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.