Connect with us

Technology

SMU at 25: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and a Bold Vision for the Future

Published

on

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twenty-five years ago, Singapore Management University (SMU) started out as a bold experiment in transforming the higher education in Singapore. Today, it has already gained the recognition of being a globally recognised institution at the forefront of transformative education and cutting-edge research, shaping future leaders in Asia and beyond. As SMU marks this milestone, the university is not just reflecting on its achievements but charting a path forward with renewed purpose.

 

From Pioneering Beginnings to Regional Leadership

Established in 2000, SMU was designed to redefine the education landscape in Singapore. Its approach—interdisciplinary, interactive, and internationally oriented—was groundbreaking. Since then, the university’s influence has extended far beyond Singapore, with a growing network of alumni shaping industries globally.

Under the leadership of Professor Lily Kong, SMU’s fifth president, first Singaporean to lead SMU and first Singaporean woman to serve as president in any university in Singapore, the university has grown in stature. SMU’s endowment fund, infrastructure, and international outreach have also expanded significantly, with three overseas offices, in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City established in less than two years, underscoring the commitment to foster connections, strengthen existing partnerships and contribute to Asia’s growth.

SMU has also distinguished itself as a trailblazer in higher education, redefining learning and research to address local and global challenges.

Driving Transformative Education

SMU’s distinctive approach to education blends academic rigour with industry relevance, equipping graduates with the skills and mindset to excel in a dynamic world. Notable milestones include:

The launch of the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) and BSc (Computing and Law) programmes—Singapore-first initiatives designed to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills to address complex global challenges.The introduction of Individualised Majors under the College of Integrative Studies, that empowers students to design their own multidisciplinary learning pathways according to their individual passion and career aspirations.The establishment of over 50 sustainability-focused courses, aligning education with pressing environmental imperatives.The SMU-X experiential learning model, which has won international accolades such as the QS Innovation in Business Education Award and the International Green Gown Awards for fostering next-generation learning.

Enhancing Accessibility and Equity in Education

In its commitment to inclusivity, SMU has expanded its financial assistance programme through SMU Access Plus, an enhanced version of SMU Access and will be SMU’s most generous financial assistance support to-date. An initiative designed to remove financial barriers for students from lower-income families, SMU Access Plus would cover a range of financial support, ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their aspirations regardless of financial circumstances.

This initiative not only levels the playing field for SMU students but also sets a benchmark for global institutions striving to democratise access to quality education.

Research with Societal Impact

SMU has set benchmarks in research excellence, addressing critical issues such as urban resilience, cybersecurity, and ageing populations:

Cooling Singapore Project: A pioneering Digital Urban Climate Twin, providing policymakers with actionable insights to mitigate urban heat.Scam Detection Technology: A Google-recognised innovation enhancing cybersecurity for individuals and organisations.Research on Ageing (ROSA): Studies that shape policies for age-friendly cities, addressing demographic shifts.

In recognition of its impactful research, SMU has achieved global rankings, including the #1 position in Singapore and #2 in Asia for impactful business research by the Financial Times.

Shaping the Next Chapter

As SMU embarks on its next phase of growth, its refreshed Vision and Mission reflect a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration:

VISION
Asia’s premier global city university 
At the nexus of management, social sciences and technology 
Driving innovations, transcending boundaries, transforming lives.

MISSION  
Nurture a community of independent lifelong learners and change agents  
Enable world-class researchers to address societal challenges 
Harness partnerships to serve as gateway between Asia and the world 
Transform lives to create sustainable futures

Strengthening Global Partnerships

SMU’s strategic initiatives have expanded its influence across the region, particularly in ASEAN markets. Its overseas centres in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam serve as conduits for collaborations, fostering economic growth and cross-border partnerships.

The university’s flagship events, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, promote entrepreneurship, while its lifelong learning initiatives have equipped over 15,000 professionals with critical skills to adapt to evolving workforce demands.

In celebrating SMU’s 25th anniversary, Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, reflected on the university’s journey and aspirations: “As our young undergraduates explore the world, it is essential that they cultivate a well-rounded global perspective while deeply appreciating Asia’s rich social, cultural, and economic tapestry. These qualities—being Asia-ready and globally agile—are highly valued by global and regional enterprises alike, empowering our students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world.”

Prof. Kong also emphasised the significance of SMU’s refreshed vision and mission statements, stating, “While we honour the achievements of the past 25 years, we look forward with renewed purpose. These statements encapsulate our identity as a global city university rooted in Asia—driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and transforming lives as we navigate the next chapter of our journey.”

