SMU Alumni Homecoming 2026 brought alumni from across the years back to campus, as T-Junction came alive with reunions, performances, family-friendly activities, alumni showcases and opportunities to reconnect with the University community.
The afternoon offered alumni a lively mix of activities – from friendly competition at the GameUP Homecoming Challenge to live performances, alumni-led showcases and family-friendly experiences across the campus space.
The event also included a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at SMU ALCove, where SMU President Professor Lily Kong joined Vice President (Advancement & Alumni Relations) Ms Chan Wai Leng, members of the Schools’ Deanery, administrative department heads and Director, Office of Alumni Relations Ms Florence Neo (Assoc Alum), to recognise 20 alumni volunteers for their sustained contributions to the University. Their service spans mentoring, alumni leadership, advisory roles, student development and other forms of giving back to the SMU community.
Addressing the attendees, Ms Neo said, “Every year we are so privileged to have hundreds of alumni who generously give their time back to SMU. In fact, just last year we had over 800 alumni volunteers who volunteered in different roles and different capacities. And what made it even more meaningful is because all of you don't give your time just because it's convenient to you. I know that many of you have to reschedule your work travels, or even make time to volunteer after lunch. In fact, year after year, you come back to mentor our students and our alumni. It’s heartening to know that whenever SMU calls, you’d answer. I hope that whenever you look back, you will know that the time you gave to SMU was well spent, because you have made a difference to someone in some way, and it helped to shape the new community that you shared.”
Professor Kong later joined alumni and their families at T-Junction, visiting the Homecoming activities before presenting the inaugural Homecoming Challenge Trophy to the SMU School of Social Sciences, which emerged as the first Homecoming Challenge champion.
Across seven GameUP Homecoming Challenge stations, alumni tested their strategy, speed, memory and coordination, with friends and family members joining in the activities. The Homecoming stage featured performances by SMU Chinese Orchestra, FunkAfter5, Yongkytown, The Rockbros, Eluminix and SMU SoundFoundry’s Ring!.
The Alumni Founders Showcase highlighted alumni entrepreneurs and the ventures they have built, while food, drinks, games and informal conversations contributed to the welcoming atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
At SMU ALCove, the programme also looked ahead to changing workplace and leadership priorities. The alumni panel discussion, The Future of Work: What Changed, What’s Next, featured Dr Joey Tan (DBA 2022), Nandhu (LLB 2013) and Parry Chua (BBM 2026), and was moderated by Prof Ngo Chong Wah. A separate session, Steward Leadership: A Conversation with Rajeev Peshawaria, invited alumni to reflect on leadership, purpose and creating value in a rapidly changing world.
More than a programme of activities, Alumni Homecoming 2026 celebrated the enduring connections between SMU and its alumni community. The event brought together alumni, families, friends, volunteers, performers, speakers, alumni founders and partners in a shared afternoon of reconnection, recognition and community spirit.
