SMU’s campus and facilities are designed to encourage critical thinking, leadership, innovation and communication, making it a fertile ground for learning. As Singapore's first and only autonomous university situated at the heart of the Central Business District, SMU’s central location gives students access to a diverse range of leisure and cultural activities. SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer said: “Surrounded by museums, educational institutions, art galleries and retail outlets, we have a modern city campus that's also connected to the origins of this important historical district.” SMU also boasts state-of-the-art facilities that maximise students' learning and interaction, including its latest innovative, project- and experience-based learning programme SMU-X.