Singapore Management University (SMU) has modernised its enterprise operations with Rise with SAP in line with its SMU2030 strategic plan.
Delivered with SAP and implementation partner ABeam Consulting, the system brings finance, HR, procurement, and travel management onto a connected cloud platform.
“By modernising our core platforms, harmonising processes and creating a more connected data environment, we have enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened decision-making capabilities, and created a scalable foundation for future innovation,” said Lau Kai Cheong, Chief Information Officer of SMU, who added that the transformation helps position SMU to support the evolving needs of its community and advance its SMU2030 vision,
The system went live in January 2026 and has early gains include 83 percent active SAP SuccessFactors adoption and nearly 3,900 workflows triggered. More than 10,000 suppliers have been onboarded through SAP Ariba self-service registration, while 4,700 purchase orders have been synchronised to date.
In finance, claims processed through SAP Concur have exceeded 3,600, alongside 3,700 payments processed and more than 500 accounts receivable collections recorded in the first month.
“The transformation has streamlined many of our day-to-day processes and improved the experience for employees across the university. By bringing together key operational functions on a connected platform, we have improved visibility, streamlined approvals and created a stronger foundation for collaboration and data-driven decision-making,” said Lau.
According to SAP Singapore Managing Director Eileen Chua, universities today are under increasing pressure to deliver more integrated campus experiences while operating with greater agility and accountability.
“By bringing together finance, HR, procurement and travel on SAP’s unified cloud platform, SMU has established a strong digital foundation that supports its SMU2030 ambitions and ongoing transformation efforts,” she said.
Entelechy Asia 