Fudan University and Singapore Management University (SMU) have elevated their 17-year partnership to a strategic level, focusing on societal challenges in the digital age. This development was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on 29 September 2025 by Fudan University President Jin Li and SMU President Lily Kong at the 2025 Fudan University-SMU Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance, and Sustainable Societies.
The partnership builds on a history of collaboration, including joint research projects and academic programmes such as a double master’s degree in law. The new strategic alliance will focus on an interdisciplinary Joint Programme in Digital Technology and Society, integrating education, research, and community engagement. This initiative aims to develop solutions at the intersection of management, social sciences, and technology.
Jin Li highlighted the partnership as a response to national strategies like Digital China and Sustainable Development, emphasising its role in global governance. Kong noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision to deliver meaningful community impact and bridge Singapore and China through transformative education and research.
The forum preceding the signing ceremony featured discussions on artificial intelligence, digital governance, and sustainable societies. Keynote speakers included Professor Fu Xiaoming from the University of Göttingen and Associate Professor Zhu Feida from SMU, who explored topics ranging from AI in social sciences to sustainable digital futures.
The strategic partnership aims to address societal challenges, nurture future-ready talent, and develop strategies for ageing societies, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive urban environments in Singapore and Shanghai.
