Nurture Asia-ready Singaporeans to tap growing opportunities in the region

In the third of a four-part series on South-east Asia and our shared future, Sandra Davie talks to DBS Group CEO and Singapore Management University chairman Piyush Gupta on how universities can prepare their students to seize the opportunities in Asia.

- Sandra Davie

In his first media interview as chairman of Singapore Management University, DBS Bank chief executive Piyush Gupta said the university should aim to become the "quintessential Asian university", emulating DBS, which he had turned into the "quintessential Asian bank" since he took over the helm in 2009.

"The world's population is here, the world's growth is here," said Mr Gupta, 65, referring to Asia's burgeoning growth, and stressing that it presents an opportunity for SMU to carve out its own niche and stand out.

"When I joined DBS, I figured that you don't really have a bank which stands out as the quintessential Asian bank," he said. "I think SMU has the same opportunity and aspiration — to stand out as the quintessential Asian university."

SMU launched its first overseas centre in Jakarta in 2022. Two more centres followed — in Bangkok in 2023 and Ho Chi Minh City in 2024. The university plans to set up three more by 2030.

As Mr Gupta described it, these centres serve as "knowledge gateways and embassies" for SMU to work with companies, universities and the wider society, to further grow "Asian-centric research and Asian-centric solutions". They will also enable SMU students to gain exposure and to plug into the challenges and potential of the region.

In his latest interview with The Straits Times, Mr Gupta talked about how his own education and early work experience shaped his global mindset and why SMU is on the right path with its vision to nurture Asia-ready graduates.

Q How did your education contribute to you becoming a globally ready graduate who went on to build an internationally successful career in banking?