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SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-five years ago, Singapore Management University (SMU) started out as a bold experiment in transforming the higher education in Singapore. Today, it has already gained the recognition of being a globally recognised institution at the forefront of transformative education and cutting-edge research, shaping future leaders in Asia and beyond. As SMU marks this milestone, the university is not just reflecting on its achievements but charting a path forward with renewed purpose.
From Pioneering Beginnings to Regional Leadership
Established in 2000, SMU was designed to redefine the education landscape in Singapore. Its approach—interdisciplinary, interactive, and internationally oriented—was groundbreaking. Since then, the university's influence has extended far beyond Singapore, with a growing network of alumni shaping industries globally.
Under the leadership of Professor Lily Kong, SMU's fifth president, first Singaporean to lead SMU and first Singaporean woman to serve as president in any university in Singapore, the university has grown in stature. SMU's endowment fund, infrastructure, and international outreach have also expanded significantly, with three overseas offices, in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City established in less than two years, underscoring the commitment to foster connections, strengthen existing partnerships and contribute to Asia's growth.
SMU has also distinguished itself as a trailblazer in higher education, redefining learning and research to address local and global challenges.
Driving Transformative Education
SMU's distinctive approach to education blends academic rigour with industry relevance, equipping graduates with the skills and mindset to excel in a dynamic world. Notable milestones include:
- The launch of the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) and BSc (Computing and Law) programmes—Singapore-first initiatives designed to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills to address complex global challenges.
- The introduction of Individualised Majors under the College of Integrative Studies, that empowers students to design their own multidisciplinary learning pathways according to their individual passion and career aspirations.
- The establishment of over 50 sustainability-focused courses, aligning education with pressing environmental imperatives.
- The SMU-X experiential learning model, which has won international accolades such as the QS Innovation in Business Education Award and the International Green Gown Awards for fostering next-generation learning.
Enhancing Accessibility and Equity in Education
In its commitment to inclusivity, SMU has expanded its financial assistance programme through SMU Access Plus, an enhanced version of SMU Access and will be SMU's most generous financial assistance support to-date. An initiative designed to remove financial barriers for students from lower-income families, SMU Access Plus would cover a range of financial support, ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their aspirations regardless of financial circumstances.
This initiative not only levels the playing field for SMU students but also sets a benchmark for global institutions striving to democratise access to quality education.
Research with Societal Impact
SMU has set benchmarks in research excellence, addressing critical issues such as urban resilience, cybersecurity, and ageing populations:
In recognition of its impactful research, SMU has achieved global rankings, including the #1 position in Singapore and #2 in Asia for impactful business research by the Financial Times.
Shaping the Next Chapter
As SMU embarks on its next phase of growth, its refreshed Vision and Mission reflect a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration:
VISION
Asia's premier global city university
At the nexus of management, social sciences and technology
Driving innovations, transcending boundaries, transforming lives.
MISSION
Nurture a community of independent lifelong learners and change agents
Enable world-class researchers to address societal challenges
Harness partnerships to serve as gateway between Asia and the world
Transform lives to create sustainable futures
Strengthening Global Partnerships
SMU's strategic initiatives have expanded its influence across the region, particularly in ASEAN markets. Its overseas centres in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam serve as conduits for collaborations, fostering economic growth and cross-border partnerships.
The university's flagship events, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, promote entrepreneurship, while its lifelong learning initiatives have equipped over 15,000 professionals with critical skills to adapt to evolving workforce demands.
In celebrating SMU's 25th anniversary, Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, reflected on the university's journey and aspirations: "As our young undergraduates explore the world, it is essential that they cultivate a well-rounded global perspective while deeply appreciating Asia's rich social, cultural, and economic tapestry. These qualities—being Asia-ready and globally agile—are highly valued by global and regional enterprises alike, empowering our students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world."
Prof. Kong also emphasised the significance of SMU's refreshed vision and mission statements, stating, "While we honour the achievements of the past 25 years, we look forward with renewed purpose. These statements encapsulate our identity as a global city university rooted in Asia—driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and transforming lives as we navigate the next chapter of our journey."
