Passion for Innovation? 

Apply for the Kajima Book Prize in Innovation!

The Kajima Book Prize in Innovation honours SMU students graduating in 2025* who have demonstrated an innovative spirit, resilience, an entrepreneurial mindset, creativity and adaptability during their university journey. It is the only SMU Book Prize that recognises self-driven individuals who have embraced bold ideas, tackled challenges head-on, and shown the adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing world.

2 recipients of this prestigious award will receive a S$5,000 cash prize each and an exclusive opportunity to meet and greet with Executives from Kajima Development.

The Kajima Book Prize in Innovation is supported by The GEAR by Kajima.

*Students filed for graduation in 2025, with commencement slated for Jul to Aug 2025

Eligibility

• The award is open to all students who filed for graduation in 2025, with commencement slated for Jul to Aug 2025 who have demonstrated an exceptional entrepreneurial mindset and attributes such as resilience, self-motivation, creativity and courage. 
• Have participated in innovation & entrepreneurship (I&E) activities, including but not limited to:
  • SMU IIE programs (as exco, member, volunteer, attendee or in any capacities):
    • Protégé Ventures (PV)
    • Global Innovations Immersion (GII)
    • Business Innovations Generator (BIG)
    • The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Competition (LKYGBPC)
    • The Greenhouse
  • Other I&E activities:
    • I&E clubs
    • Hackathons
    • Internships in I&E sectors
    • Took I&E courses
    • Attended I&E events

Mechanics of Award

• Up to two awards of S$5,000 value each, will be awarded to deserving students each year.

Timeline

• Application period opens from 6 May 2025 to 30 June 2025
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a judging panel [Dates to be confirmed]

How to Apply

Fill in the application form by scanning the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/APPLY_KajimaBookPrize

All submissions must be received by 30 June 2025 (Monday) to be considered for the award. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Any further questions? Write to us at iie@smu.edu.sg!

Know any eligible students to nominate for The Kajima Book Prize in Innovation?

All SMU faculty, staff and students are invited to submit nominations for this award. Nominators must fill up the online nomination form and provide strong supporting reasons. Nominees will be informed of their nominations and who nominated them. 

Please note that nominees MUST be graduating students [who filed for graduation in 2025, with commencement slated for Jul to Aug 2025] - who have demonstrated an exceptional entrepreneurial mindset and attributes such as resilience, self-motivation, creativity and courage. 

Is there a limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit?

There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit. Plus, it'll take no more than 5 minutes of your time! We encourage nominators to recognize as many deserving students as possible. 

How to Nominate

Submit your nominations HERE! or visit https://bit.ly/Nominate_KajimaBookPrize2025 by 23 June 2025 (Monday).

Meet the Past 2 Winners from the Kajima Book Prize in Innovation 2024

In picture: Daniel Soh (SMU School of Accounting, 2024), Luke Wu (Managing Director of The GEAR by Kajima), James Tee (SMU School of Computing and Information Systems, 2024)

Read their story here: Celebrating Innovation and Resilience: The Inaugural Kajima Book Prize in Innovation

The Kajima Book Prize in Innovation is Supported by The GEAR

About The GEAR by Kajima

The GEAR by Kajima is the technology services business and the open innovation platform of the Kajima group. As part of Kajima, one of Japan’s largest and oldest construction, engineering, and real estate companies with a nearly two-century legacy of innovation, The GEAR by Kajima bridges world-class engineering expertise, licensed technologies, and global-local collaboration to co-create transformative solutions for the built environment.

The GEAR by Kajima provides unprecedented opportunities for businesses to access Kajima’s licensed technologies and leverage our rich engineering heritage. By cultivating an open and collaborative ecosystem with industry partners, The GEAR by Kajima is driving forward industry-wide advancement and setting new standards for the future of the built environment.

For more information on The GEAR by Kajima, visit https://www.thegear.sg