| College of Graduate Research Studies

ABOUT THE AWARD

AWARD ENTITLEMENT

ELIGIBLITY

NOMINATION

EVALUATION COMMITTEE

EVALUATION CRITERIA

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

TIMELINE

PAST YEAR RECIPIENTS & NOMINEES

2025 RECIPIENTS & NOMINEES

2025 Recipients

CHENG Qiang
Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Accounting
School of Accountancy

Roy CHUA
Lee Kong Chian Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

Tomoki FUJII
Professor of Economics
School of Economics

Norman LI
Professor of Psychology
School of Social Science

2025 Nominees

GENG Xuesong
Associate Professor of Strategic Management
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

LIANG Hao
Associate Professor of Finance
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

LIM Yung Fong
Lee Kong Chian Professor of Operations Management
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

Thomas MENKHOFF
Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources (Education)
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

Jochen REB
Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

TAN Hwee Hoon
Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources
Lee Kong Chian School of Business

JIANG Lingxiao
Professor of Computer Science
Director
School of Computing and Information Systems

Archan MISRA
Lee Kong Chian Professor of Computer Science
School of Computing and Information Systems

Chris POSKITT
Associate Professor of Computer Science (Education)
School of Computing and Information Systems

Lwin Khin SHAR
Associate Professor of Computer Science (Practice)
School of Computing and Information Systems

Pradeep Reddy VARAKANTHAM
Professor of Computer Science
School of Computing and Information Systems

WANG Zhaoxia
Associate Professor of Computer Science (Practice)
School of Computing and Information Systems

KIM Seonghoon
Associate Professor of Economics
School of Economics

LI Jia
Dean
Lee Kong Chian Professor of Economics
School of Economics

CHENG Chi-Ying
Associate Professor of Psychology
School of Social Science

Kenneth TAN
Assistant Professor of Psychology
School of Social Sciences

YANG Hwajin
Associate Professor of Psychology
School of Social Science

Read more about Singapore Rising Scholars Conference (SRSC)

Organised by the College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS), the annual signature conference is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and advance their academic journey.

Download Prospectus

SMU's postgraduate research programmes have produced cohorts of well-equipped, established researchers and academics. For the full list from each of our Schools, click on any of the icons below to view the full list of graduates from our Academic Research PhD and Master by Research programmes:

Some of our Alumni

The Doctor of Business Administration programme was invigorating. The faculty members are knowledgeable and insightful, and the exchanges and debates that I had with my fellow coursemates were stimulating! The programme has shaped how I look at the industry that I am in, and what I can do about the challenges it faces. Though the programme was challenging, especially when I had to juggle between my full-time work and the programme, I have no regrets in embarking on this doctoral journey at SMU.

Kevin CHEONG
Doctor of Business Administration, 2019

The pursuit of the programme was more than an academic endeavour. It was transformative; challenging me intellectually, fostering personal growth in terms of resiliency and adapting to the demands of a dissertation commitee, most importantly, allowing me to contribute valuable concrete insight into making society better for all.

Leon QIU
PhD in Business (General Management), 2024

My doctoral experience was transformational; it pushed my boundaries of knowledge, critical thinking, resilience and self-discovery. The programme enhances my approach to solution development in the industry.

Nurul Asyikeen AZHAR
Doctor of Engineering, 2024

About the Conference

Singapore Management University (SMU) College of Graduate Research Studies is organising its annual Singapore Rising Scholars Conference (SRSC) on 14 - 15 May 2026 in partnership with SMU Libraries and SAGE Publications.

The Conference which will be held at the SMU Li Ka Shing Library aims to provide a unique opportunity for doctoral students in management and the social sciences to present their latest research, receive constructive feedback from their fellow students, explore new research ideas in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas, and expand their professional and social network.

We will begin calling for paper submissions on 1st October 2025.

Conference Goals and Objectives

Facilitate cross-disciplinary exchange of research among doctoral students and promote new research ideas in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas.
Encourage doctoral students to grow their scholarly network and enhance doctoral student life.
Contribute to the research development process of emerging scholars.
Prepare doctoral students for a successful career in one of the top schools in Asia and beyond.

SRSC 2025 Highlights

Check out our 2025 Photos

Conference Fee and Pricing

Registration Type	2-days Conference (14 to 15 May 2026)
Non-SMU Student/ Externals	To be announced
SMU Student	To be announced
SMU Faculty / By Invitation	Referral Link provided

SMU PhD students enrolled in the Academic Research Programmes can use their CGRS Conference PhD Funding (if there is a remaining balance) to claim for the registration fees after attending the conference.

Students can submit their claims through the Student E-claims System (SES). A step-by-step submission guide on SES can be found here.

