Digital Economy Capstone Project - (SMU-X Lifelong Learning)

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Complimentary Access to SMU AI Studio Chat
Learners enrolled in the Integrated Learning Project (ILP) and SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL) will enjoy complimentary access to SMU AI Studio Chat, SMU’s secure, university-managed generative AI platform. Designed to support real-world, project-based learning, the platform gives learners access to multiple AI models and practical features for research, ideation, drafting, summarising, file search, analysis, content creation, and solution prototyping. This helps learners work more effectively on their projects while building confidence in using AI-enabled tools for today’s digital economy

The SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL) features team-based projects of two to five members, bringing together programme participants and, where relevant, colleagues from the workplace. Each project runs over 13 weeks, with two cycles annually from August to November and January to April.

Designed for working professionals, the programme is delivered through evening classes and a hybrid format, making it accessible for SMU alumni, industry practitioners and mature learners balancing full-time commitments.

Explore real-world projects undertaken by our learners here.

Description

The SMU-X Lifelong Learning (SMU-XL) offers an experiential, industry project-based approach that connects learning directly to real-world challenges. Participants work on live projects with industry and community partners, applying interdisciplinary knowledge to solve actual business problems while building practical, work-ready skills in a collaborative environment.

Designed specifically for adult learners and working professionals, the programme emphasises applied learning that can be immediately transferred back to the workplace. Participants engage closely with faculty and industry mentors, gaining fresh perspectives while developing solutions that create tangible impact for their organisations.

As part of SMU-XL’s broader experiential learning ecosystem, this approach reflects a shift from traditional classroom teaching to active, project-led learning, where knowledge is co-created through collaboration between learners, faculty and industry partners. Find out more and view the full FAQ here.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to solve real-world business and societal challenges
Collaborate effectively with industry partners and stakeholders
Translate theory into practical solutions through project-based learning
Develop critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in complex environments
Reflect on experiences to continuously improve decision-making and leadership capabilities

Session	Mode	Agenda
Week 1 20 Aug 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Course introduction and project launch Project teams meet sponsors and instructors to discuss project scope
Week 2 27 Aug 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 3 3 Sep 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Proposal presentation by project teams and discussion with project sponsors and instructors Project proposal submission (run-through with project sponsors)
Week 4 10 Sep 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 5 17 Sep 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 6 24 Sep 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 7 1 Oct 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Mid-term progress presentation for project sponsors and instructors Mid-term project progress submission
Term Break (Week 8)
Week 9 15 Oct 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Mid-term progress presentation for project sponsors and instructors Mid-term project progress submission
Week 10 22 Oct 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 11 29 Oct 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 12 5 Nov 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Final project presentation for project sponsors and instructors
Week 13 12 Nov 2026, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Final project presentation for project sponsors and instructors

Session	Mode	Agenda
Week 1 14 Jan 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Course introduction and project launch Project teams meet sponsors and instructors to discuss project scope
Week 2 21 Jan 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 3 28 Jan 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Proposal presentation by project teams and discussion with project sponsors and instructors Project proposal submission (run-through with project sponsors)
Week 4 4 Feb 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 5 11 Feb 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 6 18 Feb 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Mid-term progress presentation for project sponsors and instructors (Group A)
Week 7 25 Feb 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Mid-term progress presentation for project sponsors and instructors (Group B)
Week 8 4 Mar 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 9 11 Mar 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 10 18 Mar 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	Zoom	Project meeting with instructors
Week 11 25 Mar 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Final project presentation for project sponsors and instructors (Group A)
Week 12 1 Apr 2027, Thu 7pm–10:15pm	In-Person	Final project presentation for project sponsors and instructors (Group B)

Digital Economy Capstone Project - (SMU-X Lifelong Learning)

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