For the fifth time in six years, SMU has been named one of The Straits Times Singapore’s Best Employers 2026 – recognition that reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to a supportive, progressive and people-centred workplace.
SMU is one of only two Autonomous Universities included in this year’s list of the 250 highest-scoring employers in 2026, which is based on an independent, large-scale survey of employees across Singapore. The study draws on employee feedback and peer evaluations across areas such as workplace culture, career development, trust in leadership, diversity and inclusion, and overall employer attractiveness.
Beyond external endorsement, the recognition reflects the experience of SMU faculty and staff. Over the past year, colleagues have shared feedback through engagement surveys, pulse checks, focus groups and SMU Heartbeat sessions, which have helped shape a range of workplace improvements across the University.
Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, thanked colleagues who participated in the survey and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to keep listening and improving. Below are some of the areas where SMU has made progress in strengthening the employee experience.
Pay, performance and recognition
SMU has continued to strengthen performance management and reward processes, including regular salary benchmarking and clearer communication on pay and rewards. These efforts will be further advanced through the upcoming enhancements under Project Optimus (Phase 2).
For faculty, SMU has introduced a refreshed compensation structure with a stronger focus on performance, alongside teaching workload reductions for tenure-track faculty from Academic Year 2026 and enhanced research support. The University has also enhanced the Long Service Award quantum across all tiers, with more inclusive treatment for re-employed colleagues.
Promotion, progression and career development
To support clearer pathways and stronger career growth, SMU has put in place a Career Success Ecosystem that provides greater transparency, accessible guidelines and structured career support.
- Clearer promotion frameworks and expanded development opportunities
- SMU Mentoring Programme, digital skills workshops, and short-term developmental opportunities under the Short-Term Experience Programme (STEP)
- Guidelines and tools to help managers support fair and consistent promotion decisions
Wellbeing, inclusion and work–life harmony
SMU has expanded medical coverage to include enhanced mental health support, alongside more tailored wellbeing initiatives for colleagues at different life stages.
- Introduction of dental benefits
- Enhancements to flexible spending arrangements, including digital FSA vouchers to simplify claims
- Enhanced leave types (including family-related and caregiving leave) and full carry-forward of unutilised vacation leave to support work–life harmony
Participation, consultation and communication
SMU has strengthened employee listening platforms through pulse surveys, focus groups and consultations linked to major initiatives, creating more opportunities for earlier and more meaningful engagement.
Faculty and staff are also engaged earlier in policy development—through platforms such as Faculty Senate consultations and HR workshops—so that feedback can help shape decisions before implementation.
Transforming how we work
Through Project Prime, SMU is reimagining its physical environment to better support focus, collaboration and wellbeing, with enhancements to the Administration Building being rolled out progressively.
Typical office floors are being refreshed with thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage collaboration and social connection, including central pantry areas on each floor. In parallel, Project Prime 2.0 has started planning renovations of faculty and administrative offices across the SMU campus, with upgrades phased over time.
SMU has also enhanced pantry services across campus following user engagement and evaluation, improving access to beverages, snacks and shared amenities to support convenience and collegiality.
Alongside these improvements, Project Optimus is streamlining and digitising key HR and administrative processes—including appraisal, recruitment and employee declarations—to improve efficiency, clarity and the overall employee experience.
Moving forward, together
“While we celebrate this milestone, we do so with humility and a clear sense of responsibility. Recognition such as this is not an endpoint, but a reminder of the work ahead—to continue listening, improving, and caring for one another as One SMU,” said Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU.
The strength of SMU’s workplace enables the strength of its mission—in education, research and impact for society.
About the ranking
The Straits Times’ Singapore’s Best Employers 2026 list is based on an independent survey of employees in Singapore and includes both direct feedback and peer evaluations across multiple workplace dimensions.