Digital Economy Capstone Project - SMU-XL
Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
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.
Description
SMU-X Lifelong Learning 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-X’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 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 20 Aug 2026 | In-Person | Course introduction; Project launch; Project teams to meet their project sponsors and instructors to discuss the project scope |
| Week 2 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 27 Aug 2026 | Zoom | Project meeting with instructors |
| Week 3 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 3 Sep 2026 | In-Person | Proposal presentation by project teams and discussion with project sponsors and instructors; Project proposal submission (Run-through with project sponsors) |
| Week 4 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 10 Sep 2026 | Zoom | Project meeting with instructors |
| Week 5 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 | Zoom | Project meeting with instructors |
| Week 6 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 | Zoom | Project meeting with instructors |
| Week 7 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 1st Oct 2026 | In-Person | Mid-term progress presentation for project sponsors and instructors; Mid-term project progress submission |
TERM BREAK (Week 8) | ||
| Week 9 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 | In-Person | Mid-term progress presentation for project sponsors and instructors; Mid-term project progress submission |
| Week 10 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 22 Oct 2026 | Zoom | Project meeting with instructors |
| Week 11 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 | Zoom | Project meeting with instructors |
| Week 12 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 5 Nov 2026 | In-Person | Final project presentation for project sponsors and instructors. |
| Week 13 7pm – 10:15pm Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 | In-Person | Final project presentation for project sponsors and instructors. |
