History, Affiliations and Rankings
By the late 1990s, it was clear that Singapore needed another institution at university level. Dr Tony Tan recalls the three reasons that Mr Ho Kwon Ping and his council put forth for starting SMU. Since its launch, seven student cohorts have graduated and been well received – so SMU has been a success. In 2000, Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan announced the start of the School of Accountancy. It became the first Singapore university to offer an American-style, broad-based accountancy degree program with professional recognition. SMU is one of the youngest universities to receive accreditation from AACSB International, a long standing and internationally recognized global accrediting body for business and accounting programs. It has earned accreditation for both its Lee Kong Chain School of Business (LKCSB) and School of Accountancy (SOA). The Singapore Management University is ranked #511-520 in the QS Global World University Ranking 2022.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
The SMU campus is the first of its type, having been conceived, integrated, and built in the centre of a bustling metropolis. The campus is bordered by museums, theatres, educational institutions, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and a variety of retail establishments, and is purpose-built over 4.5 hectares of valuable property in the heart of Singapore. A wide range of professional, communal, civic, and public groups were involved in its planning and development. The idea was to construct a one-of-a-kind city campus that could fit the new millennium while remaining connected to the district's historical roots. Today, the site consists of seven structures, including the Administration Building, the Li Ka Shing Library, and five structures that house the six schools. The university offers Accountancy, Business Management, Economics, Information System and Law.
Accomplishments and Alumni
SMU's Arts & Cultural Fraternity (ACF) provides frequent exposure to student artists through campus and external events held along Singapore's arts and heritage belt. Many have represented SMU on the international scene, impressing foreign audiences and earning the university prestigious awards. Smu Arts Festival, Smu Office Of Student Life, Gaya, Smu Komunitas Indonesia, and Festiva, Smu Symphonia are just a few of the fraternity's notable accomplishments and critically acclaimed shows. Some of the notable names include Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition of Singapore, Rebecca Lim, Singaporean actress and Louis Chua, Member of the Parliament of Singapore.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
SMU's broad international community fosters a learning environment that cuts across borders and brings people from all over the world together. India, China, ASEAN countries, Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, Maldives, Japan, and South Korea are among the university's overseas students. It offers over 200 partner universities for exchange programs, encompassing 159 cities in 45 countries across all continents, offering students a 100% chance to engage in a global exposure programs. There are a total faculty of 388 full-time faculty out of which 39% are international faculty [non-Singapore Citizens and non-Singapore Permanent Residents] coming from 26 different nationalities. Some of the top employers of the university’s graduates are Google, Grab, Amazon, McKinsey & Company and Microsoft.
