Portrait of Chancellor Lim Kim San

Credit line: Collection of SMU

Inscription:
Lim Kim San
Chancellor
Singapore Management University
1 March 2000 - 30 June 2002

Mr Lim Kim San was appointed the first Chancellor of the Singapore Management University from 2000 to 2002. Mr Lim has played a crucial part in the establishment of SMU by helping the university through its formative years. At SMU's Inaugural Convocation in July 2000, he received the University Mace presented by the Education Minister.

Mr Lim Kim San is one of the pivotal pioneer figures of Singapore's developments, having stood by the likes of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Goh Keng Swee and Dr Toh Chin Chye in shaping Singapore's political and economic growth. During his time as a public servant, Mr Lim held important Cabinet posts, including National Development, Finance, Defence, Communications, Environment and Education. Until his retirement in 1985, he played a primary role in the development of major government entities such as the Housing & Development Board, Public Service Commission, Public Utilities Board, Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Port of Singapore Authority.

The Chancellor is the key university official at all major formal ceremonies involving the university. He is the top ceremonial officer at the Convocation and declares the Opening of the Academic Year. At Graduation ceremonies, the Chancellor declares and recognises all the graduates in attendance, and those listed in the university's registrar as successful graduates, to have earned their academic degrees from SMU.