Singapore Management University (SMU) is supporting two changemakers under the President's Challenge Civic Action Fellowship, by providing academic mentorship, research expertise and a collaborative environment to help translate innovative ideas into practical solutions that strengthen Singapore's social sector.
Launched by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in May 2025, the three President's Challenge Fellowship tracks encourage individuals to develop new approaches to social challenges, support those overcoming major setbacks, and recognise outstanding ITE graduates who have achieved exceptional career success.
As one of the Fellowship's host institutions, SMU, through the Lien Centre for Social Innovation (LCSI), works alongside partners including Quantedge Foundation, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Temasek, Temasek Foundation, Singapore Institute of Management, Institute of Technical Education and Singapore Business Federation Foundation to nurture Fellows by providing academic guidance, institutional support and access to multidisciplinary expertise and networks.
For the inaugural Fellowship cohort, SMU LCSI is hosting two Civic Action Fellows for 2 years beginning February 2026 to January 2028, whose projects address two pressing societal priorities: access to justice and digital inclusion.
Building an integrated approach to access to justice
Tanguy Lim, former CEO of Pro Bono SG, will examine how community-based legal support can become a permanent part of Singapore's social support ecosystem.
Building on his experience establishing Community Law Centres, Tanguy's Fellowship will develop an evidence-based framework for integrating legal services with healthcare and social work. Through research conducted with SMU, he aims to demonstrate how accessible legal support can better serve lower-income individuals and those facing complex legal and social issues while reducing downstream pressure on public services.
The project will culminate in a policy framework and operational blueprint to guide the sustainable adoption of integrated legal-social care models in Singapore.
Advancing digital accessibility for an inclusive future
Digital media entrepreneur and Blind Mice Media co-founder Joshua Tseng will focus on improving digital accessibility for persons with disabilities and seniors.
Working with SMU researchers, Joshua will examine how organisations can design more inclusive digital platforms and develop practical recommendations to strengthen accessibility standards and policy. His research seeks to bridge technology and inclusion by identifying systemic barriers and opportunities for more equitable digital participation.
The Fellowship will produce a white paper drawing on stakeholder engagement, international comparisons and Singapore case studies to provide evidence-based recommendations for organisations and policymakers.
Supporting changemakers through research, partnerships and action
SMU, through the Lien Centre for Social Innovation, provided academic mentorship, research guidance and access to the University's multidisciplinary expertise to help Fellows strengthen their ideas and maximise their impact. Working closely with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), LCSI also ensured that Fellows are connected to the practitioners, policymakers and community partners needed to translate research into meaningful social outcomes.
The partnership reflects LCSI's longstanding role as a catalyst for social innovation, bringing together academia, government, businesses and the non-profit sector to tackle complex societal challenges through research, collaboration and evidence-based solutions.
"The President's Challenge Fellowships represent the kind of cross-sector collaboration needed to tackle today's most complex social challenges," said Steve Loh, Executive Director of the Lien Centre for Social Innovation.
"At LCSI, we believe meaningful social innovation happens when research is grounded in real-world practice and diverse sectors come together around a shared purpose. As the host university, we're proud to support Fellows who are not only generating new ideas, but developing practical, scalable solutions that can improve lives."
"Our role extends beyond academic mentorship. We see ourselves as a bridge connecting government, industry, academia and the social sector, enabling Fellows to draw on the strengths of each ecosystem. By convening these perspectives, we hope to help turn promising innovations into sustainable change that benefits communities across Singapore."
The President's Challenge Fellowships comprise three tracks: Civic Action, Springboard and ITE Inspire. Each is designed to empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to society, whether by developing innovative social sector solutions, rebuilding their lives after significant setbacks, or inspiring others through outstanding career achievements.
By supporting the President's Challenge Fellowships, SMU continues its commitment to partnering with government, philanthropy and community organisations to generate research-informed solutions that create meaningful and lasting social impact.
Photo credit: SMU LCSI