Piyush Gupta, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Singapore Management University, on SMU’s Role in Shaping Future Leaders

Mr Piyush Gupta added his perspective on the university’s impact: “SMU’s unique emphasis on interdisciplinary education, innovation, and its commitment to societal impact has made it a driving force in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The university’s ability to adapt to the evolving demands of a global landscape ensures that its graduates are not only equipped with the skills needed to succeed but also the values to lead with purpose. As we celebrate 25 years, SMU continues to demonstrate its vital role in educating the changemakers who will influence industries, communities, and societies worldwide.”

A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Promise

With 25 years of achievements as a foundation, SMU continues to push boundaries, leveraging its unique positioning at the nexus of management, social sciences, and technology. As Singapore evolves as a global hub, SMU remains a pivotal force in developing talent, fostering innovation, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.

About Singapore Management University

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research.  SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/smu-at-25-celebrating-a-legacy-of-innovation-and-a-bold-vision-for-the-future-302354930.html

SOURCE Singapore Management University (SMU)

Continue Reading

Technology

CHIME and ScaleHealth Announce Joint Venture to Expand Healthcare’s Innovation Ecosystem

Published

on

By

ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, creates new pathways connecting healthcare leaders, innovators, technology partners, and investors to accelerate the future of digital health.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) today announced a strategic joint venture with ScaleHealth, Inc. to create ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, LLC, a new innovation ecosystem designed to connect healthcare’s most pressing challenges with the innovators, leaders, organizations, and partners capable of solving them. By combining CHIME’s trusted digital health community with ScaleHealth’s expansive innovation ecosystem, the venture creates a unique environment where healthcare organizations, entrepreneurs, established technology companies, and investors can discover, connect, validate, and advance the ideas shaping the future of healthcare.

For 35 years, CHIME has evolved alongside the digital health leaders it serves. What began as a community centered on healthcare CIOs has grown into a global network of digital health leaders supported through education, events, research, policy initiatives, media platforms, executive collaboration, and professional communities. The creation of ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME represents the next chapter in that evolution, expanding CHIME’s ecosystem to include the innovators, entrepreneurs, and emerging technology companies helping define what comes next in healthcare.

As healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to improve outcomes, strengthen operations, address workforce challenges, improve cybersecurity, and realize the promise of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, the need for stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem has never been greater. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME was created to help build those connections.

“CHIME has spent 35 years bringing together the leaders responsible for solving healthcare’s most important technology and transformation challenges,” said Russ Branzell, President and CEO of CHIME. “As the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, we have an opportunity to expand that trusted community even further. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, extends our ecosystem to include entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and emerging technology companies so that healthcare leaders can engage earlier, collaborate more effectively, and help shape the innovations that will define the future of healthcare.”

The opportunity emerged through CHIME’s growing innovation programming, particularly its Innovation Summit series, where healthcare leaders and technology companies increasingly expressed a desire to engage more directly with innovators and entrepreneurial organizations. At the same time, startups and growth-stage companies were seeking trusted pathways into healthcare and stronger connections to leaders who understand the industry’s real-world operational challenges.

“Healthcare has no shortage of innovation. The challenge is creating trusted pathways that connect innovators with the healthcare leaders who understand the industry’s most urgent problems,” said Taylor McPartland, CEO of ScaleHealth and leader of the new venture. “By combining ScaleHealth’s innovation ecosystem with CHIME’s trusted community of digital health leaders, we’re creating an environment where meaningful connections can lead to validation, partnership, and real-world impact. This is about bringing together everyone who has a role to play in the future of healthcare innovation and helping them move great ideas forward.”

Unlike traditional accelerators, startup showcases, or innovation marketplaces, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME is designed as a trusted innovation ecosystem. Healthcare organizations bring forward meaningful challenges. Innovators and startups contribute cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Established technology organizations bring expertise, infrastructure, and scale. Investors provide capital and growth pathways. Together, these stakeholders create an environment where innovation can move from discovery and connection to validation, partnership, and measurable impact.

“Throughout its history, CHIME has grown by bringing the right people together around the challenges that matter most,” said Tressa Springmann, Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer at LifeBridge Health and Chair of the CHIME Foundation Board of Directors. “Today, innovation is essential to every aspect of healthcare transformation. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME extends that trusted community into a broader innovation ecosystem, creating new opportunities for healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, technology partners, and investors to collaborate, learn from one another, and accelerate meaningful progress across healthcare.”

