About Us

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. Starting in 2025, graduates will receive a Co-Curricular Transcript which will highlight their growth and the valuable skills they have gained through their community involvement.