Unlocking Digital Futures

Answering this call is SMU Yong Pung How School of Law Professor Locknie Hsu, whose SMU-X course Law and Digital Commerce, invites students to step beyond static theory into a dynamic arena where law, technology, and business entwine. Here, learning is grounded in the real world. Students engage with industry mentors, interrogate emerging challenges, and co-create insights that influence how the digital economy evolves. 

Locknie has thoughtfully curated a rich tapestry of more than 40 industry experts over the past five years since the course’s inception, crafting an immersive experience that exposes students to the forefront of digital transformation. Gary Loh, Founder & CEO of DiMuto, and Sofia Acuña, DiMuto’s Business Development and Legal Manager, illuminated how blockchain technology can bring transparency and traceability to global agrifood supply chains, driving meaningful discussions around cross-border digital commerce and innovative contract management. DiMuto is a Singapore-based agrifood-tech company that uses blockchain and AI to track and distribute produce across the supply chain, enhancing transparency, food safety, and trade financing. 

“Working with SMU students has consistently provided us fresh perspectives on the rapidly evolving landscape of digital commerce,” shared Gary. “Their thorough research and forward-looking insights on blockchain application have enriched our approach and influenced meaningful conversations within the industry.” 

“It was exciting to guide students through the intricacies of blockchain-enabled trade,” added Sofia. “Their contributions directly supported our strategic thinking and enhanced our internal dialogues on digital innovation.”

Their detailed papers contributed meaningful perspectives and sparked valuable policy discussions for regional integration efforts.

－Karen Yeo

William Tjhi, Head of Applied Research for Foundation Models at AI Singapore, mentored students on the frontiers of ethical AI and cross-border data privacy. His sessions sparked robust dialogue on the need for legal frameworks that can keep pace with technological breakthroughs, directly shaping students' research projects that propose novel regulatory solutions. AI Singapore unites local research institutions, startups, and industry to build AI solutions through applied research, talent development, and ecosystem support. 

“Engaging with SMU-X students was invigorating,” William reflected. “Their research provided practical insights and robust recommendations, actively informing how we approach our regional data and ecosystem building efforts.” 

Karen Yeo, Deputy Director of the ASEAN Division at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), enriched the classroom with insights from active ASEAN trade negotiations. She challenged students to unpack the complexities of regional digital integration, prompting impactful research papers that speak to the real concerns of policymakers. MTI is responsible for formulating and implementing policies to promote economic growth, create jobs, develop industries, and expand global trade and investments 

“The students’ enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis of digital trade complexities in ASEAN were remarkable,” remarked Karen. “Their detailed papers contributed meaningful perspectives and sparked valuable policy discussions for regional integration efforts.” 

The course also introduced students to emerging and pressing topics such as crypto assets, counterfeit goods in e-commerce, cybersecurity, online scalping, data protection, and supply chain challenges. Students explored these areas through direct engagement with industry practitioners, gaining firsthand insights into the evolving digital landscape. Locknie underscored the value of these collaborations: “Our industry mentors provide students with perspectives that textbooks alone cannot offer. Their input helps students identify realistic solutions, positioning their research to influence real-world policies and industry practices.” 

To date, more than 125 students have explored this intersection of law, technology, and commerce, each producing research grounded in lived industry needs. 

Among the many students who have passed through the course, two stand out for their reflections on its enduring impact. Michelle Yap, now with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), reflected: “This course piqued my interest in exploring cutting-edge issues that traverse law, policy and technology, particularly through our robust discussions with industry practitioners, policymakers and academics.”

Maxine Hong, currently in private legal practice, shared: “Our work on consumer protection in the context of NFT transactions was particularly impactful for me. With guidance from our mentors, we explored the issues from multiple stakeholder perspectives, which allowed us to shape our solutions into practical frameworks and toolkits. It was an extremely meaningful experience that honed our problem-solving skills and left us with lessons that continue to be valuable well beyond the course.” 

With guidance from experienced mentors, students explored complex and timely topics such as cross-border data governance, blockchain-enabled consumer protection, and digital asset regulations. Through research papers and project reports, they developed insights that are relevant and applicable beyond the classroom. To date, more than 40 student-led outputs have informed corporate strategies, shaped policy conversations, and contributed meaningfully to government and regulatory discourse in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

 Locknie’s classroom is a vibrant incubator of actionable knowledge, shaped by mentorship and grounded in real-world complexity, guiding the next generation of legal and digital changemakers.