• Rugby ambassadors Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai will ignite the crowd with community interactions, meet-and-greets and on-ground festival moments
• HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 schedule unveiled with thrilling showdowns expected
  
• SEA 7s returns alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 bringing together Southeast Asia’s top teams including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and more

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – The HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, affectionately known as the “Family SVNS”, has appointed global rugby sevens icons Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai as its official ambassadors. They add star power and inspiration to a landmark weekend at the National Stadium at The Kallang that celebrates family, community and all things rugby.

Held on 31 January and 1 February, the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 welcomes the world’s best rugby sevens teams to the Lion City. The Southeast Asian 7s (SEA 7s) will return alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore, reinforcing Singapore’s position as the regional hub for the sport.

RUGBY ICONS TO ENGAGE WITH FANS AS OFFICIAL AMBASSADORS

As official ambassadors for HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai will play an active role across the week, engaging fans and families both on and off the field.

Jerry Tuwai, former Fiji Sevens captain, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Rugby Sevens, and a Sevens World Cup winner. In 2020, he was named World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Decade. A strong advocate of the sport, Tuwai is an ambassador of the Get into Rugby Plus Fiji programme. This is a Sport for Development initiative that leverages the rugby union to promote positive behaviour, gender equality, and prevent violence against women, girls, and boys. Sharing on his upcoming visit to HSBC SVNS Singapore as a rugby ambassador, Tuwai said, “I am excited to be part of the circuit again and looking forward to the programme and engaging with the fans.”

Ruby Tui of New Zealand’s Black Ferns is an Olympic gold medallist, Women’s Rugby World Cup winner and Rugby World Cup Sevens champion, known for her infectious energy and passion for growing the game.

“I am so excited to be part of HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, especially on a weekend that brings audiences and families right into the heart of the action,” she said. “Rugby gives me confidence, belonging and joy, and I love seeing how events like this can spark that same feeling for fans across the region. The energy in Southeast Asia is incredible, and I cannot wait to share that with the community.”

A former Canada Sevens captain and Olympic flag bearer, Nathan Hirayama became a fan favourite in Singapore after leading Canada to victory at the HSBC Singapore Sevens in 2017 and earning Player of the Final honours. Since stepping away from international competition, Hirayama has remained closely involved in the sport, transitioning into leadership, coaching and mentoring roles. He champions rugby development and high-performance pathways and works as a speaker to inspire the next generation of players on and off the field.

“Singapore has always been a special place in my rugby journey and returning to The Kallang as an ambassador feels incredibly meaningful,” he said. “The energy here is unlike anywhere else, and it has been amazing to see how the sport has grown across Southeast Asia over the years. Coming back to be part of a weekend that brings together world-class rugby, regional pride and passionate fans is something I am truly excited about.”

The ambassadors will be at community-facing activities such as meet-and-greet sessions, fan engagements and youth-focused interactions. Together, Ruby Tui, Nathan Hirayama, and Jerry Tuwai will help champion the values of inclusion, connection and accessibility that define Singapore’s signature family-friendly rugby experience.

HSBC SVNS SINGAPORE 2026 FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

Organisers have revealed the schedule for the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026. France (Women) will face Canada (Women) in the opening match of the tournament on 31 January, while France (Men) and New Zealand (Men) will go head-to-head as the first men’s fixture later that day. More information about the schedule is here.

As the first SVNS event of 2026, HSBC SVNS Singapore will set the celebratory tone for the season ahead. The addition of SEA 7s finals to the weekend lineup strengthens the local rugby ecosystem by giving families and fans the opportunity to rally behind regional teams while also enjoying the HSBC SVNS Singapore experience, where elite rugby meets a premium sports carnival for all ages.

SEA 7S FINALS RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL STADIUM AT THE KALLANG

Held alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, the SEA 7s returns as a key highlight of Singapore’s signature family-friendly rugby festival that blends elite global competition with regional pride. The finals will be held at the National Stadium at The Kallang on 31 January 2026.

Organised by the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU), the SEA 7s is an open invitational tournament staged alongside HSBC SVNS Singapore to offer regional teams not only a highly competitive platform, but also the opportunity to compete on a world-class pitch alongside the sport’s global stars. This year’s edition brings together eight nations, from established contenders to emerging teams, uniting them at The Kallang in a celebration of regional pride, rising talent and the shared ambition to grow rugby across Southeast Asia.

