Different Cultures, Shared Dreams: SMC Welcomes University of St. Gallen Students to Singapore
Singapore, 23 September 2026 — SMC Global-Ready welcomed students from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, for the SMC - University of St. Gallen Networking Night, bringing together close to 100 young people, mentors, speakers and friends for an evening of friendship, connection and cross-cultural exchange.
Held at the Singapore home of SMC founder Dr David Ong, the gathering brought together more than 45 University of St. Gallen students, over 25 SMC youth participants, and more than 25 SMC speakers, mentors and friends.
The informal setting was intentional. Rather than a conventional conference or formal networking session, guests shared dinner and conversations across cultures and generations, creating space for young people from Singapore and Europe to exchange perspectives, form friendships and learn from one another.
Why Open Your Home to Young People You Have Never Met?
During the evening, one of the visiting students asked Dr Ong a simple question: “Why did you host us?”
His answer reflected a personal story that has helped shape the spirit of SMC.
“When I was a student in the USA, I have visited more than 50 countries and hundreds cities. Many of those journeys were made possible by the generosity of friends and schoolmates who welcomed me, hosted me and helped me experience their countries, often at no cost. Those experiences shaped how I see the world. Today, I simply want to return that generosity to the next generation. If someone once opened a door for me, I hope we can open doors for others.”
That philosophy of paying it forward has grown into something of an SMC family tradition - welcoming friends from overseas to Singapore, introducing them to local young people and mentors, and creating connections that can continue long after a visit ends.
Different Cultures, Shared Dreams
The evening also reflected a broader belief behind SMC Global-Ready: global readiness is developed not only through formal education, but through genuine encounters with people who see the world differently.
Participants came from different countries, cultures, academic disciplines and stages of life, but the conversations revealed many shared aspirations - to learn, contribute, build meaningful careers and make a difference in their communities.
Different cultures, shared dreams — exploring the power in diversity and inspiration.
A Growing Relationship with the St. Gallen Community
The Networking Night builds on SMC’s ongoing relationship with the University of St. Gallen community and the wider St. Gallen Symposium ecosystem, with a shared interest in connecting emerging leaders across borders and generations.
The 23 September gathering was designed to encourage exactly this kind of exchange: bringing together young leaders, mentors and friends from Singapore and the St. Gallen community to exchange perspectives and build meaningful connections across cultures and generations.
SMC looks forward to developing this relationship over the longer term through youth exchanges, leadership conversations and other opportunities that connect Singapore’s next generation with peers and leaders internationally.
From Singapore, Connecting the Next Generation
Established in Singapore, SMC Global-Ready is an intergenerational talent and leadership ecosystem dedicated to developing Global-Ready leaders through mentorship, leadership development, cross-sector connections and international engagement.
The SMC–University of St. Gallen Networking Night captured that mission in its simplest form: bring people together, open a door, share a meal, exchange perspectives - and allow new relationships to begin.
For Dr Ong, it was also a continuation of something he experienced decades ago as a young traveller: generosity received, and now passed forward.
About SMC Global Ready
Established in Singapore in 2020, SMC is a globally connected, intergenerational talent and leadership ecosystem dedicated to developing Global-Ready leaders. Through mentorship, leadership development, cross-sector partnerships and global engagement, SMC empowers young talent to lead with purpose, global competence and humanity—while every generation invests in, inspires and empowers the next.
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