University builds bridges to innovation

In the third of the ST-SMU Nurturing Entrepreneurs four-part series, SMU President Professor Lily Kong talks about the University’s stepped-up efforts to nurture entrepreneurs. Prof Kong had recently announced that the University is looking to increase its “innovation density” by positioning its city campus as a meeting point to connect like-minded people with different talents and ideas. The Tahir Foundation Connexion, which is currently being built, will include an Innovation Bridge that features 500 sq m of incubation space for start-ups and provide an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among SMU students and alumni, and among the larger community. Prof Kong added that SMU can make a difference in nurturing entrepreneurs as this group can innovate and create profitable businesses that are crucial to the progress of the economy. She opined that universities are the right place to do so as they have a concentration of great minds and talents whilst students also have a higher risk tolerance.