“We’re incredibly proud to host the 2026 SEA 7s in Singapore, a celebration of Southeast Asian rugby, teamwork, and community,” said Sidney Kumar, General Manager of SRU. “The SEA 7s is more than just competition; it’s a showcase of the passion and progress of rugby across our region. Hosting the tournament here not only allows us to highlight our national teams and the shared commitment among ASEAN nations to grow the game together, it also provides our men and women’s 7s teams an opportunity to play the finals at the National Stadium. We look forward to welcoming teams, fans and families from across the region to the Lion City for a festival of fast, exciting rugby and friendship.”

The Singapore Women’s Rugby 7s team will return as defending SEA 7s champions after clinching their first-ever title last year. Their historic victory inspired many young girls and families to discover the sport, and the team is relishing the opportunity to defend the crown on home soil.

“It’s an honour getting the opportunity to play at the world class National Stadium, and to have the tournament happening alongside the prestigious world sevens series. What’s even more special is having friends and family right there cheering you on,” said Victoria Chew, Singapore Rugby Women’s 7s Captain.

Several teams arrive in Singapore carrying strong momentum from recent regional competitions, adding extra intrigue to this year’s SEA 7s finals. The Thailand Men’s Rugby 7s team, reigning SEA 7s champions, come into the tournament in confident form following a strong run at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games where they clinched gold. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s men’s and women’s rugby teams finished as runners-up in SEA 7s 2025, and are looking to go one better this year. “The Malaysian team has been training hard, and we can’t wait to see their skill and passion shine at SEA 7s 2026,” said Fahmy Jalil, Secretary General, Malaysia Rugby Union. “With a mix of experienced seniors and talented juniors, I believe it will create a positive impact and inspire more young players and families to get involved in the sport.”

Tickets Available Now

Tickets for HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 are on sale now. Get them before general sale ends on 19 January. Youth tickets are priced from $49 (ages 4–17) and adult tickets from $79. Families and groups can also enjoy ticket packages starting from $41.80 per person for a group of five, valid across both days of the event. From grandparents to the youngest fans, the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 promises a memorable weekend at The Kallang, where families, friends and fans can come together to cheer, celebrate and enjoy the excitement of world-class rugby. Ticketing information here.

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The Kallang

The Kallang (formerly the Singapore Sports Hub) is Singapore’s epicentre of excitement and the destination of choice for sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community events in Asia Pacific. Managed by The Kallang Group (formerly Kallang Alive Sport Management), The Kallang is a vibrant ecosystem in the heart of Singapore that is building on its rich legacy as a national stage and cultural landmark by hosting and organising world-class sporting events, live entertainment and inclusive community activities. The Kallang is where people come together to celebrate, play and connect – to feel alive.

Home to unique, best-in-class sports and entertainment facilities within the city, The Kallang plays an integral role in accelerating the development of Singapore’s sports and tourism industry. The Kallang includes the following facilities:

• A 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof and movable tiered seating
• A 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium with pillarless interior
• A 6,000-capacity OCBC Aquatic Centre that meets World Aquatics standards
• A 3,000-capacity OCBC Arena which is scalable and flexible in layout
• Kallang Tennis Hub, Singapore’s first international tournament-ready indoor tennis facility
• Kallang Football Hub housing Singapore’s National Training Centre for football
• Water Sports Centre featuring kayaking and canoeing
• 41,000 sqm Kallang Wave Mall, including indoor climbing wall and Splash-N-Surf facility (Kids Waterpark, Stingray and Lazy River)
• Promenade that encircles the National Stadium
• Singapore Youth Olympic Museum & Singapore Sports Museum
• Shimano Cycling World
• Daily community facilities and activities, including beach volleyball, hard courts (futsal, basketball and netball), lawn bowls, giant chess, skate park and running & cycling paths.

