Universities must redefine their roles to address societal challenges, according to Singapore Management University (SMU) President Lily Kong and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) President Larry Kramer. Speaking at the inaugural SMU-LSE Global Forum, they emphasised the need for academia to focus on societal impact rather than traditional metrics like publications and rankings.
Kong highlighted the importance of academics thinking beyond publications to influence business, government, and society. “We must encourage academics to think beyond publications—how their work can make a difference,” she stated. Kramer added that universities are uniquely positioned to foster debate and train future leaders, saying, “The independence that universities have is one of the best ways to get the best outcomes.”
The forum, attended by over 150 participants including diplomats and industry leaders, marked the announcement of three joint research projects under the LSE-SMU Research Seed Fund. These projects will explore urban sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership, and longevity and healthy ageing.
The urban sustainability project will examine the impact of data centres in Johor, Singapore, and London on land, energy, and water systems. The AI project will investigate how generative AI affects leadership and decision-making. The longevity project will assess Singaporeans’ preferences for ageing in place and its implications for housing policies.
This collaboration underscores the strategic partnership between SMU and LSE, aiming to address complex social challenges through interdisciplinary research. The partnership also contributes to broader Singapore-UK ties, particularly in education, described as the “golden thread” by British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nik Mehta.