The venture reflects CHIME’s belief that the next era of digital health will be co-created by healthcare leaders, technology partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators working together to solve the challenges that matter most. By creating a trusted environment for discovery, collaboration, validation, and advancement, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME aims to become the connective layer between healthcare’s needs and the innovation being built to address them.

Read the full release here.

About CHIME
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is the leading professional organization for digital health executives and leaders. CHIME provides a trusted, collaborative environment where members and partners connect, share best practices, advance professional development, and advocate for the effective use of information and technology to improve health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact

Calli Dretke
Executive Vice President & Chief Digital and Marketing Officer
CHIME                                                                                                           
734.412.6255
cdretke@dhinsights.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chime-and-scalehealth-announce-joint-venture-to-expand-healthcares-innovation-ecosystem-302921260.html

SOURCE College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)

Continue Reading

Technology

In HelloNation, Prenatal Imaging Expert Erika Lambright Explains Ultrasound Differences Between 2D, 3D, And 4D Imaging

Published

on

By

The article outlines how each type of pregnancy ultrasound supports fetal development and family understanding.

DENISON, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is the difference between 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound imaging during pregnancy? HelloNation has published an article that clearly explains the differences between ultrasound and other prenatal imaging modalities and how each supports fetal development.

The HelloNation article explains that a 2d ultrasound is the most common form of prenatal imaging used during routine pregnancy ultrasound appointments. It produces flat, black-and-white images that allow medical providers to assess fetal development, monitor growth, and evaluate vital structures. The article notes that 2D ultrasound plays a central role in identifying potential concerns early and remains the foundation of prenatal diagnostic imaging.

According to the article, a 3d ultrasound builds on the same technology but creates a more detailed still image with depth. This form of prenatal imaging allows families to see clearer views of the baby’s face, hands, and feet. While 3d ultrasound can support certain medical evaluations, the article describes its primary value as helping parents better visualize fetal development in a more lifelike way.

The article further describes how a 4D ultrasound adds motion to the 3d ultrasound image. This allows families to view real-time video of the baby moving, stretching, or making facial expressions. The article explains that this type of pregnancy ultrasound creates a more engaging experience and helps strengthen the emotional connection, while still using the same safe, noninvasive prenatal imaging technology.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that understanding ultrasound differences helps families set clear expectations before imaging sessions. Each type of pregnancy ultrasound serves a distinct purpose. 2D ultrasound focuses on medical accuracy and fetal development monitoring, while 3D and 4D ultrasound provide enhanced visualization and connection. The article highlights that medical professionals typically rely on 2D ultrasound for diagnostic purposes, while 3D and 4D ultrasound are often optional.

The article also notes that several factors can affect the quality of prenatal imaging results. Baby position, gestational age, and fluid levels all play a role in how clearly images appear, especially during 3D and 4D ultrasound sessions. The article explains that providers often guide families on the best timing for ultrasound visits during pregnancy to improve image clarity and achieve better results.

Prenatal Imaging Experts emphasize through the article that learning about ultrasound differences can reduce uncertainty and help families feel more prepared. By understanding how each type of prenatal imaging contributes to monitoring fetal development, expectant parents can approach each pregnancy ultrasound appointment with clearer expectations.

The article concludes that while 2D ultrasound remains essential for medical care, the added perspectives of 3D and 4D ultrasound offer families a broader, more personal understanding of fetal development. Together, these forms of prenatal imaging provide both clinical insight and meaningful connection throughout pregnancy.

What Is the Difference Between 2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds Explained Simply features insights from Erika Lambright, Prenatal Imaging Experts of Denison, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the United States First Responders Association.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-prenatal-imaging-expert-erika-lambright-explains-ultrasound-differences-between-2d-3d-and-4d-imaging-302792440.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

Grünenthal presents Phase III results for Qutenza® in post-surgical neuropathic pain at IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain

Published

on

By

Late-breaking data from the Phase III RISE trial further strengthen the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®. Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a debilitating complication of surgery affecting millions of patients every year.1 

AACHEN, Germany, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and research, today announced new data from the Phase III RISE trial (NCT04967664), evaluating Qutenza® versus control in people with post-surgical neuropathic pain. These data were shared today as late-breaking poster presentations at the 2026 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, Thailand.

