About Us
SMU Emerging Markets (SEM) is SMU’s leading market research club dedicated to understanding the world’s fastest-growing economies and the forces shaping global markets. As emerging markets continue to drive global growth, innovation, and consumer expansion, SEM provides students with unique perspectives on economic trends beyond traditional developed markets.
Through our six regional research desks, namely Latin America, Middle East & Africa, Emerging Europe, Central & South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, we analyse industries, trends, and geopolitical developments across emerging markets.
Our Analysts and Associates produce industry-focused Executive Briefs (EBs), deliver research presentations, and conduct ad-hoc topical and thematic deep dives. Analysts also engage in weekly discussions on global, regional, and industry developments to sharpen their analytical, presentation, and research skills.
Key Events
- Research Analyst Programme (RAP)
Our Research Analysts will go through a 1-semester long program before qualifying as Research Associates (1 year) within our club. Those under our RAP can look forward to learning market research skills including financial analysis methodologies and how to understand economic data with direct guidance and training sessions from our own club members! Analysts can develop holistic financial insights within emerging markets, by practising it through our weekly training and monthly deliverables of Investment Pitches and Executive Briefs. - Emerging Markets Forum (EMF)
In line with our goal to establish ourselves as a premier knowledge hub, our annual Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between industry professionals and students. Through the club’s extensive training curriculum, members have developed research and analytical skills and performed exceptionally in their career paths. - Alumni Night
SMU Emerging Market’s strong alumni network provides a platform for members to receive advice and guidance through events such as our annual Alumni Night exclusive to our analysts and associates. - SMU Emerging Markets Coffee Chat
Esteemed professionals from various industries are invited down to speak on their specialised topics, including global trends, current market dynamics, and industry experiences relating back to emerging market conditions worldwide. - SMU Emerging Markets Industry Integrated Program (SEMIIP)
Through engaging with projects commissioned by our industry partner (Enterprise SG) and our club advisor (Professor Yuanto), our Research Associates obtain deep insights into the industry by producing industry grade research reports, with guidance from market experts.
Our People in Action
Club Sessions
| Day | Fridays |
| Time | 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm |
| Venue | SMU School of Accountancy |
How To Join
Applicants interested in joining SEM as Analysts will undergo a skill assessment and interview process. As part of the skill assessment, applicants will prepare presentation slides based on a case released closer to the recruitment period. Shortlisted applicants will then present their slides in an interview and undergo a Q&A segment covering both their analysis and current global developments.
We also offer General Membership at a small one-time fee, which provides exclusive access to selected club materials and events. Our recruitment period begins in August, so keep a lookout on our Instagram and Telegram for updates. Additionally, to learn more about SEM, visit our booth at Vivace. We look forward to meeting you!
FAQ
All Analysts are required to commit for 1.5 semesters, during which they undergo weekly training sessions involving case presentations, discussions, coffee chats, and research work.
Thereafter, Analysts become Associates and gain access to higher-level research and industry opportunities. This phase lasts another 1.5 semesters, but adopts a more flexible, self-directed structure without weekly sessions.
Samples of our work are available for viewing here: https://www.smuem.com/executive-briefs 2.
SMU Emerging Markets equips Analysts and Associates with career-ready skillsets such as investment thesis building, presentation skills, and developing data-driven analytical capabilities. The skillsets picked up from the club have helped many batches of Associates pursue careers across a diverse range of fields, such as Investment Banking, Consulting, Asset Management, Sales & Trading, and many more!
We provide exposure to market research and strategic thinking through in-depth experience in macroeconomic analysis, investment thesis building, and global market dynamics. Analysts will learn to evaluate companies and industries using financial metrics and comparative analysis, which are skills applicable across numerous career paths, including finance, accountancy, and valuation-related fields.
SEM uses a unique top-down approach that analyses markets from a macroeconomic, to industry, to company level and our investment research emphasises more on emerging regions which may present SEM Analysts with a different set of challenges with regards to the transparency and accessibility of data, the nature of the core production and trade, as well as the navigation of risks in a broader sense including political, geographical and cultural conflicts and developments in an emerging economy as compared to developed ones commonly explored by other academic clubs.
Achievements
- J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management Challenge 2020
Finalists - Asia Investment & Banking Conference and GIC Asset Management Competition 2020
2nd place