciplinary, real-world engagements aligns with SMU’s vision mission to nurture independent lifelong learners and change agents, address pressing societal challenges, and harness meaningful partnerships both within Asia and globally. Ten years on, SMU-X stands as a living, evolving tapestry shaped by thousands of students, faculty members and partners who believe in the power of project-based experiential learning to make a difference.
From 2026, SMU-X will continue its evolution in close alignment with SMU2030 Strategic Plan, which is anchored in a clear and purposeful impact agenda through education, research and partnerships. SMU-X 2.0 will further expand opportunities for students to engage deeply with complex problems, collaborate across sectors and translate learning into societal impact, enabling the University to drive innovations, transcend boundaries and transform lives in Singapore and abroad.
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