The Singapore Management University (SMU) Global Summer Programme (GSP) wrapped up another successful run this year. Taking place from 29 June to 7 August 2026, the multifaceted programme brought together a vibrant international community for a four-week journey of academic learning, industry exposure, and cultural immersion in Singapore.
Through a combination of interactive classroom discussions, industry visits, experiential activities, and cross-cultural networking, GSP 2026 offered participants a holistic learning experience that extended beyond campus grounds, equipping them with the mindset and skills needed to navigate an interconnected world.
Preparing students for a changing world
With the theme of Future-Ready Skills That Give Students a Career Advantage in a Changing World, the programme kicked off with orientation sessions hosted on SMU campus on 29 June for Session 1 and 13 July for Session 2. Keynote speakers and members of industry, including Mr. Tang Zongzhong (Head of Sustainability, EQT Private Capital Asia), shared valuable insights with students on the nature of an evolving workplace and the importance of equipping young leaders to thrive amid change.
Dr. Navin Rajagobal, Senior Director, SMU Academic Services & Operations, in his welcome remarks, highlighted how the Global Summer Programme (GSP) underscored SMU’s commitment to preparing students for an ever-changing world.
“The GSP is more than a summer learning experience. It reflects SMU’s commitment to helping students thrive in a world that is constantly changing. Guided by the SMU2030 Strategic Plan and its focus on Education, Research, and Partnerships, SMU supports students in building new skills, exploring important global issues, and learning from diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Dr Rajagobal.
Dr Rajagobal’s message highlighted the broader purpose and intention of the annual programme, organised by SMU’s Centre for Global Education & Opportunities (GEO) — to provide students with the opportunities to expand their knowledge, engage with pressing global issues and gain meaningful experiences that extend beyond classroom learning.
Innovating the Curriculum
To ground classroom learning in real-world practice, the GSP team designed an innovative curriculum built around direct industry immersion and global perspectives.
“We wanted students to see how classroom concepts play out on the ground in real time,” shared Ms. Bay Hwee Eng, Deputy Head, Centre for Global Education & Opportunities. “By pairing academic coursework with direct access to industry practitioners and site visits, participants could connect theory with live business operations and current market challenges.”
The team built curated company visits directly into the programme and invited visiting faculty to bring international perspectives into the classroom. For example, Dr. Joshua Babcock, Assistant Professor of Anthropology from Brown University, led the specialised module “Infrastructures of Experience in Global Asia.”
“The course focuses on how people actually live, not on models or preconceptions. Through readings and lectures, GSP students engage with global case studies that will expand their horizons and create opportunities to bring examples from cultural contexts and lived experiences into the classroom,” commented Dr. Babcock.
“Students will also engage with Singapore as a living laboratory to connect their learning to their immediate surroundings.”
Bringing classroom learning to life
Industry engagements formed a cornerstone of the programme, with participants working directly on live business challenges set by organisational leaders. In The Business of Fun module, students served as student consultants for Mandai Wildlife Group, presenting their final operational and sustainability proposals directly to Mandai’s management team.
In tandem with company visits, participants engaged in hands-on activities designed to foster exploration and connection. From sailing sessions hosted by the SMU Sailing Club and cultural walking tours to an AI Vibe Coding workshop, students discovered Singapore’s rich heritage and distinctive offerings that extended beyond the university campus, all whilst building lasting bonds with fellow programme participants from different geographies.
“My favourite experience would be meeting new people and making new friends! Being able to get to know new individuals living in different countries with different backgrounds/cultures was always fun,” shared Alexis Nguyen, a GSP 2026 participant from University of Washington Bothell, United States of America. “GSP will forever be a memorable trip I won’t forget!”
Honouring dedicated educators
The depth of both classroom innovation and field learning was made possible by the dedicated SMU and visiting faculty who chose to spend their summer break teaching, mentoring, and growing alongside the participants. Their commitment extended well beyond standard lecture hours, guiding discussions, facilitating site reflections, and ensuring every student received a deeply enriching and supportive learning experience.
Building connections across cultures
With 38 nationalities represented, GSP 2026 provided a rich multicultural hub for students to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another. Beyond coursework, the programme created an environment where participants built meaningful global networks, gained a deeper appreciation for regional diversity, and created lasting memories.
As the programme draws to a close, participants leave Singapore not only with new knowledge, but with an expanded worldview and international connections that will continue to enrich their academic and personal journeys long into the future.
“GSP was a gateway into so many interesting parts of Singapore and SMU. I feel professionally, educationally and personally enriched. I got to learn under some of the best of the best, meet and make friends from around the world and benefit from a wonderful community and beautiful city as well as country, which is Singapore. I am thankful for my time spent at SMU GSP!” – shared by Matthis Pierre Heinrich Ory, a GSP 2026 participant from University of Tübingen, Germany.
The SMU Global Summer Programme is managed by the Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), under SMU’s Academic Services and Operations group.
To find out more about GSP
Website: https://geo.smu.edu.sg/study-in-smu/global-summer-programme
Email: smusummer [at] smu.edu.sg (smusummer[at]smu[dot]edu[dot]sg)