Fudan University and SMU Deepen Collaboration on Digital Age Challenges

Shanghai and Singapore – Fudan University and Singapore Management University (SMU) have strengthened their 17-year partnership, moving to a strategic level to address critical societal challenges in the digital age.

A Memorandum of Agreement, signed at the 2025 Fudan University-Singapore Management University Forum on Artificial Intelligence, digital Governance and Sustainable Societies by Fudan University President Jin Li and SMU President lily kong, formalizes the commitment to expanded cooperation in research and education.focus areas include artificial intelligence (AI) governance,computational social science,urban sustainability,and accomplished ageing.

Solid foundation for Future Growth

Since initiating an undergraduate exchange program in 2008, SMU and Fudan have collaborated on numerous joint research projects spanning Law, Economics, and Information Systems. This includes academic programs like a double master’s degree in law, and three high-level joint forums held since 2014.

This established history of collaboration provides a strong base for new initiatives under the strategic partnership, notably an interdisciplinary Joint Programme in Digital Technology and Society. This program will integrate education, research, and community engagement to generate knowledge and solutions at the intersection of management, social sciences, and technology.

Both universities emphasize that their partnership extends beyond academic achievement, aiming to create impactful knowledge and improve lives.

President Jin Li highlighted that this strategic partnership aligns with Fudan University’s support of China’s “Digital China” and “Sustainable Development” national strategies, and demonstrates a shared responsibility to contribute to global governance. He stated that Fudan and SMU will jointly establish an interdisciplinary program focused on “Digital Technology and Society,” with a particular emphasis on the connections between artificial intelligence, digital governance, and urban sustainability.

President Lily Kong noted that the elevation to a strategic partnership reflects a shared vision to deliver meaningful impact to their communities and to strengthen ties between Singapore and China through innovative education and research. She emphasized that both cities serve as models for progressive urban planning and development.

Publication Date: 2025/10/13 10:26:04