The Singapore Management University (SMU) has secured a landmark $1 million gift from Aptos Foundation, marking its largest philanthropic investment in higher education and establishing SMU’s first Professorship in Blockchain. This transformative partnership not only advances SMU’s leadership in blockchain education and research but also solidifies Singapore’s position as a global blockchain innovation hub.
The endowed professorship, a first for SMU, will drive thought leadership, cutting-edge research, and talent development in blockchain — a critical pillar in SMU’s vision to shape future-ready, innovative economies. Additionally, the Aptos Foundation’s support will catalyse a range of initiatives aimed at equipping students with advanced skills and fostering a dynamic blockchain start-up ecosystem, aligning with Singapore’s broader goals of becoming a world-class knowledge hub for blockchain.
Key initiatives funded by Aptos Foundation include:
- SMU’s First Professorship in BlockchainThe Aptos Move Professorship, conferred upon Associate Professor Zhu Feida from SMU’s School of Computing and Information Systems, marks Singapore’s first academic position exclusively focused on blockchain. Associate Professor Zhu, a renowned figure in blockchain research, will lead the advancement of blockchain curricula, research, and training to equip students with future-ready skills, leveraging Aptos’ Move technology.
- Aptos Move-BIG Startup AwardSupporting SMU’s efforts to foster innovation, this initiative provides an annual grant of $50,000 to a start-up incubated at SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Over the next five years, the award will assist start-ups in market research, product development, and launch, enhancing Singapore’s Web3 ecosystem by providing critical support for emerging ventures.
- Aptos Move Student Activities FundTo inspire student engagement, the Aptos Move Student Activities Fund will support hackathons, workshops, and seminars, allowing students to explore blockchain’s real-world potential. This initiative will connect students with industry leaders, offering professional development opportunities and insights into the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.
“This partnership signals a pivotal moment in our mission to cultivate Singapore as a leader in blockchain and Web3. Aptos Foundation’s visionary support equips SMU to play the exciting role of a catalyst to advance Singapore’s blockchain future. This comes at a critical time when industries are rapidly exploring decentralised technologies,” said Professor Pang Hwee Hwa, Dean of SMU’s School of Computing and Information Systems.
He adds, “Through the inaugural Aptos Move Professorship and new programmes in Web3, we’re not only preparing students for an emerging global economy but positioning Singapore education at the frontier of a digital revolution that will shape the fabric of business, governance, and daily life.”
“The future on-chain depends on what we do to fuel blockchain education today,” said Bashar Lazaar, Head of Grants and Ecosystem at Aptos Foundation. “By equipping the next-gen of builders with the support to launch their ideas sustainably and securely on-chain, we’re not just sparking progress locally in Singapore, we’re setting off a ripple effect that’ll bolster Web3 worldwide, for years to come.”
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