SMU officially launched a new seven-storey multi-use building that added over 12,700 square metres of teaching, learning, research and faculty space to its footprint on Oct 28. From architectural design to construction materials, and building technology, the project – which was constructed at a cost of approximately S$100 million – was developed based on the theme of environmentally-friendly architectural design. This includes installing 420 solar panels on the roof, meeting 12 per cent of the campus’ overall energy consumption. Across seven storeys, the building is home to the School of Social Sciences and the College of Integrative Studies, as well as the Wee Kim Wee Centre, the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing, the Lien Centre for Social Innovation, the Secure Mobile Centre and the Research Lab for Intelligent Software Engineering. SMU President Professor Lily Kong said that bringing these occupants together under one roof is not accidental, but to allow for interdisciplinary collaboration. The ceremony was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies.