SMU has launched the SMU Grow initiative with the opening of a new garden plot outside the School of Accountancy and School of Law building on Tuesday. The initiative aims to encourage gardening and sustainable living. The garden, which will be tended to by students and staff, will have about 50 plant varieties. The public is also welcome to participate in producing plants which will be used in community projects like SMU Challenge. SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer said that "Growing a garden physically and in your heart brings the community back to fundamental basics that are important to life. We need to produce food for our body and soul, and are responsible for a better and greener future, through our hands."