SMU started the construction of a new, environmentally friendly building in Stamford Road that will facilitate hands-on learning for its students. Called the Tahir Foundation Connexion, the fully solar-powered, $70 million development will support the university's SMU-X programme that started in 2015. The building will be funded by a donation from the Tahir Foundation and a grant from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) under the Public Sector Construction Productivity Fund. The five-storey building is designed to meet the BCA's Green Mark Platinum certification and is the first on-site net zero energy building in the city centre. About 500 sq m of the 8,600 sq m development will be set aside as incubation spaces for start-ups.  

SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer said that the Connexion is envisaged to be the connecting point for SMU students to build friendships and learn from one another, as well as engage with the industry. "The new building, with its myriad of new-generation learning spaces, is envisaged to be a lively and conducive environment for meaningful, multi-disciplinary experiential learning and to nurture innovation," he added. The ground-breaking ceremony was graced by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development.