Engaging Asia through Sensibility, Co-Creation, and Connection: Insights from Prof Lily Kong
On July 22, 2025, Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University (SMU), participated in a panel session attended by Australian scholars involved in the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship and the New Colombo Plan. The event took place at Hotel Jen Tanglin in Singapore and focused on the evolving role of Asia in a global context, shifting the discussion from purely economic evaluations to cultural and collaborative aspects.
Panel Discussion Overview
Moderated by Professor Ooi Can Seng from the University of Tasmania, the discussion centered on the often-debated notion of whether the anticipated “Asia-Pacific Century” has indeed materialized. Professor Kong acknowledged Asia’s substantial contributions to the global economy, indicating that the region accounts for nearly half of global GDP and has been a leader in innovation, trade, and poverty reduction. However, she underscored that this is not solely Asia’s century, nor should it be viewed as such for any single region, emphasizing the existence of parallel ecosystems and strategic ambiguity in the current global landscape.
Diversity of Asia
Professor Kong highlighted the vast diversity within Asia by citing the varied development paths of nations such as Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, India, and Vietnam. She pointed to the complexities of ambitions and historical contexts that define the region.
Cultural Sensitivity and Engagement
A key point of the panel discussion was the importance of cultural sensitivity in addition to strategic engagement. Professor Kong remarked that engaging with Asia requires a balance of sensibility and strategy, emphasizing the necessity of understanding trust and cultural subtleties. She encouraged scholars to immerse themselves in local cultures during their exchanges, underlining the value of experiential learning for SMU graduates by stating, “There is no substitute for lived experience.”
Co-Creation and Partnerships
The conversation also highlighted the concept of co-creation in partnerships across Asia, with Professor Kong advocating for collaborative efforts that provide mutual benefits for local communities and international partners. Referencing Singapore’s joint ventures, she argued that authentic partnerships should transcend transactional relationships, proposing co-investment models in education, research, and development.
Singapore’s Geographical Context
Reflecting on Singapore’s geographical position, Professor Kong noted that its status as a maritime crossroads has both presented challenges and opened opportunities. She observed that “Singapore’s smallness is its sharpest edge,” positioning the nation to adopt a global perspective and prioritize education effectively.
Cultural Diversity and Identity
Questions from the attending scholars frequently addressed identity and cultural diversity. Professor Kong reassured participants that differing backgrounds do not obstruct common goals, pointing to SMU’s initiative, ICON (International Connections), which facilitates cultural exchanges among students from diverse regions.
Closing Remarks
In her closing remarks, Professor Kong encouraged scholars to engage with their experiences through a lens of curiosity and kindness, drawing from her own educational experiences and emphasizing the importance of robust interaction with cultural diversity. She concluded by asserting that future leaders should aspire to be not only intelligent but also wise and compassionate.
(Source: SMU News)
