Learn with INDEX

What is INDEX?

Where Learning Meets The Real World.

At SMU, we believe that education should be lived, not just learned. INDEX – short for Industry Project-Based Experiential Learning – is our award-winning approach that connects the classroom to the complexities of the real world.

Each course under INDEX is unique, yet guided by the SMU-X framework – a set of principles that fosters collaboration, reflection, and application. Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, or lifelong learner, you’ll work on real-world projects with industry and community partners, gaining insights that no textbook can offer.

INDEX brings together pedagogy (SMU-X and SMU-X Overseas) and andragogy (SMU-X Lifelong Learning) into a dynamic ecosystem of experiential learning. It’s what sets SMU apart – an education model that has redefined how students, faculty, and partners co-create knowledge and impact.

Learning through INDEX means learning to think, adapt, and lead – in a world that never stops changing.

An example of INDEX

ABOUT INDEX SYMPOSIUM

A Global Stage For Experiential Education.

Launched in 2023, the INDEX Symposium is SMU’s flagship platform for thought leadership in industry project-based experiential learning. It brings together educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and students from around the world to exchange ideas, share best practices, and spark innovation.

From keynote panels on AI and education to workshops on student impact and cross-border partnerships, the symposium continues to amplify the relevance of experiential learning in a fast-changing world.

More than a conference, the INDEX Symposium is a growing community of practice and a reflection of SMU’s commitment to shaping the future of higher education through real-world engagement.

OUR AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Award-winning. Impact-driven. INDEX continues to set the benchmark for industry project-based experiential learning excellence.

2015
Won a competitive research grant in Nov 2015 to study SMU-X’s pedagogy

Jun 2016
SMU-X was cited by Singapore's Minister for Education as an example of real-life learning which provided the environment for students to gain both depth and breadth in their skill sets via involvement in industry projects.