SMU Executive Development is bringing talent development and capability building to the forefront of urban transformation through the launch of its Urban Data Management Programme, delivered in partnership with the SMU Urban Institute at the World Cities Summit.
As cities around the world grapple with rapid urbanisation, climate change, ageing populations and increasing demands on infrastructure, the ability to harness data effectively has become essential to building liveable, sustainable and resilient cities. The Urban Data Management Programme is designed to bridge this critical skills gap, empowering professionals to translate urban data into actionable insights and impactful decisions.
Addressing Key Urban Challenges Through Talent Development
The programme reflects SMU ExD's commitment to developing future-ready talent equipped to solve complex, real-world challenges. By combining SMU's research strengths with practical, applied learning, the Urban Data Management Programme prepares city planners, policymakers, infrastructure leaders and data professionals to navigate the evolving urban landscape.
"Cities are at the heart of economic growth and social progress, but they also face some of the most pressing challenges of our time," said Dr Orlando Woods, Director of the SMU Urban Institute. "Through the Urban Data Management Programme, we are not just transferring knowledge — we are building the capabilities that enable professionals and organisations to drive meaningful change in their cities."
A Powerful Partnership with SMU Urban Institute
The collaboration with the SMU Urban Institute brings cutting-edge, multidisciplinary urban research directly into the learning experience. Drawing on the Institute's expertise across urban systems, sustainability, mobility, and liveability, participants benefit from a curriculum grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the realities of today's cities.
"Our partnership with SMU ExD allows us to extend the impact of our research beyond academia and into practice," said Dr Orlando Woods. "By equipping working professionals with strong data management capabilities, we can accelerate the development of smarter, more inclusive and more sustainable cities."
Programme Highlights
The Urban Data Management Programme offers participants:
- Practical frameworks for collecting, managing, and analysing urban data
- Real-world case studies drawn from Singapore and cities across the region
- Insights from leading researchers and industry practitioners
- Hands-on application to tackle live urban challenges
- A multidisciplinary perspective integrating technology, policy, and sustainability
Building Capabilities for the Cities of Tomorrow
With urbanisation set to intensify in the coming decades, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage and leverage urban data will only grow. Through programmes like the Urban Data Management Programme, SMU ExD continues to strengthen the talent pipeline needed to build the cities of the future.
The programme is open to professionals across the public and private sectors, including urban planners, infrastructure managers, technology leaders, and policymakers.
To learn more about the Urban Data Management Programme, visit https://smu.sg/udmp or contact SMU Executive Development Business Development Manager, Ayden Tay at aydentay@smu.edu.sg.
About SMU Executive Development (SMU ExD)
SMU Executive Development is the corporate and professional training arm of the Singapore Management University, delivering industry-relevant programmes that equip professionals and organisations with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
About SMU Urban Institute
The SMU Urban Institute is a multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions for liveable, sustainable, and resilient cities through cutting-edge research and engagement with industry and government partners.