About SMU-X
Introduced in 2015 as a university-wide programme, SMU-X is an experiential learning framework which calls for students to take on real- world challenges by collaborating on projects with corporates, non-profit and government organizations. The framework represents a paradigm shift in the traditional approach to teaching and learning; from being teacher-centred to students taking ownership of their own learning. SMU-X also enables a mind-set shift for the University by encouraging internal collaboration amongst its faculties and external collaboration with its stakeholders.
The SMU-X curriculum is built on four principles:
Project-based experiential learning
SMU combines academic with experiential learning through the heavy use of projects from industry partners.
Interdisciplinary approach
SMU challenges students to use their knowledge and skills to tackle real-world problems through interdisciplinary approaches and activities.
Active mentoring
SMU partners with corporate, non-profit and government-sector organizations. Industry partners and faculty are involved in active mentoring so that students benefit most out of this collaborative relationship.
Tripartite learning loop
SMU students get a better understanding of what it means to use theory learnt outside the classroom; faculty learn how real-world adapts theories; industry partners deepen their own learning through faculty and students’ findings. This inculcates in our students, faculty and industry partners the value of continuous learning in a VUCA world.
Benefits of SMU-X
COLLABORATION
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INNOVATION
STUDENT
- Interdisciplinary learning skills
- Developing a practical and implementable solution to real, complex problems
- Demonstrate adaptability and resilience
FACULTY
- Gain rich data and research ideas
- Better informed of how reality and rebuilds theory
- Stronger relationships with the industry
INDUSTRY
- Exchange knowledge with faculty and students, gaining innovative solutions and fresh perspectives from millennials and Gen-Zs
- Gain additional manpower for value-added projects with faculty-guided consultancy
- Identify potential new hires who are already exposed to and experienced in the projects
- Examine exploratory projects that might be overlooked due to day-to-day responsibilities
