Singlife has partnered with Singapore Management University (SMU) to advance research on retirement readiness and develop actuarial science talent in Singapore. This collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, was announced at the launch of SMU’s Longevity Societies and Economies Institute on 14 April 2026. The initiative seeks to address the challenges posed by Singapore’s rapidly ageing population by focusing on retirement adequacy and the financial needs arising from increased healthcare costs and longer lifespans.
The partnership will leverage SMU’s academic expertise and Singlife’s industry insights to produce a joint white paper by the second half of 2027. This research aims to provide practical solutions for Singaporeans facing retirement challenges. According to the Singlife Financial Freedom Index 2024, 71% of respondents lack confidence in their ability to retire at their desired time, with a significant gap between expected retirement expenses and current savings.
In addition to research, the collaboration will explore opportunities to nurture future actuarial talent through scholarships, internships, and training initiatives. This effort is part of a broader strategy by SMU’s Longevity Societies and Economies Institute to foster partnerships across various sectors to tackle complex societal issues.
Debra Soon, Group Head of Brand, Communications, Marketing and Experience at Singlife, emphasised the importance of combining customer insights with academic rigour to address evolving retirement needs. Dr. Cheong Wei Yang, Interim Co-Director of SMU LSEI, highlighted the partnership’s role in shaping the perspectives of future actuarial talent and enhancing financial security in retirement.
This collaboration underscores the necessity of a multi-faceted approach to address the challenges of a super-aged society, aiming to improve retirement adequacy and support ageing well in place.
