About Us
Overview
At SMU, we are dedicated to shaping well-rounded, responsible citizens who lead with integrity and passion, both in their careers and communities. As part of this holistic approach to education, community service has been a graduation requirement since our inception in 2000, making us the first university in Singapore to do so. All undergraduates must complete a minimum of 80 hours of community service and four online learning modules which equip students with essential community engagement principles to graduate.
Our commitment to service has been recognised through several prestigious accolades. In 2016, SMU was honoured as the inaugural winner of the President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards in the Educational Institutions category for our efforts in nurturing a strong community service ethos. In 2024, we received the People’s Association Community Spirit (PACS) Award 2024 - Excellence Award, recognising our dedication to fostering a caring, cohesive community. SMU also held the distinction of being Asia’s first "Changemaker Campus" (2015 - 2023) accredited by Ashoka and joined the ranks of renowned institutions like Cornell and Brown. This recognition highlights our role as a leader in social entrepreneurship and preparing graduates to make a lasting impact in the world.
While these awards reflect our dedication, it’s the passion of our students that truly sets us apart. On average, they exceed the 80-hour requirement, having collectively contributed over 4 million hours of community service. From 2025 onwards, all undergraduates have received a Co-Curricular Transcript that highlights their growth and the valuable skills they gained through their community engagement.
Our Impact
*Data from 2001 to 2025 as of 31 January 2026
community service hours completed
overseas community service projects (individual and group projects)
local community service projects (individual and group projects)
partner organisations
Spanning
countries through overseas community service projects
of students from Class of 2025 went above the minimum 80 hours of community service
Beneficiaries we have impacted in 2025:
(Click on each card to learn more)
25%
Children
up to age 14 years old
up to age 14 years old
A quarter of our projects nurture children's learning, growth, and well-being – delivered in partnership with community partners.
Project Examples:
Floorever Friends; Kin
#learningforall #qualityeducation #socialwellbeing
17%
Youth
up to age 14 years old
up to age 14 years old
Our students walk alongside youths, including those at risk, through mentoring, tutoring, and developmental programmes to help them find their footing and reach their potential.
Project Examples:
Munnetram; Heartcode
#onecommunity #supportingfamilies #intergeneration
7%
Families
From everyday struggles to life's bigger challenges, our students work alongside social service agencies to bring care and practical help directly to families navigating tough times.
#onecommunity #supportingfamilies #intergeneration
8%
Seniors
65 years old & above
65 years old & above
Every senior deserves to feel valued and cared for. Our students bring that to life — through befriending visits, shared lessons, and home-based assistance that makes everyday life a little easier and a lot less lonely.
Project Examples:
Inspirar
#activeageing #socialisolation #ageinginplace
4%
Persons with Disabilities
Our students create meaningful connections with persons with disabilities — through inclusive programmes and enabling initiatives that affirm every person's worth and dignity.
Project Examples:
Espressivo; Artis; starringSMU
#socialinclusion #differentlyabled #equity
8%
Environment & Animal Welfare
From conservation drives to awareness campaigns, our students take meaningful action for the environment and the animals that share our world.
Project Examples:
Luminaire; Rhize
#conservation #biodiversity #animalwelfare
1%
Migrant Workers
Every migrant worker has a story, a family, and a life far from home. Our students show up with care and warmth — offering outreach, companionship, and community to those who give so much to our city.
Project Examples:
Candela
#mentalwellbeing #socialinclusion #migrantcommunity
30%
Others
Communities come in all shapes. From heritage to governance to women's empowerment, our students partner across causes to support the underserved communities.
Project Examples:
Ubin Kakis; MCCY Charity Transparency Assessment
#charitygovernance #culturalheritage #communityinaction #womenempowerment
25 Years of Community Service
Our Team
General enquiry:
commsvcs@smu.edu.sg
Devi
Head of Department
devi@smu.edu.sg
Candy Tan
Senior Manager
candytanll@smu.edu.sg
Esther Ong
Senior Manager
estherong@smu.edu.sg
Faleela Binte Mohamed Faqarh
Senior Executive
faleelaf@smu.edu.sg
Ng Xin Le
Assistant Manager
xlng@smu.edu.sg
Pam Wan Hui Khoon
Senior Manager
pamwan@smu.edu.sg
Sherman Yeo
Manager
shermanyeo@smu.edu.sg
Tan Gek Cheng
Senior Manager
gctan@smu.edu.sg
Vikneswary D/O A Jahnasegar
Executive
vikneswaryj@smu.edu.sg