ABOUT US
SMU International Connections (SMU ICON) champions integration efforts on campus and celebrates cultural diversity among local and international students by organizing events and programmes that showcase the unique cultures and talents within our diverse campus community. We spearhead initiatives that foster friendships between international and local students. Through our 14 cultural clubs, we welcome both international and Singaporean members, who work together to plan activities that enhance cross-cultural understanding at SMU.
REACH OUT TO US
KEY EVENTS
- SMU ICON Camp
SMU ICON Camp is a fun-filled orientation programme designed to welcome international freshmen. With games created by 14 cultural clubs and an outing to explore a local spot in Singapore, the camp offers a great opportunity to make new friends, meet seniors from around the world, and experience Singapore’s vibrant culture. - SMU Diverse-City
SMU Diverse-City is an annual themed event that celebrates cultural diversity through fun games and international food and drinks. Each year brings a new, exciting theme, giving participants a chance to explore global cultures in a vibrant and engaging way. - SMU Buddy Programme
Start your SMU journey with the Buddy Programme, where international freshmen are paired with SMU seniors eager to help you settle into campus and life in Singapore! From insider food tips to navigating student life, your buddy will guide you every step of the way. Whether you're a freshman looking for support or a senior keen to mentor, you can join as a buddy or mentor and be part of this exciting cultural exchange experience. - ICON Welfare Drives
Feeling tired or unmotivated during the semester? Don’t worry ICON’s got your back! Our welfare drives are here to boost your energy with snacks and provide handy essentials to keep you going. Stay tuned to our email blasts and social media for updates (P.S. ICON’s welfare drives are among the best in SMU!) - ICON Artistry
ICON Artistry is a fun-filled event featuring traditional games, snacks from around the world, cultural performances, and showcases of traditional costumes! Sign up with a friend of a different nationality or your Buddy Programme partner to win prizes, enjoy live activities, and bring home handcrafted goodies and a welfare pack!
GALLERY
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
How to join ICON’s activities?
Sign up through our EDMs or visit our Instagram and website for updates.
"ICON is and will always be a special highlight of my SMU journey. I've met so many amazing and wonderful people through ICON and my ICON journey has been just AMAZING. See you in the fam!"
- Claire Tang Jing Yi, Vice-President, School of Accountancy Year 3
"ICON really has been a huge part of my SMU experience. It was a completely novel and eye-opening journey for me; through it I have met such diverse and wonderfully passionate people, and been a part of such a creative, caring and FUN community! It has been, undoubtedly, a privilege!"
- Rhea Singhania , President, School of Economics Year 3
FAQ
Absolutely! ICON is open to all students, regardless of nationality. In fact, many local students join ICON to connect with peers from around the world and help build a more inclusive and culturally vibrant SMU community. Whether you're passionate about global cultures or simply looking to make new friends, ICON welcomes you!
There are 14 ICON Cultural Clubs! They are SMU Apsara Cambodia, SMU Al Khaleej, SMU Connect China, SMU Chao Vietnam, SMU Francophiles, SMU Japanese Cultural Club, SMU Woori Sayi, SMU Roots, SMU Barkada, SMU Myanmar Community, SMU Truly Malaysia, SMU Yim Siam, SMU Indian Cultural Society and our newest addition: SMU Komunitas Indonesia! You can explore more about each cultural club through ICON’s website and each club’s Instagram.
ICON hosts a variety of fun and meaningful events throughout the year! SMU Diverse-City, held every September, showcases global cultures through food, games, and performances. The Buddy Programme connects local and international students, with one to two bonding events each semester. These are just some of the ways ICON brings students together to celebrate diversity and build lasting friendships.
If you are an international student, you are automatically a member of ICON. If you are a Singaporean or Singapore PR, you can join ICON by becoming part of the Organising Committee for any ICON signature event, serving as a facilitator or game master for ICON Camp, or by signing up as a member of any of the 14 ICON Clubs and participating in their events.
Simply register when clubs send out their emails and join the events for free or at a highly subsidized rate! Stay updated on upcoming events through ICON website or our social channels like Telegram and Instagram. Don't miss out on the fun!
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