Singapore, 12 October 2026 – Olympic champion Eileen Gu joined the second edition of the Karim Family Foundation (KFF) Inspiring Women Leadership Series on 12 October 2026, engaging guests in a conversation with Singapore Management University (SMU) President Lily Kong on human potential and personal growth.
Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, said: “A university, at its heart, is a place where we explore questions about human potential — not only what people can achieve, but what they can become. It is also a place for dialogue, where different experiences and perspectives come together to deepen our understanding of issues that matter to our communities and society. Our conversation with Eileen Gu exemplifies this. Beyond her extraordinary achievements, her journey raises questions about personal choices and journeys of growth. These resonate with our students, alumni and the wider community. Such conversations invite us to reflect on our own lives, broaden our perspectives and consider new possibilities for ourselves and for others.”
A conversation on what helps talent flourish
During the dialogue, Ms Gu shared how supporting others and having the freedom to explore her interests have shaped her journey to becoming the most decorated Olympic freeskier, with six medals across two Games. Reflecting on opportunities for women, she emphasised the value of growing together: “It's about uplifting the entire community so that every single person ends up being better in the way that a rising tide raises all ships.”
As the only girl on her youth ski team, Ms Gu recalled wanting to fit in and build friendships with her peers. Shared challenges on the slopes helped her connect with her teammates and feel included. She emphasised the importance of creating an environment where people feel empowered to take the first step and try without fear of failure.
Ms Gu also credited her mother with encouraging her to explore a wide range of interests and trusting her to make her own decisions. Reflecting on how their relationship has evolved, she described them as “co-founders”, highlighting the role of mutual respect and open dialogue in supporting growth.
Supporting women through networks and opportunities
Cindy Karim, BBM 2014 said: “As title sponsor of the KFF Singapore Badminton Open, Community Partner of NBA Rising Stars Invitational and supporter of youth sports development, KFF believes sport builds far more than athletes. It builds discipline, resilience, and the confidence to lead. Eileen Gu embodies all of this, and her journey shows young women that they can define success on their own terms. Through the Inspiring Women Leadership Series and our partnership with SMU, we hope to give more young women the role models, networks and opportunities to pursue their own ambitions.”
Ms Pieta Setiawan, Head of Corporate Communications, Musim Mas Foundation, added: “Women thrive when they have access to opportunity, supportive networks and role models who show what is possible. By supporting the Inspiring Women Leadership Series, Musim Mas Foundation hopes to contribute to a platform where women can exchange perspectives, build confidence and strengthen the connections that help them progress. This reflects our broader commitment to education, community development and creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish.”
Held at SMU, the event drew 1,024 attendees. Building on the themes of the KFF Inspiring Women Leadership Series, SMU will continue to deepen its engagement with its alumnae through a range of activities under the SMU Women Alumni Group. These include structured group mentoring, panel discussions, networking sessions and family-friendly events, creating more opportunities for women to connect across generations, support one another's aspirations and contribute to the wider community.
The Series is organised by KFF and SMU with the support of Musim Mas Foundation. It builds on KFF’s longstanding partnership with SMU, championed by Foundation principals and SMU alumni, Cindy Karim and Chayadi Karim, who graduated in 2014 and 2015 respectively, together with fellow principal, Chai Karim. This partnership includes the Karim Family Foundation Scholarship, an endowed gift of S$2 million established in 2022.