Call for Papers

Starting from 1st October, we welcome the submission of any original single-authored and co-authored unpublished, early-stage working papers or work-in-progress papers on the following topics of interest (but not limited to):

Accounting
Economics
Finance
Law
Marketing
Psychology
Operations Management
Management of Information Systems
Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship
Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource

We also welcome papers on interdisciplinary topics, including (but not limited to):

Sustainability
Urban Studies
Growth in Asia
Digital Transformation
Computational Social Sciences

Important Notes:

We ask that each student submit only one paper to present at the conference. This will give all applicants a fair chance at attending the conference. Submitting students may also be a co-author on another paper submitted by another student, but each student will only have one opportunity to present.

Presentations are divided into the subject areas and topics listed above. You can choose the area most relevant to your topic. If you are conducting research across multiple disciplines, you can either submit it to an interdisciplinary area, or one of the related disciplinary areas.

Accepted papers will be considered for Best Paper Awards, with a prize of SGD500 each.

Description	Dates
Call for Papers	1 October 2025 onwards
Initial Paper Submission Deadline	1 February 2026
Notification of Acceptance	15 March 2026
Confirmation of Attendance	22 March 2026
Conference	14 -15 May 2026

Programme at a Glance (2026)

Detailed Programme will be shared in April 2026.

14 May 2026 (Thursday)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Conference Venue: SMU Li Ka Shing Library [Map]

Time	Session
8:00AM - 9:00AM	Registration & Breakfast
9:00AM - 9:10AM	Welcome & Opening Address Room A
9:10AM - 10:00AM	Keynote Address & Fireside Chat Room A
10:00AM - 10:30AM	Break
10:30AM - 12:00PM	Seminar Room A Breakout Session 1.1 Room B Breakout Session 1.2 Room C Breakout Session 1.3 Room D
12:00PM - 1:30PM	Networking Lunch Room A
1:30PM - 3:00PM	Seminar Room A Breakout Session 2.1 Room B Breakout Session 2.2 Room C Breakout Session 2.3 Room D
3:00PM - 3:30PM	Break
3:30PM - 5:00PM	Seminar Room A Breakout Session 3.1 Room B Breakout Session 3.2 Room C Breakout Session 3.3 Room D

15 May 2026 (Friday)

Time: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Conference Venue: SMU Li Ka Shing Library [Map]

Time	Session
8:00AM - 9:00AM	Registration & Breakfast
9:00AM - 10:30AM	General Panel Room A Seminar Room C
10:30AM - 11:00AM	Break
11:00AM - 12:30PM	Seminar Room A Breakout Session 4.1 Room B Breakout Session 4.2 Room C Breakout Session 4.3 Room D
12:30PM - 2:00PM	Networking Lunch Room A
2:00PM - 3:30PM	Seminar Room A Breakout Session 5.1 Room B Breakout Session 5.2 Room C Breakout Session 5.3 Room D
3:30PM - 4:00PM	Break
4:00PM - 5:30PM	General Panel Room A
5:30PM - 8:00PM	Rising Scholars Awards Ceremony & Meet-the-Faculty Dinner Reception Room A

Programme at a Glance (2025)

Detailed programme of the Singapore Rising Scholars Conference 2025.

15 May 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Conference Venue: SMU Li Ka Shing Library [Map]

Time

Session

8:00AM - 9:00AM

Registration & Breakfast

9:00AM - 9:10AM

Welcome & Opening Address

Room A

9:10AM - 10:00AM

Keynote Address & Fireside Chat with SMU Provost Alan CHAN

Room A

10:00AM - 10:30AM

Break

10:30AM - 12:00PM

Seminar 1

Academic Literature Review in the Age of AI and Large Language Models

Room A

Breakout Session 1.1

Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Outcomes of an Expert Survey: What are the Future Challenges Faced by the Private Banking Industry in Singapore as a Result of the Increasing Digital Penetration and Influx of New Fintech Market Entrants?

Norman BUERZLE
Singapore Management University

Willingness to Paypal: Network Effects in Disruptive Innovation

Huaxi GAO
Peking University

Problem-Solving or Self-Enhancement? Vc Investment Decisions Under Multiple Goals

Zhengchu ZHANG
Singapore Management University

Industry Insiders or Outsiders? Technological Change and Pioneering Market Entry of Entrepreneurs

Junghyo SUN
INSEAD

Room B

Breakout Session 1.2

Asian Capital Markets and Corporate Reporting

From Extra-Budgetary to Budgetary: Public Debt Recognition and Private Sector Responses

Yanduo CHEN
Singapore Management University

Pollution Information Programme, Public Awareness and Corporate Environment Investments

Lixin HUANG
Beijing Normal University

Dividends From Subsidiaries and Bond Overpricing - Evidence From China's Dual Reporting System

