Ho Kwon Ping CIRCLE Award

Established in 2010, the SMU CIRCLE Award is aimed at recognising distinctive graduating students who have demonstrated the core CIRCLE values during their tenure of studies at the Singapore Management University.

In February 2023, the SMU CIRCLE Award was renamed the Ho Kwon Ping CIRCLE Award to honour and recognise the distinguished contributions and visionary leadership of Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Founding Chairman of the SMU Board of Trustees. Over 25 illustrious years, Mr Ho made long lasting contributions to our university through the instrumental role he played in the planning, inception and development of SMU. He has laid a strong foundation and steered SMU to become the distinctive and world-renowned university that it is today, before stepping down on 11 January 2023.

SMU believes in the importance of values in governing one’s life. The CIRCLE Values are at the heart of the SMU spirit. They constitute an integral part of SMU’s holistic approach to education. They are:

COMMITMENT: "Sticking to an agreement and seeing it through to completion."

INTEGRITY: "Upholding honesty and truthfulness in oneself and to others."

RESPONSIBILITY: "Taking ownership and accountability for one’s actions."

COLLEGIALITY: "Valuing people and building positive and lasting relationships."

LEADERSHIP: "Leading and motivating others to achieve long-term goals."

EXCELLENCE: "Striving to exceed personal and external benchmarks."

SMU students who embrace these values deserve recognition and commendation.

The Award will be presented at the SMU Commencement Ceremony.

The award is open to students graduating each year who:

• Have good academic achievements;
• Have demonstrated by word and deed that they embody the SMU CIRCLE Values;
• Embrace an all-round education by engaging in a broad spectrum of activities beyond the classroom such as: ◦undertaking leadership responsibilities,
  • participating in co-curricular activities,
  • initiating and spearheading activities for the good of the community,
  • active involvement in community service beyond the required 80 hours,
  • contributing to SMU and the community at large; and

• ​Are upright in character, socially responsible, well respected by peers, staff, and faculty, and display an ability to balance studies with co-curricular activities.

• Certificate, Trophy and $1,000 Cash Prize
• One-year SMU Alumni Association Membership

• Applications will be invited in Term 2 annually
• Interested applicants must provide documentary evidence in support of fulfilment of eligibility criteria

Centre for Student Financial Assistance
Office of Admissions and Financial Assistance
Email: finasst@smu.edu.sg