Singapore Management University (SMU) marked the start of Academic Year 2026/27 on 20 August 2026, welcoming students back to campus and a new cohort of freshmen beginning their SMU journey.
The Academic Year Opening (AYO) Ceremony brought together some 500 members of the SMU community at SMU Hall, including the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Chairman, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, alumni, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and freshmen.
This year, SMU welcomes more than 2,700 freshmen hailing from 160 cities and representing 38 nationalities, further enriching the diversity of its community.
The new academic year also brings fresh opportunities for students in and beyond the classroom. Students will encounter new courses designed for an AI-enabled future, while campus life kicks into gear through Freshmen Orientation, Vivace and SMU Arts Fest 2026.
Marking the beginning of a new academic year
The evening began with the Grand Processional and National Anthem, followed by the Chancellor's formal declaration of the opening of the new academic year.
SMU President Professor Lily Kong, and SMU Chairman, Mr Piyush Gupta, then addressed the University community, sharing their reflections and aspirations for the year ahead.
Chairman Mr Piyush Gupta highlighted how SMU’s educational experience combines strong academic foundations with practical opportunities that address students’ real-world needs. Reflecting on his own university years, he noted that experiences such as community service, structured internships and international exposure can give students a valuable head start by helping them adapt, collaborate and contribute meaningfully in the workplace. He also reminded students that, while they benefit from the opportunities created by previous generations, they have a responsibility to strengthen the university for those who come after them.
He said: “Over the next few years, you will shape this university in ways large and small. And you will help determine what SMU becomes for those who come after you. Because ultimately, the strength of an institution is not measured by its buildings or facilities. It is measured by whether each generation leaves it stronger than they found it.”
President Professor Lily Kong invited students to begin their university journey with three questions : What is worth knowing? What does it mean to belong? And what will you refuse to become?
She encouraged students to seek knowledge that challenges their assumptions, remain open to different perspectives, and consider not only who they aspire to become, but also the values they will uphold along the way.
She said: “A university does not give you a final version of yourself. At SMU, we are deeply conscious that these conditions are made possible by many hands: our faculty and staff, our students and alumni, and the donors, partners and friends who believe in the transformative power of education.”
The ceremony also recognised Dr Lillyn Teh and Dr Foo Suan Tong with Tokens of Appreciation for their $15 million gift which supports Southeast Asia’s first student-led investment programme, endowed SMU’s largest merit scholarship for postgraduate learners, and supported students through scholarships and study awards, particularly laying the foundation for an ecosystem that will nurture future leaders at the intersection of business and technology.
Representing the student body, Low Jing Xi, President of the SMU Students' Association Council, before students reaffirmed their commitment to the University community through the Students' Pledge.
A forest planted "for us"
This year's Academic Year Opening took on the theme FOREST (For Us), drawing on the metaphor of the SMU community as a forest shaped by generations past and present.
At the heart of the production was the Tree of Life, a mysterious tree believed to hold the answer to every traveller's deepest question. Familiar characters including Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, Hansel and Gretel journey through an enchanted forest in search of safety, belonging and answers, only to discover that what they had been seeking might not be the answer after all.
Underlying the story was a larger idea about the SMU community: that every "tree" in the SMU forest was planted through the foresight, sacrifice and generosity of those who came before, for the benefit of future generations.
The theme reflects both the journey that freshmen are beginning and the shared responsibility of contributing to the SMU community. Inspired by how a forest grows from seeds planted across generations, the theme encourages students to embrace the opportunities ahead while considering the legacy they hope to leave for those who follow.
Reflecting the community at the heart of the theme, the production brought together members of SMU across generations, with students, staff and alumni taking on roles in its cast.
New ways of learning for an AI-enabled future
Beyond the celebrations, the new academic year also brings new learning opportunities as SMU continues to evolve its curriculum for an AI-enabled future. Students can look forward to new courses spanning areas such as agentic AI for accounting, emerging technology law and applied AI in financial services, alongside courses that encourage them to engage with questions of ethics, society and the human capabilities that will remain important in an increasingly AI-enabled world. Read more about SMU's new courses for AY2026/27.
Beginning the SMU journey
For SMU's newest students, the journey began even before the formal opening of the academic year.
Freshmen Orientation took place across three runs from 7 July to 31 July 2026, and it welcomed more than 1,700 incoming students. Themed “SMOOverdrive”, the orientation programme used a race as a metaphor for the university journey, with freshmen navigating checkpoints across campus that tested their agility, teamwork and drive. Along the way, it provided opportunities to form new friendships, explore the campus and gain a better understanding of university life.
One of the freshmen commented: “My entire SMU journey took off during orientation. Finding real, authentic connections from day one didn't just boost my confidence—it anchored me with the sense of belonging I needed to thrive.”
Finding their place in the SMU community
Freshmen also had the opportunity to discover the breadth of student life at Vivace 2026, SMU's annual CCA fair.
Held on 13 and 14 August 2026, Vivace brought together more than 150 student clubs and societies spanning arts and culture, sports and adventure, special interests, community service and academic disciplines.
Centred around this year's supermarket-inspired theme, the campus transformed into a marketplace of experiences. Freshmen were invited to “shop” through different interest "aisles" to curate their own unique co-curricular journey. The two-day event drew widespread engagement across campus, drawing over 3,000 students into the vibrant atmosphere.
Across SMU Campus Green and Basement Concourse, students took part in interactive CCA try-outs, enjoyed live performances and connected with like-minded peers, creating opportunities to form lasting relationships beyond the classroom.
The Vivace stage at T-Junction featured a collaboration performance by SMU Eurhythmix, SMU Funk Movement, and SMU Stereometa.
“University is not just about what students study but also who they become along the way. At SMU, learning does not end when class ends. It is my hope that all students find themselves challenged, encouraged and supported by the community around them in and outside of a classroom.” said Professor Mark Chong, Dean of Students
A freshman also shared: “The variety of clubs and communities shown at Vivace shows that there is space for everyone in the SMU community.”
As SMU embarks on Academic Year 2026/27, its newest students join a community shaped by those who came before them, while beginning to create experiences and contributions of their own.
From exploring emerging technologies and new ways of learning, to serving the community, taking to the stage and discovering new interests, the year ahead will offer students opportunities to go beyond the classroom, broaden their horizons and develop a stronger sense of who they are becoming.