A new chapter for the SMU Women Alumni Group, and a room full of alumnae ready to write it.
On Wednesday 28 October 2026, alumnae from across graduating years gathered at SMU ALCove for the Groupโs relaunch, themed โ๐ ๐ก๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ: ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐โ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐?โ.
OAR Director Florence Neo (Assoc Alum) opened the evening with a figure worth celebrating: women make up 53% of SMUโs alumni, making the Women Alumni Group our largest alumni community. She reaffirmed SMU and OARโs commitment to deepening engagement with alumnae, highlighting the Karim Family Foundation (KFF) Inspiring Women Leadership Series. The series welcomed Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir last year and, just three weeks ago, three-time Olympic champion Eileen Gu, whose session drew a full house.
Women Alumni Group Chairperson Serene Johnson (BBM 2004) shared what inspired her to take on the role, her vision for the Group and upcoming plans, including a six-month group mentoring programme. Joining her on stage for their official appointment were fellow Executive Committee members: Vice-Chairperson Bonnie Wong (BAcc 2011), Secretary Huiyan Pan - Career Big Sis (BBM 2011) and Treasurer Pei Jun Tan (BAcc 2005). Everyone then joined in a toast to the Groupโs new chapter.
The panel discussion brought the eveningโs theme to life, with Serene joining Huiyan, Theodora Lai (BSc Econ 2010) and Alethia Tan (BBM 2014) to explore their varied paths through the corporate world, entrepreneurship and social impact. Their candid conversation went beyond career milestones to motherhood, mental health, imposter syndrome and the ongoing challenge of balancing priorities. It was a reminder that every journey is different, and every story matters.
And because it wouldnโt be SMU without class participation, alumnae shared their own experiences and ideas for future Women Alumni Group activities. The conversations continued well beyond the programme, with many staying late into the evening to catch up and make new connections.
Congratulations to the new Executive Committee on a successful relaunch, and thank you to everyone who joined us and shared so openly!