Shuai XU
Singapore Management University

Virtual Analyst Private Meetings

Yajing TIAN
Singapore Management University

Room C

Breakout Session 1.3

Urban Policy, Economy and Technology

Provincializing and Geopoliticizing Smart Cities: A Refreshed Research Agenda

Joshua GOH
Singapore Management University

The Implementation of 'Organized Chaos' Hypothesis in the Case Study of Yaowarat, Bangkok

Amika NAKNAWAPHAN
Thammasat University

The Healthcare Policy Gap in Singapore: Are Middle-Income Households Falling Through the Cracks - Working Paper

Nikita KHOO
Singapore Management University

Redefining the Concept of Waste Implementation of Circular Economy for Bangkok Peri-Urban Low-Income Community

Tishawree GERDPRATOOM
Thammasat University

Room D

12:00PM - 1:30PM

Networking Lunch

Room A

1:30PM - 3:00PM

Seminar 2

Streamlined Workflow for Qualitative Data Analysis with Whisper and ATLAS.ti

Room A

Breakout Session 2.1

Urban Development and Labour Market

Room B

Breakout Session 2.2

Innovative Approaches in Operations Management: Government Policy and Network Design

Room C

Breakout Session 2.3

Law, Regulation and Regional Development

Room D

3:00PM - 3:30PM

Break

3:30PM - 5:00PM

Seminar 3

Getting Published and Enhancing Research Visibility with Visual Abstracts

Room A

Breakout Session 3.1

Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance

Room B

Breakout Session 3.2

Gender, Lifelong Learning, and Growth in Asia

Room C

Breakout Session 3.3

Urban Infrastructure, Environment and Society

Room D

16 May 2025 (Friday)

Time: 8:00AM - 8:00PM
Conference Venue: SMU Li Ka Shing Library [Map]

Time	Session
8:00AM - 9:00AM	Registration & Breakfast
9:00AM - 10:30AM	General Panel Session 2 Comprehensive Applications of AI in Social Science: From Research Design to Data Analysis Room A Seminar 4 The Organised Academic: Essential Time Management Skills for Graduate Student Sanity Room C
10:30AM - 11:00AM	Break
11:00AM - 12:30PM	Seminar 5 From Thesis to Global Impact: Open Access and Maximising Research Visibility Room A Breakout Session 4.1 Consumer Perception and Online Influence in Marketing Room B Breakout Session 4.2 Government Regulations and Social Welfare Room C Breakout Session 4.3 AI, Labour and Information Environment Room D
12:30PM - 2:00PM	Networking Lunch Room A
2:00PM - 3:30PM	Seminar 6 Text Analysis for PhD Research: An Introduction to No-Code and Code-Light Tools Room A Breakout Session 5.1 Financial Intermediaries and Contracting Room B Breakout Session 5.2 Psychology, Identity and Adaptation Room C Breakout Session 5.3 Urban Growth, Degrowth and Sustainability Room D
3:30PM - 4:00PM	Break
4:00PM - 5:30PM	General Panel Session 3 The PhD Journey: Common Challenges and Strategies for Success Room A
5:30PM - 8:00PM	Rising Scholars Awards Ceremony & Meet-the-Faculty Dinner Reception Room A

Faculty Steering Committee

Professor WANG Heli

Dean, College of Graduate Research Studies
Janice Bellace Professor of Strategic Management
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Singapore Management University

Associate Professor FANG Xin

Director, PhD Programmes, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Associate Professor of Operations Management
MPA Research Fellow
Singapore Management University

Professor Shantanu BHATTACHARYA

Deputy Dean (Education) & Academic Director of PhD in Business (General Management), Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Professor of Operations Management
Singapore Management University

Conference Organising Committee

Overall Staff-in-charge: YEOW Ching Shiong, College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS)

Secretariat and Administration: Janis WONG, Rosanna Richard SAM (CGRS)

Marketing and Communication: LOH Hui Xian and Casey GRANT (CGRS)

Graduate Research Student Society Executive Committee 2024/25

Getting Here

Conference Venue

Li Ka Shing Library
70 Stamford Rd,
Singapore 178901 [Map]

Nearest Carpark

Lee Kong Chian School of Business,
50 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178899

Directions

Carpark access via Queen Street.
Take the lift to Level 1 to the bottom of Li Ka Shing Library.

Download Prospectus

Some of our Alumni

The PhD journey at SMU was a catalyst for my intellectual and professional growth. It honed my research skills, fostered a deep understanding of innovation in academia, and prepared me to contribute to the dynamic educational environment at Vin University.

Andrew LE Duy Dung
PhD in Computer Science, 2020

The Doctor of Business Administration programme was invigorating. The faculty members are knowledgeable and insightful, and the exchanges and debates that I had with my fellow coursemates were stimulating! The programme has shaped how I look at the industry that I am in, and what I can do about the challenges it faces. Though the programme was challenging, especially when I had to juggle between my full-time work and the programme, I have no regrets in embarking on this doctoral journey at SMU.

