On 1 November 2025, the SMU School of Accountancy (SOA) faculty, students and alumni from the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) Programmes took part in Walk of a Lifetime 2025, an annual autism advocacy event organised by St Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC).
The 3 km walk — from Marina Barrage to Silver Leaf Garden, Gardens by the Bay — brought together families, caregivers, persons on the autism spectrum and members of the public to promote awareness, inclusion and empathy.
A Shared Commitment to Community
The initiative aligns closely with SOA’s commitment to holistic education and community engagement. For many students, particularly those from overseas, it was a meaningful way to connect with Singapore’s social fabric and gain new perspectives beyond academia.
“SOA believes that education extends beyond books. Volunteering gives our students a deeper understanding of societal issues and a chance to apply empathy in action. Everyone can contribute in their own way — and it’s through such shared experiences that we grow as individuals and as a community.”
— Dr Wang Jiwei (pictured front left), Professor of Accounting, Director of MPA and MSA Programmes
Students echoed this sentiment, describing the event as an opportunity to meet new people, understand the perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum and experience Singapore’s culture of volunteerism.
“We’ve always been open to contributing in ways that are meaningful. Joining activities like this is also about trying new things, meeting new people, and being part of campus life — and if it helps someone or supports a good cause along the way, that makes the experience even more rewarding.”
— Ziyue Wang, Shuhang Deng, Yining Pang and Yangyang Kuang, SOA Masters Students
The Volunteering Squad: Giving Back Beyond the Walk
Beyond participating in the walk, several alumni and students also contributed to the walk as volunteers of the event. From ushers to station masters, they manned their respective stations for the entire duration of the event, braving the hot sun and enduring heat exhaustion, driven by their passion to pay it forward.
“Helping to arrange supplies and hand out water — especially to participants who were differently abled — was deeply humbling. Their smiles reminded me how simple gestures can uplift others. I’m thankful to the school for giving me this chance to contribute.”
— Liang Peiying, MSA student volunteer
“Volunteering as a route marshal at the water point was not just about serving ice cold water. For many beneficiaries and their families, reaching our mile marker was already a big achievement. Their smiles, in return for a drink, a sweet, or a high five, reminded me to appreciate the small and humble things in life.”
— Goh Li Jie, MSA alumni volunteer
Their contributions reflected the spirit of service that defines the SOA community — where lessons in ethics and leadership extend far beyond the classroom, shaping graduates who serve with both head and heart.
Building the SOA Community
Beyond service, the walk also strengthened camaraderie among SOA’s diverse student body. Local and international students walked side by side with staff and faculty, reflecting the school’s culture of inclusiveness and shared purpose.
By participating in Walk of a Lifetime 2025, SOA students embodied SMU’s core values of integrity, compassion and social responsibility — reinforcing the belief that a strong accounting community is one grounded in purpose as well as professionalism.
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Learn more about the Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) (MSA) at SMU.