For more information, please visit The Kallang’s website:

Website: https://www.thekallang.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKallang/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekallang.sg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kallang/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekallang

HSBC SVNS Singapore

HSBC SVNS Singapore, held at the Singapore National Stadium located at The Kallang, is the only stop in Southeast Asia for the World Rugby HSBC SVNS series. The 2026 edition in Singapore offers a thrilling weekend of elite sport and festival-style entertainment as the top eight men’s and women’s teams from the previous season battle it out at the National Stadium. HSBC SVNS Singapore, affectionately known as the “Family SVNS, places family fun at the heart of the action. From the stands to the festival grounds, the Family SVNS brings the excitement of rugby to life across The Kallang. This event is organised by The Kallang Group, supported by Sport Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Rugby Union, and partners including Conrad Singapore Marina Bay (Official Hotel), AirAsia (Official Airline), H-TWO-O (Official Hydration).

Partnerships with SkillsFuture Singapore and Equinix anchor research on AI’s impact on jobs, skills and lifelong learning

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced the launch of the Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK), a new university-level research institute advancing workforce resilience and lifelong learning amid accelerating technological change. It is among the first institutes in Singapore and the region to jointly study adult-learning and the future of work through an integrated, interdisciplinary lens spanning economics, management, behavioural science and technology.

Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, graced the launch as Guest-of-Honour. In his remarks, Dr Janil highlighted the importance of partnerships with industry, enabled by research, in overcoming workforce disruptions brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.

Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University, said: “The launch of the Resilient Workforces Institute reflects SMU’s commitment to research that matters – research that shapes public policy, informs organisational practice and ultimately strengthens the resilience of Singapore’s workforce. By bringing together insights across disciplines, ResWORK will help Singapore and the region navigate the profound changes reshaping work and learning in the age of AI.”

ResWORK will serve as a focal point for trans-disciplinary research across SMU, organised around three core pillars:

• Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration: enabling workers to learn and perform effectively alongside AI, machines and robotics
• Transforming Organisations: redesigning business processes, leadership and work practices for AI-enabled workplaces
• Maximising Societal Human Capital: analysing labour-market transitions and shaping policies that promote inclusive, gainful employment

Research momentum has already begun ahead of the formal launch, with ResWORK having secured the participation of several globally renowned visiting scholars and over 20 faculty members across SMU’s six schools. ResWORK faculty has recently initiated nine internally seed-funded research projects, as well as multiple externally funded research programs, collectively worth over S$1.5 million in funding.

These early projects reflect the Institute’s emphasis on applied, policy-relevant research developed in collaboration with public agencies and industry partners. (Note: See Annex A for a list of research projects that were awarded seed grants.)

SMU has committed S$5 million over five years to anchor the Institute, with a goal of securing an additional S$8 million in external research funding within three years, enabling ResWORK to scale its partnerships and research programmes over time.

Professor Archan Misra, Vice Provost (Research) and Interim Director of ResWORK, said: “ResWORK is built on the belief that AI-led change will reshape opportunity rather than displace it. Our research agenda is designed to move beyond diagnosis to solutioning—working with government agencies, employers and other partners to generate evidence that informs policy, organisational practice and lifelong learning systems. I’m enthused to see how colleagues across the spectrum of Management, Economics and Computing disciplines have already come together to collectively frame a positive research agenda that formulates AI-led workplace transformations as an economic opportunity, as well as a driver of innovations in adult learning practices. The launch builds on momentum that is already underway and marks the start of SMU’s sustained efforts to help shape a resilient, future-ready workforce.”

Anchoring National Workforce Priorities through Collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore

At the launch, SMU and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) also signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mutually identify and drive strategic research on how Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and generational changes in work preferences are transforming job tasks, skills demand and career and learning pathways, and translate these insights into policies that sustain employability and inclusive growth.

In addition, it will look into how adult learning systems can be redesigned for higher participation, retention and impact, and how organisations can combine human and machine capabilities to raise productivity while preserving meaningful work.

Mr Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore said: “Our partnership with SMU on ResWORK is driven by a singular objective: to future-proof the national SkillsFuture system. By future-proofing, we mean that adult learning must adapt to the effects of emerging, rapidly changing technologies to workforce dynamics, so that the training received by learners best equips them for these changes. The system also must acquire a deep understanding of what employers want from their workers, where and how jobs have changed in nature, and what skills and attributes allow workers to best succeed. ResWORK seeks to help build such capabilities for our national adult training system.”

