The SMU Office of Industry Engagement (OIE) is the first stop for companies, government sectors, and professional bodies to holistically explore the various partnership opportunities across SMU. Our team works closely with partners to understand their interests and needs to identify the best engagement opportunities that meet their requirements.
Whether it be the building of a talent pipeline, tapping on SMU's expertise, leveraging our networks and resources, or simply wanting to give back, OIE is committed to providing a seamless platform to connect our partners to the right parties in SMU (and beyond) to create meaningful partnerships that have a lasting impact. By partnering with SMU, businesses have the opportunity to gain access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and networks, while making a positive impact on the future of education.
Catherine Chong
Director
Email: catherinec@smu.edu.sg | Connect on LinkedIn
Catherine leads the engagement with industry partners and government sectors with a shared vision for growth to holistically support their transformation journey through strategic access to the University’s talent, expertise, technologies, and resources. She is responsible for developing the University’s Industry Engagement Strategy and fostering meaningful partnerships that supports the University’s strategic ambitions in creating positive impact in the world.
Catherine has been in Business Development throughout her career, starting at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) from 2007 to 2014, driving industry development in the Consumer Businesses Sector as well as attracting high-net-worth individuals to invest in Singapore before joining the Health Promotion Board (HPB), where she led in the development of healthier food policies and industry incentive schemes to promote food industries to develop healthier food products from 2014 to 2018. She was with Johnson and Johnson’s Human Performance Institute from 2018 to 2019 to promote wellness solutions to corporations in Asia Pacific before returning to public service in 2019 at the Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) as the Business Development Director to drive research investments from 2019 to 2022.
Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) with Honours, from the National University of Singapore (NUS), with a Minor in Technopreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania, USA (co awarded with NUS through the NUS Overseas College programme). She was also part of the University Scholar’s Programme (USP) at NUS.
Genevieve Ng
Senior Associate Director, Industry Partnerships
Email: genevieveng@smu.edu.sg | Connect on LinkedIn
Genevieve Ng brings extensive experience in partnerships and business development across various industries in both private and public sectors. As Senior Associate Director of Industry Partnerships at Singapore Management University (SMU), Genevieve cultivates impactful research partnerships between academia and industry to advance innovation and drive societal impact.
Throughout her career, Genevieve has successfully expanded partnership ecosystems, negotiated strategic alliances, and launched award-winning marketing campaigns. Her professional journey includes leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank, DBS Bank, ZUJI and Infocomm Media Authority Development (IMDA), where she consistently delivered measurable business and strategic outcomes.
With a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, Genevieve is committed to shaping the future of industry-academia partnerships and empowering organisations to thrive in an evolving landscape.
Jenn Goh
Senior Assistant Manager, Industry Partnerships
Email: jenngoh@smu.edu.sg | Connect on LinkedIn
Jenn supports the industry engagement efforts at OIE, facilitating partnership interests and broadening opportunities. Jenn developed and currently manages SMU’s internal partnership resource platform which allows OIE and colleagues across the university to coordinate and share engagement updates.
Driven by her passion for fostering connections between academic and industry, Jenn is committed to working with SMU’s industry partners to create and communicate the real-world impact through their collaborations with SMU. She brings with her diverse experiences in project management, marketing, communications, and event coordination to her role at OIE.
Jenn graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from LASALLE College of The Arts, where she has contributed to the art community through exhibitions and curatorial programmes.
Nonie Thebez
Senior Assistant Manager
Email: lthebez@smu.edu.sg
Nonie is responsible for industry communications and outreach strategy at OIE. She supports OIE’s industry engagements and oversees the Partnership Concierge, SMU’s dedicated platform designed to facilitate external visitors and organisations in identifying the right collaboration opportunity within SMU.
Prior to SMU, Nonie helped small and independent businesses flourish through relationship-building and effective brand, marketing, and digital campaigns. She now applies her keen insights into trends, relationship-building acumen, and strategic communications skill to enhance SMU's industry outreach efforts and improve the partnership experience.
Nonie is an alumna of New York University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health.
Sharolyn Paul
Office Manager
Email: sharolynp@smu.edu.sg
Sharolyn Paul is the Office Manager at SMU, bringing over 20 years of experience in administration, finance, events, and stakeholder management across diverse industries. In her current role, she streamlines partnership operations, enhances team efficiency, and supports strategic initiatives that strengthen SMU's industry collaborations and drive institutional success.
A firm believer that dreams come true, Sharolyn is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law degree at Birmingham City University, fulfilling a childhood aspiration. Her legal studies complement her professional expertise, deepening her understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks—essential skills that enhance her ability to anticipate partnership needs and contribute holistically to organizational goals.
Outside of work, she is passionate about Indian classical dance and fitness, embracing the discipline and balance they bring to her life. Sharolyn's commitment to continuous learning and personal growth reflects the same dedication and excellence she brings to her professional endeavours.
