Fudan University and Singapore Management University have elevated their 17-year partnership to a strategic level, signing a memorandum of agreement on September 29, 2025, to focus on artificial intelligence governance, computational social science, urban sustainability and aging populations. The agreement was announced at the 2025 Fudan University–Singapore Management University Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance and Sustainable Societies.
Fudan University and Singapore Management University Form Strategic Partnership
Key Details
The memorandum of agreement was signed by Fudan University President Jin Li and SMU President Lily Kong, marking a new chapter of cooperation between the two leading city universities. The strategic partnership will establish an interdisciplinary Joint Programme in Digital Technology and Society, integrating education, research and community engagement.
Key focus areas of the partnership include:
- Artificial intelligence governance
- Computational social science
- Urban sustainability
- Successful aging solutions
- Digital technology and society integration
The collaboration builds on existing programs including an undergraduate exchange program launched in 2008, joint research projects across law, economics and information systems, and a double master’s degree in law.
Quotes & Reactions
President Jin Li stated that the strategic partnership represents “an important initiative by Fudan University in response to the national strategies of ‘Digital China’ and ‘Sustainable Development,'” according to the announcement. He emphasized the partnership demonstrates both universities’ responsibility to contribute to global governance.
“The elevation to a strategic partnership reflects the shared vision of both universities to develop and deliver meaningful impact to the communities they serve, and to bridge Singapore and China through transformative education and cutting-edge research,” President Lily Kong said. She noted that both institutions will “work together to address the pressing societal challenges of today and tomorrow, building more sustainable and inclusive urban societies.”
During the forum, leading scholars delivered keynote addresses on digital governance topics. Professor Fu Xiaoming from the University of Göttingen examined social mobility through AI for Social Sciences and Humanities, while SMU’s Associate Professor Zhu Feida discussed collaborative intelligence and tokenized economies for sustainable digital futures.
Background & Context
The partnership announcement came during a forum featuring discussions on artificial intelligence governance frameworks and sustainable digital societies. SMU and Fudan have conducted three high-level joint forums since 2014, establishing a foundation for deeper academic cooperation.
SMU, established in 2000, serves over 13,000 students across eight schools and emphasizes interdisciplinary research addressing Asian issues of global relevance. The university’s city campus is located in downtown Singapore, fostering connections with business and government sectors. Fudan University, based in Shanghai, focuses on digital innovation and sustainable development initiatives.
Both universities are positioned in cities recognized for progressive urban planning, providing opportunities to contribute insights for more sustainable and inclusive urban development. The Singapore Management University collaboration extends SMU’s international research partnerships addressing contemporary societal challenges.
What’s Next
The strategic partnership will launch the Joint Programme in Digital Technology and Society, combining management, social sciences and technology disciplines. Future collaboration will focus on developing solutions for aging populations, digital governance frameworks, and sustainable urban development strategies.
Roundtable discussions during the forum examined “AI Governance: Co-evolution, Tensions and Synergies in the Public Good” and “AI Leadership and Business Value Creation,” providing frameworks for ongoing academia-industry collaboration between the institutions.