Industry Partnerships Driving Applied Research on AI Disruption and Workforce Resilience

Complementing the national collaboration with SSG, ResWORK will work with industry partners to translate research into practice.

SMU received a contribution of S$450,000 from Equinix to advance applied research under ResWORK. The contribution will support a flagship systemic research project on occupational exposure to AI within Singapore’s labour market.

Led by Professor Li Jia, Dean, School of Economics; Lee Kong Chian Professor of Economics; (courtesy appointment in the Lee Kong Chian School of Business) Econometrics Lead, SMU Urban Institute, the study will develop Singapore’s leading reproducible, transparent and publicly accessible index measuring AI exposure in new job vacancies across occupations, industries and worker segments. By analysing job advertisements and task requirements over time, the research will track how AI-related skills and task demands are evolving, and generate insights to inform workforce planning, reskilling programmes and employment policy.

This collaboration marks the first corporate-funded research initiative under ResWORK and reflects the Institute’s emphasis on data-driven, policy-relevant research with real-world impact.

Said Ms Leong Yee May, Managing Director, Equinix Singapore, “Equinix and SMU have enjoyed a long and collaborative partnership aimed at building a sustainable digital future. By partnering with SMU on its Resilient Workforce initiative, we’re investing in research that will help position Singapore as a regional leader on AI and the future of work, informing the design of targeted policies like reskilling programs.”

Annex A: ResWORK Seed-Funded Research Projects

Ahead of its formal launch, the Resilient Workforces Institute (ResWORK) has initiated nine seed-funded research projects, reflecting early momentum and active collaboration across SMU’s schools. These projects are organised around ResWORK’s three core pillars and focus on applied, policy-relevant research in partnership with public and private organisations.

Pillar 1: Optimising Human-Machine Collaboration

Research on technologies and tools (AR/VR, AI) that enable individuals to both learn and execute future tasks in collaboration with AI, machines and robots.

1. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Evaluating AI Outputs and Metacognition of Law Students

Theme: Technologies for Augmenting Adult Learning
Principal Investigator: Gary CHAN Kok Yew, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Law, Yong Pung How School of Law
Why this matters: As AI tools enter education and professional training, this project examines how law students learn to critically evaluate AI outputs and reflect on them as part of their training to be legal professionals in the near future.

About the Project: This project examines how law students assess AI-generated legal reasoning, focusing on metacognitive awareness, reflective judgment, and responsible AI use. Using tort law as a testbed, it studies how learners adopt, revise or reject AI outputs, and identifies best practices for evaluating accuracy, clarity and reasoning quality. The findings will inform ethical AI integration in education and professional training.

Research Impact: Supporting and enhancing law students’ critical evaluation of and reflective judgement on AI outputs

2. Unfolding Motivation in Adult Learning with Generative AI

Theme: Technologies for Augmenting Adult Learning
Principal Investigator: NGO Chong Wah, Full-time Faculty, Lee Kong Chian Professor of Computer Science, Director, Human-Machine Collaborative Systems Cluster, ResWORK Fellow, School of Computing and Information Systems
Co-PI: Gary Pan @ SOA; Clarence Goh @ SOA; Venky Shankararaman @ SCIS; Dragan Gasevic @ Monash University
Why this matters: Mid-career workers are expected to reskill continuously, yet motivation and engagement remain major barriers to lifelong learning.

About the Project: This project investigates how generative AI can personalise adult learning to sustain motivation among mid-career learners balancing work, study and life demands. It develops a GenAI-powered learning system that provides conversational, self-regulated learning support through interaction with large language models. By analysing learning behaviour, dialogue patterns and behavioural signals, the research identifies how AI-driven scaffolding can improve engagement and learning persistence in adult education.

Research Impact: This project aims to uncover motivational processes in adult learning to inform the design of AI learning systems.

3. Building Reflection Competencies for Human-AI Collaboration: A Multi-Agent Training System

Theme: Changing Professional Practices in the Workplace
Principal Investigator: NAH, Fiona Fui-Hoon, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Information Systems, ResWORK Fellow, School of Computing and Information Systems
Collaborators: Jiaqi WU YOUNG, PhD student @ SCIS; Ming WANG, Visiting PG Research student @ SCIS
Why this matters: Organisations often adopt AI faster than workers develop the skills to critically evaluate it, leading to over reliance or under reliance, declining judgment and missed productivity gains.

