As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Singapore Management University (SMU) recently welcomed renowned global technology leader Mr. Narayana Murthy to its campus in Singapore on November 20, 2025, for an inspirational and high-profile edition of its Visionary Series. In addition to reflecting on innovation and leadership, the event reaffirmed the developing academic and business links.
The 4th Singapore-India Hackathon, a distinguished joint project created to honor 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations, was formally launched that evening. In June 2026, this premier event is set to return to Singapore, further fostering the spirit of innovation and international youth cooperation.
Vision, creativity, and intentional leadership
Professor Lily Kong, the president of SMU, introduced Mr. Murthy and emphasized his enormous contributions. She emphasized that the Visionary Series is essential to SMU’s goal of developing accountable, resilient, and future-ready leaders who can make significant contributions to academia and society.
In his keynote speech, “Leadership Lessons from the Infosys Journey,” Mr. Murthy drew on his more than thirty years of experience transforming Infosys into one of the most reputable international technology companies in India. He emphasized that honesty, justice, diligence, and a strong sense of moral obligation are the cornerstones of effective leadership. Every member of an organization contributes to its success, leaders must act with bravery.
Mr. Murthy described Infosys’ incredible journey from a small Bengaluru start-up in 1981 to becoming the first Indian firm to list on NASDAQ in a fireside talk that was facilitated by SMU Chairman Mr. Piyush Gupta. He talked about a young employee who was able to purchase his first house thanks to the company’s stock options while sharing personal anecdotes from his path. This tell how business success can improve lives and why leadership is ultimately about doing good for society.
The 2026 Singapore-India Hackathon’s debut
The necessity of fostering entrepreneurial and cultural exchanges between Singapore and India was also emphasized throughout the event. Both speakers said that although India is well-known around the world for its inventiveness and youthful vitality, many young people in East Asia. Thus, programs like the Singapore-India Hackathon are essential in introducing students to the potential and talent of India.
Singapore’s Minister of Education, Mr. Desmond Lee, reiterated in a recorded statement that the Hackathon is a reflection of both countries’ mutual faith in the potential of youth-driven innovation. The curriculum fosters global attitudes, cross-cultural cooperation, and industry-relevant skills by bringing students together to tackle real world problems.
Increasing SMU’s geographical footprint
Additionally, Professor Kong described SMU’s growing involvement in India. In some major Indian cities, students have taken part in internships, community service initiatives, and business study missions. Through MBA, EMBA, fintech, and executive programs, the university is also strengthening academic partnerships. Additionally, in the SMU Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, an Indian space-tech firm won the People’s Choice Award.
In the future, SMU will join a network of advisory councils around Asia by forming its India International Advisory Council, which will be presided over by Mr. Uday Kotak. Along with expanding its alliances in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, SMU plans to establish a fourth overseas center in Shenzhen.
Conclusion
The occasion highlighted SMU’s long-standing dedication to building deep connections throughout Asia. With the introduction of the 2026 Singapore-India Hackathon and Mr. Murthy’s leadership ideas, the University continues to provide opportunities for teachers, students, and partners to work together, innovate, and create a better future prosper in a complicated and interconnected world will be shaped by these initiatives, which are based on bravery, knowledge, and empathy.
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