Kevin CHEONG
Doctor of Business Administration, 2019

SMU provided a rigorous and supportive research environment that laid the foundation for my academic career. The mentorship I received from faculty and the structured training in theory, methods, and teaching have been instrumental in preparing me for the multifaceted demands of an academic role.

Junqiu JIANG
PhD in Business (Marketing), 2023

The pursuit of the programme was more than an academic endeavour. It was transformative; challenging me intellectually, fostering personal growth in terms of resiliency and adapting to the demands of a dissertation commitee, most importantly, allowing me to contribute valuable concrete insight into making society better for all.

Leon QIU
PhD in Business (General Management), 2024

My doctoral experience was transformational; it pushed my boundaries of knowledge, critical thinking, resilience and self-discovery. The programme enhances my approach to solution development in the industry.

Nurul Asyikeen AZHAR
Doctor of Engineering, 2024

My PhD journey at SMU was enriched by exceptional research opportunities and the invaluable guidance of dedicated professors, which broadened my academic horizons and laid a solid foundation for my future career in research.

Xuanbo LI
PhD in Accountancy, 2024

My Ph.D. journey at SMU SOE was truly unforgettable, thanks to the supportive faculty members and dedicated staffs. It shaped my research and career path, and inspired me to carry forward the values and passion I found there.

LI Qiyuan
PhD in Economics, 2024

Download Prospectus

The SMU PhD programmes provide opportunities to our students to deepen their research expertise by collaborating with academics from within and outside the SMU community. Over the years, our students have published papers which have contributed towards the pool of academic knowledge. Our students’ research has been listed according to their fields of specialisation. Some of their papers have achieved international recognition through awards.

School of Accountancy

PhD in Accounting

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Lee Kong Chian School of Business

PhD in Business

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

View all research publications

View all student achievements

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

View all research publications

View all student achievements

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

View all research publications

View all student achievements

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

School of Economics

PhD in Economics

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

School of Social Sciences

PhD in Psychology

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

School of Computing and Information Systems

PhD in Computer Science

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

School of Computing and Information Systems

PhD in Information Systems

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Yung Pung How School of Law

PhD in Law, Commerce and Technology

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

College of Integrative Studies

PhD in Asian Urbanisms

Publication Highlight

Corporate Disclosures for Green Supply Chains: Evidence from Scope 3 Emissions Disclosure

Yang Mengjie, Assistant Prof Kim, Jungbae; Associate Prof Cho, Young Jun; Associate Prof Holly Yang
Paper published on 2024 UTS Australian Summer Accounting Conference in 2024.

VIEW ALL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

VIEW ALL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

About the Event

Event Date: 11 October 2025, Saturday
Event Timing: 12pm to 5.45pm
Event Venue:Level 4, SMU Administration Building [Map]

Considering a PhD in management, the social sciences, information technology or Asian urbanisms? Join us at this year's SMU PhD Day to gain firsthand information and insights from programme directors and students' sharing. Discover the holistic SMU postgraduate research experience, and decide if it's right for you. We have invited the graduate colleges from National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to participate as well, we hope to see you there!

Programme Schedule

Time/Room	Room A	Room B	Room C
12.00pm – 12.45pm	PhD in Economics	Doctor of Engineering
1.00pm – 1.45pm	PhD in Law, Commerce and Technology	PhD in Computer Science and Information Systems
2.00pm – 2.45pm	PhD in Accounting	PhD in Business (General Management) and Doctor of Business Administration
3.00pm – 3.45pm	NTU Info Session	NUS Info Session	SUTD Info Session
4.00pm – 4.45pm	PhD in Psychology	PhD in Business (until 5.30pm) i. Strategy & Entrepreneurship ii. Operations Managment iii. Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources iv. Marketing v. Finance
5.00pm – 5.45pm	PhD in Asian Urbanisms

* Accurate as of 12 August 2025

PhD DAY 2024 PHOTOS

Read more about Three Minute Thesis Workshop

This workshop gives postgraduate students the essential tools and proven techniques to deliver research pitches that truly stand out. Using the storyboard methodology, students will learn how to distil complex discoveries into clear and compelling narratives framed around the “Big Why–Why–What” approach, keeping the focus on what matters most to their audience.

Read more about Career Development Series Workshops

The College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS), in collaboration with the Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKHMCC), offers a suite of GRPD-approved career workshops designed to prepare senior year students for success beyond their studies.

Read more about Scientific Presentation Skills (SPS) Workshop

This 2.5-day workshop is designed to help students overcome the most common pitfalls of scientific presentations and transform their delivery into a confident, engaging performance. Led by Justin Lebrun from Scientific Reach, the workshop equips students with practical techniques to boost confidence and captivate their audience.

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