Maximise Your Potential with SMU-X Lifelong Learning
Welcome to SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL), an exciting extension of SMU’s Industry Project-Based Experiential Learning (INDEX) programme. By focusing on andragogy, lifelong learning, and industry collaboration, SMU-XL Lifelong Learning connects adult learners with industry partners for practical, hands-on learning experiences across different stages of their career and education. This initiative leverages the principles of andragogy, emphasizing the unique needs of adult learners and promoting a self-directed, collaborative, and experience-based learning approach.
At SMU-XL, faculty members and industry champions mentor adult learners to innovate solutions to actual business challenges and objectives.
Key Features of SMU-X Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning
Focus:
SMU-XL contributes to the continuous learning of working professionals, SMU alumni and mature students by enabling them to bridge the gap between theory and practice effectively.
Collaboration with
Industry Partners:
SMU-XL takes a project-based approach to address real-world challenges faced by industry partners through project collaborations.
Integration with
Graduate Programs:
SMU-XL comprises 60 credit hours and is a graduation requirement embedded in the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy.
Flexible Learning
Formats:
SMU-XL forms an integral part of Industry Practice Master that offers a flexible, personalised, industry-relevant continuing education pathway, empowering adult learners to pursue their professional goals at their own pace.
SMU-X Lifelong Learning Programme
SMU-XL is now offered under two tracks of Industry Practice Master: Data Protection and Data Governance Track, and Digital Supply Chain and Intelligence Track. SMU-XL will also be offered under the new Digital Procurement Track in 2025.
Find out more about Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy »
SMU-XL involves team projects with 2 to 5 members, including program learners or colleagues. Each project lasts 13 weeks, running from August to November and January to April each year. Evening classes and hybrid delivery benefit professionals, SMU alumni, and mature students working full time.
Experience with SMU-X Lifelong Learning
SMU-XL harnesses SMU’s flagship Industry Project-Based Experiential Learning approach, enabling adult learners to tackle real-world challenges for their employer or industry partners. Through this, adult learners get to showcase their expertise by crafting solution prototypes, enhancing content knowledge and honing critical core skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and decision-making.
The enrolment of SMU-XL opens twice per year: April (for August to November run) and September (for January to April run). Learners are encouraged to form their own project team prior to the enrolment. Each project team shall consist of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5 members. Sign-ups post deadline will be dealt with individually.
Below are the key milestones of SMU-XL projects:
Project Kick Off
(Week 1)
Project teams meet faculty and industry partners who will share details of project challenges.
Proposal Presentation
(Week 3)
Project teams present project proposals and agree on the detailed scope and deliverables with faculty and industry partners.
Mid-term Progress Presentation
(Week 8 / 9)
Project teams develop solutions and present project progress to faculty and industry partners for feedback.
Final Presentation
(Week 12 / 13)
Project teams present final solutions and recommendations to industry partners. Faculty grades project team.
Apart from the above touchpoints, the project teams will liaise with industry partners for inquiries, data requests, and clarifications as required for project progress.
Applying for SMU-X Lifelong Learning
For optimal learning outcomes, students should complete their Program Core and Track Core modules before starting SMU-X Lifelong Learning projects.
Sign-ups for these projects are in April (for August-November) and September (for January-April). Students are advised to form project teams of 2-5 members and indicate the team at sign-up. The SMU-X Office will then guide enrolled students on the next steps before the project begins. Late sign-ups will be considered individually, and all students must sign a Confidentiality Undertaking before starting.