Piyush Gupta, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Singapore Management University, on SMU's Role in Shaping Future Leaders
Mr Piyush Gupta added his perspective on the university's impact: "SMU's unique emphasis on interdisciplinary education, innovation, and its commitment to societal impact has made it a driving force in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The university's ability to adapt to the evolving demands of a global landscape ensures that its graduates are not only equipped with the skills needed to succeed but also the values to lead with purpose. As we celebrate 25 years, SMU continues to demonstrate its vital role in educating the changemakers who will influence industries, communities, and societies worldwide."
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Promise
With 25 years of achievements as a foundation, SMU continues to push boundaries, leveraging its unique positioning at the nexus of management, social sciences, and technology. As Singapore evolves as a global hub, SMU remains a pivotal force in developing talent, fostering innovation, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.
About Singapore Management University
Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools - Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU's eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research. SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/
SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-five years ago, Singapore Management University (SMU) started out as a bold experiment in transforming the higher education in Singapore. Today, it has already gained the recognition of being a globally recognised institution at the forefront of transformative education and cutting-edge research, shaping future leaders in Asia and beyond. As SMU marks this milestone, the university is not just reflecting on its achievements but charting a path forward with renewed purpose.
From Pioneering Beginnings to Regional Leadership
Established in 2000, SMU was designed to redefine the education landscape in Singapore. Its approach—interdisciplinary, interactive, and internationally oriented—was groundbreaking. Since then, the university's influence has extended far beyond Singapore, with a growing network of alumni shaping industries globally.
Under the leadership of Professor Lily Kong, SMU's fifth president, first Singaporean to lead SMU and first Singaporean woman to serve as president in any university in Singapore, the university has grown in stature. SMU's endowment fund, infrastructure, and international outreach have also expanded significantly, with three overseas offices, in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City established in less than two years, underscoring the commitment to foster connections, strengthen existing partnerships and contribute to Asia's growth.
SMU has also distinguished itself as a trailblazer in higher education, redefining learning and research to address local and global challenges.
Driving Transformative Education
SMU's distinctive approach to education blends academic rigour with industry relevance, equipping graduates with the skills and mindset to excel in a dynamic world. Notable milestones include:
- The launch of the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) and BSc (Computing and Law) programmes—Singapore-first initiatives designed to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills to address complex global challenges.
- The introduction of Individualised Majors under the College of Integrative Studies, that empowers students to design their own multidisciplinary learning pathways according to their individual passion and career aspirations.
- The establishment of over 50 sustainability-focused courses, aligning education with pressing environmental imperatives.
- The SMU-X experiential learning model, which has won international accolades such as the QS Innovation in Business Education Award and the International Green Gown Awards for fostering next-generation learning.
Enhancing Accessibility and Equity in Education
In its commitment to inclusivity, SMU has expanded its financial assistance programme through SMU Access Plus, an enhanced version of SMU Access and will be SMU's most generous financial assistance support to-date. An initiative designed to remove financial barriers for students from lower-income families, SMU Access Plus would cover a range of financial support, ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their aspirations regardless of financial circumstances.
This initiative not only levels the playing field for SMU students but also sets a benchmark for global institutions striving to democratise access to quality education.
Research with Societal Impact
SMU has set benchmarks in research excellence, addressing critical issues such as urban resilience, cybersecurity, and ageing populations:
In recognition of its impactful research, SMU has achieved global rankings, including the #1 position in Singapore and #2 in Asia for impactful business research by the Financial Times.
Shaping the Next Chapter
As SMU embarks on its next phase of growth, its refreshed Vision and Mission reflect a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration:
VISION
Asia's premier global city university
At the nexus of management, social sciences and technology
Driving innovations, transcending boundaries, transforming lives.
MISSION
Nurture a community of independent lifelong learners and change agents
Enable world-class researchers to address societal challenges
Harness partnerships to serve as gateway between Asia and the world
Transform lives to create sustainable futures
Strengthening Global Partnerships
SMU's strategic initiatives have expanded its influence across the region, particularly in ASEAN markets. Its overseas centres in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam serve as conduits for collaborations, fostering economic growth and cross-border partnerships.
The university's flagship events, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, promote entrepreneurship, while its lifelong learning initiatives have equipped over 15,000 professionals with critical skills to adapt to evolving workforce demands.
In celebrating SMU's 25th anniversary, Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, reflected on the university's journey and aspirations: "As our young undergraduates explore the world, it is essential that they cultivate a well-rounded global perspective while deeply appreciating Asia's rich social, cultural, and economic tapestry. These qualities—being Asia-ready and globally agile—are highly valued by global and regional enterprises alike, empowering our students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world."