The trial (n=409) showed that Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in average pain intensity (API) than the control treatment over weeks 2-12, meeting one of its pre-specified primary endpoints. When evaluating API at week 12 specifically, at the point when patients would typically return for retreatment, the numerical difference favoured Qutenza® but did not reach statistical significance. In the extension phase of the trial, in which up to 4 retreatments were allowed, Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in API than the control treatment over weeks 2-42. Safety findings were consistent with previous Qutenza® trials and no new safety signals were observed. These data support the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®.2,3

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain can be difficult to manage with current treatment options, and there is an urgent need for patient-centred, effective solutions. The RISE trial provides encouraging evidence that Qutenza® can deliver clinically meaningful and sustained pain reduction for up to 42 weeks, having shown a greater reduction in average pain intensity than the control,” said Prof. Patrice Forget, MD, PhD, FFPMRCA, Clinical Chair (full professor) in Anaesthesia, University of Aberdeen, and Honorary Consultant, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK. “As IASP shines a global spotlight on neuropathic pain at this year’s congress, findings such as these are important to help improve outcomes for patients and reduce the burden of pain on families and healthcare systems.”

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain has been relatively understudied and continues to go under-recognised in clinical practice,” said Uli Brödl, Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal. “These results build on the robust body of evidence for Qutenza® and reinforce its potential to provide meaningful, long-lasting pain relief for people living with pain.”

Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a poorly recognised potential complication of surgery that can result in devastating outcomes. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months or years post-procedure.1 It can also have a significant mental health impact, with patients reporting feeling extremely depressed or anxious, and having problems with daily activities.4

Qutenza® is already approved in Europe for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5 It is also approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults.6

About the RISE trial2,3
The RISE (AV-001) trial is a Phase III multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch versus a low-dose capsaicin control patch in people with moderate to severe post-surgical neuropathic pain.

It included eligible adults with a 24-hour average pain intensity (API) score of 4 or more, a pain duration of 6 to 60 months after index surgery and a DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) Interview score of 3 or more.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either a 60-minute Qutenza patch (8%) or a low-dose capsaicin control patch (0.04%).

The trial had two primary endpoints:

Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score of the entire period between Week 2 and Week 12.Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score at Week 12.

The primary sponsor of the trial is Averitas Pharma, Inc., Grünenthal’s U.S. subsidiary.

About post-surgical neuropathic pain
Post-surgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) is defined as chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics that develops or increases after surgery and persists beyond the normal healing process. It is thought to arise, at least in part, from nerve injury and pain sensitisation associated with surgery.7

The signs and symptoms of peri- and post-surgical pain can vary based on the person and the severity of the injury caused in surgery. Reported symptoms include pain caused by stimuli that are normally painless (allodynia), abnormally increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), tingling, numbness, phantom pain and scar pain.8,9,10 

About Qutenza®
In Europe, Qutenza® (capsaicin) is indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5

Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% topical system is approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults. Important US safety information is available at www.qutenza.com.6

Qutenza® is a topical TRPV1 agonist, designed to provide neuropathic pain relief for up to three months through defunctionalisation of nociceptors and nerve fibre regeneration.

About Grünenthal
Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We focus all our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a World Free of Pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Our products are available in approx. 100 countries. In 2025, Grünenthal employed around 4,100 people and achieved revenues of €1.8 billion.

More information: www.grunenthal.com

Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram

For further information, please contact:

Matt Crabb, Head of Global Communications (Interim) at Grünenthal

matt.crabb@grunenthal.com 

References

1 Gregory P & Settles K. Pract Pain Manag. 2013;13(9):1–6.
2 Wallace M et al. Efficacy of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
3 Wallace M et al. Safety and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
4 Santos MP, Lemos F, Gomes J, Romao JM, Veiga D. Br J Pain 2024;18(1):42–56.
5 European Medicines Agency. Qutenza 179 mg cutaneous patch SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/573/smpc
6 US Food and Drug Administration. Qutenza® Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022395s019lbl.pdf
7 Correl D. F1000Res. 2017;6:1054.
8 Werner MU & Kongsgaard UE. Br J Anaesth. 2014;113(1):1–4.
9 Macrae WA. Br J Anaesth. 2008;101:77–86.
10 Searle RD & Simpson KH. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain. 2010;10:12–14.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grunenthal-presents-phase-iii-results-for-qutenza-in-post-surgical-neuropathic-pain-at-iasp-2026-world-congress-on-pain-302921015.html

SOURCE Grünenthal Group

Continue Reading

Trending