Reimagining Universities & Retirement for the 100-Year Life

As life expectancy increases and the concept of a ‘100-year life’ becomes a reality, traditional models of education, work, and retirement no longer suffice.

In her recent thought-provoking lecture with Institute of Policy Studies, At the Crossroads: Universities for the 100-Year Life, President of Singapore Management University and 15th SR Nathan Fellow Professor Lily Kong underscored the critical role of universities in preparing individuals for a longer, more dynamic lifespan. Her call for transformation aligns closely with the objectives of NUS’ new Distinguished Senior Fellowship Programme (DSFP), Asia’s first life transition programme that equips senior leaders for their next life chapter through purpose-driven exploration, interdisciplinary learning, community building, and social impact.

Rethinking the Role of Universities

Historically designed to serve young adults, universities must now evolve into lifelong learning institutions, providing accessible and flexible education that supports individuals at all stages of life, from early career to post-retirement.

This is precisely what the DSFP is pioneering. Recognising that senior leaders seek purposeful engagement beyond their career pinnacle, the DSFP provides a platform for interdisciplinary learning, personal reflection, and societal contribution, demonstrating how universities can adapt to serve learners across the life spectrum.

Nurturing Holistic Development

In a volatile world, developing intrapersonal, interpersonal, and kinesthetic intelligences alongside cognitive skills has become vital for cultivating resilience, collaboration, and creativity.

The DSFP integrates these principles into its curriculum. Participants are encouraged to explore their values, cultivate new skills, and foster connections, enabling them to thrive in their Third Transition and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Revitalising the Arts and Humanities

In an age dominated by AI and automation, the enduring importance of human intuition, empathy, and creativity cannot be over-emphasised. Professor Kong called for a revival of the arts and humanities to foster cultural awareness and ethical thinking.

This vision resonates with the DSFP’s emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. The programme offers modules that bridge diverse fields—from philosophy to sustainability, from history to contemporary affairs—helping participants develop a deeper understanding of the human condition and their role in shaping the future.

Promoting Interdisciplinary Depth

Professor Kong also argued for integrating disciplines to address complex challenges like climate change and social inequality. Her call for ‘interdisciplinary depth’ reflects the design of the DSFP, which connects insights from business, the arts, and sciences across different schools, centres, and faculties in NUS, to equip leaders for societal impact.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

To continue to stay relevant, universities worldwide must move on to support learners throughout their lives by fostering age-integrative learning, blending leisure with growth, and aligning education with real-world applications.

The DSFP embodies this philosophy by offering a community-driven learning environment where senior leaders can explore new ideas, engage with peers as well as the rest of the larger university community and faculty, and apply their expertise to pressing global issues. Fellows round up their semester by sharing presentations about their choice of impact team project during the capstone trip to an ASEAN country where they will also get to learn about local humanitarian efforts.

A Vision for the Future of Universities

Professor Kong’s lecture inspires universities to rethink their roles in a rapidly changing world. At NUS, we’ve already begun this journey with the DSFP, a groundbreaking initiative that empowers senior leaders to navigate and design their post-career phase with purpose and confidence.

Inspired to take the next step to reimagine your Third Transition? Learn more about the DSFP here. Application for the first cohort opens in January 2025.