SMU Delegation's Landmark Visit to NCCU Marks a New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
On March 12, 2026, Singapore Management University (SMU) President Professor Lily Kong led a high-level delegation to National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taipei, Taiwan, underscoring a deepening commitment to academic collaboration between the two institutions. Hosted by NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li, the visit reviewed over a decade of partnership achievements and charted ambitious future initiatives amid evolving higher education landscapes in Asia. This engagement reflects Singapore's strategic push to bolster regional university networks, particularly with Taiwan, a key partner in fostering talent mobility and innovative research.
The timing is poignant, as both universities approach significant milestones: SMU's 25th anniversary and NCCU's centennial next year. These celebrations symbolize robust foundations in business, social sciences, and law, aligning perfectly with shared visions for transformative education.
Profiles of Visionary Leaders Driving the Partnership
Professor Lily Kong, the fifth and first Singaporean president of SMU since 2019, brings a distinguished background as a geographer and Fellow of the British Academy (FBA). Previously Provost at SMU and holding senior roles at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Kong has championed digital transformation, sustainability, and Asia-centric education. Her leadership emphasizes 'bold ideas, big impact,' positioning SMU as a premier Asian university focused on real-world problem-solving.
NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li, leading Taiwan's premier institution for humanities and social sciences, heads the Ministry of Education's 'Initiating General Education Renaissance' (iGER) working committee. NCCU, with 12 colleges, over 800 English-taught courses, and partnerships with 496+ global universities, excels in active learning and interdisciplinary integration. Li praised SMU as 'a leading young university in Asia with outstanding achievements,' highlighting synergies in small-class teaching and practice-oriented curricula.
Decade-Long Partnership: From Foundations to Flourishing Exchanges
The SMU-NCCU university-level partnership, formalized in 2014, has yielded substantial outcomes. Key milestones include robust student exchanges, dual-degree programs in business and law colleges, and collaborative research projects. NCCU's College of Commerce lists SMU among its 15 dual-degree partners, enabling seamless academic pathways.
These initiatives have facilitated cross-cultural exposure for hundreds of students. For instance, SMU students gain insights into Taiwan's dynamic economy, while NCCU scholars benefit from Singapore's business ecosystem. Amid rising Asian student mobility— with 'Asian Tiger' destinations like Singapore and Taiwan seeing 19% interest surges in 2025—such ties are vital for Singapore's universities.
- Student exchanges: Annual cohorts fostering global mindsets.
- Dual degrees: Integrated curricula in accountancy and law.
- Joint projects: Tackling regional challenges in trade and governance.
Keynote Spotlight: Rethinking Education for a '100-Year Life'
Central to the visit was Kong's keynote, 'Whole Person Education & University Transformation: Re-thinking General Education for a 100-Year Life.' Delivered under Taiwan's iGER initiative, it addressed AI disruptions and extended lifespans—graduates at 22 potentially working 50+ years. Kong advocated four pivotal shifts:
- Beyond cognitive skills to resilience, self-awareness, and exploration.
- Accentuating humanity amid AI's information prowess but lacking judgment.
- Interdisciplinary depth for multifaceted challenges.
- Lifelong partnerships, exemplified by Singapore's grants for 89-year-olds.
She illustrated with SMU-X, where students solve industry problems, transcending classroom bounds.NCCU's announcement details the full agenda.
Deep Dives into Holistic Education and Interdisciplinary Futures
Dialogues emphasized 'whole person education'—holistic development beyond employability. Kong noted universities must cultivate agility and purpose, countering Asia's grade-centric cultures. Practical solutions included complementary majors, role model showcases, and parent engagement.
Interdisciplinary colleges and lifelong learning were highlighted, with exchanges on Taiwan's semiconductor/AI talent influx mirroring Singapore's tech booms. Both nations see diverse graduates pivoting to high-demand sectors, underscoring adaptable curricula's necessity.
Purpose-driven partnerships were stressed: not rankings, but societal impact via defined goals.
Ambitious Roadmap: Expanding Mobility, Research, and Programs
Future plans aim to elevate ties: enhanced student/faculty mobility, joint research, and new executive master's programs. Explorations include joint PhDs and interdisciplinary initiatives addressing sustainability and innovation.
- Student mobility: Scaled exchanges for diverse cohorts.
- Joint research: Asia-focused societal impact projects.
- Faculty exchanges: Knowledge-sharing sabbaticals.
- New programs: Tailored for executives and lifelong learners.
This aligns with Singapore's internationalization strategy, where SMU's 300+ partners amplify global reach.
Singapore-Taiwan Higher Education Ecosystem: A Thriving Network
Beyond SMU-NCCU, Singapore-Taiwan links flourish. NUS, NTU partner with NTU Taiwan, NTNU; SIM Global Education offers transnational programs. Taiwan hosted 140,417 international students in 2025/26, with Southeast Asia rising. Singapore benefits from Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors, complementing its AI hub ambitions.
SMU's partner list exemplifies purposeful Asia engagement.
Student and Faculty Benefits: Real-World Impacts
Singaporean students access Taiwan's vibrant culture and expertise; Taiwanese gain Singapore's business acumen. Exchanges build networks in booming sectors. Faculty collaborations spark publications and grants.
Stakeholders note enhanced employability: SMU graduates top Singapore's GES with 91.4% employment. NCCU's global outlook prepares for Asia's rise.
Challenges in Asian Higher Education and Collaborative Solutions
Common hurdles: grade obsession, linear career mindsets, AI ethics. Kong's vision: practical reforms like SMU-X. Jointly, SMU-NCCU can pioneer models blending tech-humanity.
Broadly, mobility stats show Asia's 19% surge, but infrastructure lags demand investment.
Photo by Florida Memory on Unsplash
Outlook: Pioneering Asia's Educational Renaissance
This visit positions SMU-NCCU as exemplars for sustainable, impactful partnerships. As anniversaries approach, expect flagship events amplifying ties. For Singapore higher education, it reinforces global stature, nurturing agile leaders for tomorrow's challenges.
Prospects gleam: expanded programs, research hubs, alumni networks driving bilateral innovation.