Prof. Kong also emphasised the significance of SMU's refreshed vision and mission statements, stating, "While we honour the achievements of the past 25 years, we look forward with renewed purpose. These statements encapsulate our identity as a global city university rooted in Asia—driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and transforming lives as we navigate the next chapter of our journey."
Piyush Gupta, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Singapore Management University, on SMU's Role in Shaping Future Leaders
Mr Piyush Gupta added his perspective on the university's impact: "SMU's unique emphasis on interdisciplinary education, innovation, and its commitment to societal impact has made it a driving force in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The university's ability to adapt to the evolving demands of a global landscape ensures that its graduates are not only equipped with the skills needed to succeed but also the values to lead with purpose. As we celebrate 25 years, SMU continues to demonstrate its vital role in educating the changemakers who will influence industries, communities, and societies worldwide."
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Promise
With 25 years of achievements as a foundation, SMU continues to push boundaries, leveraging its unique positioning at the nexus of management, social sciences, and technology. As Singapore evolves as a global hub, SMU remains a pivotal force in developing talent, fostering innovation, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.
About Singapore Management University
Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools - Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU's eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research. SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
SMU at 25: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and a Bold Vision for the Future
SMU at 25: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and a Bold Vision for the Future
T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc. and Braidwell LP participate as new investors
Stephen Williams, MD, Ph.D. joins as Chief Scientific Officer
Rebecca Chambers and Frank Witney, Ph.D. appointed to Board of Directors
FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alamar Biosciences, Inc. ("Alamar"), a leader in precision proteomics dedicated to advancing the early detection of disease, announced the close of an oversubscribed convertible notes financing, bringing in more than $50 million of new capital. Accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc. and Braidwell LP joined the financing as new investors. Existing investors, including Illumina Ventures and Sands Capital, also participated. The financing will support the continued commercial advancement of Alamar's precision proteomics platform.
"We deeply appreciate the continued support from our existing investors and are excited to welcome our new partners," said Dr. Yuling Luo, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Alamar. "Their confidence in our vision and strategy underscores the transformative potential of our work. This investment will enable us to accelerate innovation and continue to expand the reach of our platform, unlocking the full value of precision medicine and early disease detection."
Leadership and Board Expansion
Alamar also announced key additions to its executive leadership team and board of directors to support the company's continued growth and commitment to operational excellence.
To further strengthen its scientific leadership, Alamar welcomes Dr. Stephen Williams as Chief Scientific Officer. Steve brings more than three decades of experience in precision medicine and biomarker innovation. He most recently served as Chief Medical Officer at Standard BioTools and SomaLogic, and previously spent 18 years at Pfizer in senior leadership roles. A recognized leader in the scientific community, he has served on the NIH National Advisory Council for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, helped launch the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, and co-founded the FDA-FNIH-PhRMA Biomarker Consortium.
Alamar has also appointed Rebecca Chambers and Dr. Frank Witney as directors to its board. Rebecca, Chief Financial Officer at Veracyte, brings deep financial and healthcare leadership experience from her current role as well as previous positions at Outset Medical, Illumina, Myriad Genetics and Life Technologies. Frank, an operating partner at Ampersand Capital Partners, adds over three decades of life sciences leadership experience, including serving as President and CEO of Affymetrix and Dionex Corporation, and currently sits on the boards of Revvity, Cerus Corporation, Standard BioTools, and several private companies.
"I am thrilled to welcome Steve to our leadership team, and Rebecca and Frank to our board of directors," said Dr. Yuling Luo. "Their deep expertise and diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we accelerate our mission to unleash the power of our Precision Proteomics platform, to enable broad impacts across health and disease. This is an exciting moment for Alamar, and we look forward to the impact their leadership will have on driving innovation and growth."
About Alamar Biosciences, Inc.
Alamar Biosciences is a privately held life sciences company dedicated to powering precision proteomics to enable the earliest detection of disease. Leveraging its proprietary NULISA™ technology and the ARGO™ HT System, Alamar's platform is designed to deliver ultra-high sensitivity and addresses key limitations of existing technologies to deliver precision proteomics. For more information, please visit alamarbio.com.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
Alamar Biosciences Announces Close of Oversubscribed Convertible Notes Financing and Expansion of Leadership Team