About the Project: This project addresses the problem of “cognitive debt” in AI-enabled workplaces by developing a multi-agent reflection training system embedded in AI tools. Drawing on motivation and behavioural theories, it designs and tests interventions that encourage users to reflect on, scrutinise and evaluate AI outputs. The research aims to provide scalable training approaches that balance AI adoption with human judgment and oversight.

Research Impact: Overcoming AI users’ cognitive debt through reflection training for a resilient workforce

4. Adaptive Skill Transfer: Reinforcement-Learned Scaffolding for Cognitive Personalisation in Adult Learning

Theme: Adult Learning Transfer
Principal Investigator: Pradeep Reddy VARAKANTHAM, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Computer Science, Director, CARE.AI Lab, Coordinator, BSc (CS) Artificial Intelligence Track, School of Computing and Information Systems
Co-PI: Annabel Chen Shen-Hsing, NTU
Collaborator: Swapna Gottipati @ SCIS, SMU
Why this matters: Reskilling often fails because learning systems ignore the cognitive strengths adults already possess.

About the Project: This research explores how adaptive AI systems can accelerate adult learning by leveraging existing reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Implemented within an adaptive learning platform, the project uses cognitive assessment and reinforcement learning to personalise both content and thinking strategies. By making skill transfer explicit and efficient, the study aims to improve learning speed, retention and reskilling outcomes.

Research Impact: Transforming adult reskilling from simple content delivery into a personalised, AI-driven bridge that leverages existing reasoning strengths to accelerate the mastery of complex skills

5. The Effects of AI-Based Cognitive Offloading on Metacognitive Skills and Learning Transfer in Adult Professional Learners

Theme: Adult Learning Transfer
Principal Investigator: YANG Hwajin, Full-time Faculty, Professor of Psychology, Associate Dean (Research), Lee Kong Chian Fellow, ResWORK Fellow, School of Social Sciences
Co-PI: Sarah Wong @ SOSS; Gary Pan @ SOA; Andree Hartanto @ SOSS
Collaborator: Wong Zi Yang, Research Fellow, SMU
Why this matters: While AI can make work easier, excessive reliance on it may weaken learning, judgment, and long-term skill development.

About the Project: This project examines how using AI tools affects adult learners’
metacognitive awareness (monitoring and regulating one’s learning) and learning transfer (applying knowledge to new situations) in professional development. Using a randomised controlled design, the study compares guided and unguided AI use to determine whether guided AI use enhances these cognitive skills or if unguided use undermines them through excessive cognitive offloading.

Research Impact: The findings will inform the development of AI-enabled training frameworks that promote durable learning, reflective thinking, and transferable skills among working adults.

6. Towards Measurable, Governed Onboarding for Human–AI Teams

Theme: Open Category
Principal Investigator: LEE, Min Hun, Full-time Faculty, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, School of Computing and Information Systems
Why this matters: AI adoption often fails not because of model accuracy, but because of people and workflow – users do not know when to trust, question or correct AI systems.

About the Project: This project transforms AI onboarding into an interactive, measurable learning experience that teaches users how to collaborate effectively with AI. Using a structured “Understand-Control-Improve” framework, it develops tools that promote calibrated trust, explainability, and safe intervention. The research aims to establish robust methods for governed human-AI collaboration in real-world decision-making workflows.

Research Impact: This project develops measurable, governed methods for human-AI collaboration that enable safe and effective AI adoption in real-world decision-making workflows.

PILLAR #2: TRANSFORMING ORGANISATIONS

7. Valuing Flexible Work Arrangements: A Discrete Choice Experiment with Employers and Employees in Singapore

Theme: Changing Professional Practices in the Workplace
Pillar: #2 / #3
Principal Investigator: KIM Seonghoon, Full-time Faculty, Associate Professor of Economics, Deputy Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), School of Economics
Co-PI: Cao Wenjia @ SOE, SMU
Collaborator: Kanghyock Koh, Korea University
Why this matters: Flexible work is now a national priority, yet evidence on its true value to employers and employees remains limited.

