SMU launched the SMU Warriors Scholarship on Tuesday which offers retiring military personnel a "no strings attached" chance to start a new career. The scheme is the brainchild of SMU Dean (Postgraduate Professional Programmes) Dr Philip Zerrillo, who suggested it to SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer eight months ago. Prof De Meyer told a 100-strong audience at the scholarship ceremony on Tuesday: "These national service personnel have played an important role in ensuring peace and stability, an important role which is often taken for granted. I didn't need much convincing." SMU will sponsor up to 20 bond-free postgraduate scholarships annually for the next three years, at an estimated cost of $1 million a year. Applicants can enrol for 18 of 20 programmes. The scholarship is open to SAF service personnel with at least 10 years of service.