Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University (SMU), has been elected as a Foreign Fellow of the esteemed Geographical Society of China (GSC).
This prestigious accolade recognises her exceptional contributions to geographical research, particularly in urban transformation and social cohesion within Asia.
Founded in 1909, the Geographical Society of China is one of the nation’s oldest academic organisations, comprising over 15,000 scholars. The election of Fellows is highly selective, with only a few foreign members chosen each year. Professor Kong’s election was announced during the Society’s 115th anniversary celebrations and annual conference in Nanjing, China on 27 September.
Professor Kong’s research focuses on social and cultural change in Asian cities. The specific topics have been wide-ranging, reflecting the pace and scale of change in Asia. They include inter-communal relations and social cohesion, whether it is inter-religious or inter-ethnic relations, or local-migrant interactions; cultural industries and creative economies; urban heritage; smart cities; and higher education. Her interdisciplinary approach has helped shape how these complex issues are understood across the region.
Reflecting on her election, Professor Kong said, “I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a Foreign Fellow of the Geographical Society of China. Geography’s ability to foster integrative thinking and connect diverse fields of knowledge has been central to both my academic and leadership journey. It is this interdisciplinary approach that guides our work at SMU, where we tackle some of Asia’s most urgent challenges such as urbanisation and sustainability. This recognition also reflects the collective efforts of my colleagues and collaborators whose commitment to impactful research is helping to shape a more sustainable future for the region.”
This recognition comes at a pivotal time for SMU, as the university intensifies its focus on “Growth in Asia,” positioning itself at the forefront of academic inquiry into urbanisation, sustainability, business transformations, technological change, and social integration — key issues as Asia continues to develop rapidly.
An award-winning researcher and educator, Professor Kong has garnered numerous international accolades, including the Royal Geographical Society’s Victoria Medal, the American Association of Geographers’ Robert Stoddard Award, the Commonwealth Fellowship, and the Fulbright Fellowship. Her recent recognition by the Geographical Society of China underscores her academic achievements and reaffirms SMU’s leadership in impactful, regionally rooted research.