About the Project: This study quantifies how employers and employees value flexible work arrangements using large-scale discrete choice experiments. By estimating wage-equivalent trade-offs for different forms of flexibility, it provides evidence to inform organisational decisions and policy implementation following Singapore’s Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests. The research supports more sustainable, inclusive and productive workplace design.

8. Job insecurity and employee motivation

Theme: Changing Professional Practices in the Workplace
Principal Investigator: Nina SIROLA, Full-time Faculty, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources, ResWORK Fellow, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Why this matters: Rising job insecurity can quietly erode motivation and performance, even in organisations investing heavily in transformation.

About the Project: This project examines how managers’ beliefs about job-insecure employees influence leadership behaviour and intrinsic motivation. Rather than focusing only on worker stress, it identifies manager-driven mechanisms that can either undermine or sustain motivation. Through experimental and field studies, the research develops low-cost leadership interventions to support employee engagement and well-being during periods of uncertainty.

Research Impact: This project highlights how managers’ beliefs and leadership behaviours can either undermine or sustain the intrinsic motivation of job-insecure workers, pointing to a low-cost, belief-based lever for resilience.

PILLAR #3: MAXIMISING SOCIETAL HUMAN CAPITAL

9. Measuring the Impact of AI and Large Language Models on Singapore’s Labour Market: Constructing a Task-Level Exposure Index

Theme: Open Category
Principal Investigator: LI Jia, Full-time Faculty, Dean, School of Economics, Lee Kong Chian, Professor of Economics, Econometrics Lead, SMU Urban Institute
(courtesy appointment in the Lee Kong Chian School of Business)
Collaborator: Zhang Dandan, Peking University

Why this matters: Policymakers and employers need clear evidence on which jobs are most exposed to AI, and which are likely to benefit from it.

About the Project: This project develops Singapore’s first task-level AI-LLM Exposure Index by combining job posting data with detailed task information. Using novel econometric methods to address measurement uncertainty, it distinguishes between complementary and substitutive effects of AI on human labour. The resulting indices will inform workforce planning, reskilling strategies and national employment policy.

Research Impact: Measuring AI’s disruptive and enabling effects on Singapore’s labour market

Hashtag: #SMU

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About SMU

A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.

Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises of eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Neelay Patel as CEO of Malaysia, effective March 2026, subject to regulatory process. Patel brings over 20 years of risk management and insurance experience, including more than a decade driving Aon’s commercial strategy and growth initiatives across Asia.

In this role, Patel will lead Aon’s business in Malaysia across Commercial Risk Solutions, Health Solutions, Talent Solutions and Wealth Solutions. He will partner with regional solution line leaders to align priorities, strengthen execution and deliver integrated solutions that help clients protect and grow their business. He will report to Andrew Minnitt, head of Southeast Asia and will relocate from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur in the coming months.

“Neelay’s strategic mindset, strong client focus and values‑led leadership position him exceptionally well to lead our Malaysia team,” said Minnitt. “His deep understanding of client needs and ability to mobilise teams around delivering integrated solutions will be invaluable as we help organisations navigate a rapidly evolving risk environment and achieve better outcomes.”

Since joining Aon in 2014, Patel has been central in advancing the firm’s growth agenda — most recently as head of growth, Asia, where he has helped teams bring the full breadth of Aon’s capabilities to clients and advanced sales transformation across the region. He has also been deeply engaged in developing Aon’s talent across markets, contributing to an inclusive, high‑performing culture.

Prior to joining Aon, he worked with Lockton in Australia and London, supporting large multinational clients across industries. His career, which spans senior roles in Singapore, Australia, London and Malaysia, gives him a strong understanding of the region’s diverse client needs and the opportunities ahead.

“I’m honoured to return to Malaysia to lead Aon’s business at a time when clients are navigating increasingly connected and complex risk and people challenges,” said Patel. “I look forward to working with our talented colleagues to bring the best of Aon’s Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities to clients — helping them make better decisions, build resilience and achieve sustainable growth.”

More information about Aon in Malaysia can be found here.
Hashtag: #Aon

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About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.