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About

The ECA provides outstanding Singaporeans who have recently completed their PhD or postdoctoral training an opportunity to enhance their teaching capabilities as well as establish a strong research portfolio before they are considered for a tenure track appointment at SMU. Awardees will hold appointment as Lecturer for a period of up to three years during which they will receive a research grant, reduced teaching load and guidance of an academic mentor.

Upon completion of the award, awardees will be considered to join SMU’s faculty as an Assistant Professor on the tenure track.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

  • Singapore citizens
  • Graduates with good Bachelor’s or Master Degrees in, but not limited to accountancy, business, computer science, economics, law, statistics and/or social sciences
  • Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for a research area that is strongly aligned with SMU’s core areas of excellence
  • A keen interest in an academic career at SMU

Supported Fields of Study

The following fields of study will be supported for ECA:

  • Accountancy
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Systems
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Marketing
  • Operations Management
  • Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Strategy & Organisation

Find out more about SMU's research strategies and areas of excellence.

Find out more about schools’ and College of Integrative Studies’ research areas.

Application Process

Application for Intake 2026 commences on 14 Nov 2025.

Only shortlisted applicants (those selected for March 2026 Final Interview) will be notified of the outcome of their applications.

Timeline for Intake 2026

  • Application Submission - 14 November 2025 to 14 January 2026
  • Interview by Respective Schools (shortlisted applicants only) - January to February 2026
  • Final Interview by SMU Selection Panel (shortlisted applicants only) - Mid to End March 2026
  • Start of Award - July 2026 (depending on the programme)

Contact Information

Should you require further assistance, you may wish to contact our START Coordinator at: START_Coordinator@smu.edu.sg.

Scholarships

The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education and Singapore Management University to encourage and support outstanding young Singaporeans with an interest in an academic career to pursue doctoral or postdoctoral training. There are three programmes offering postgraduate development opportunities:

  • Early Career Award (ECA)
  • Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship (OPF)
  • Overseas PhD Scholarship (OPS)

Inauguration Grant (IG)

Learn more about the grant »

START Alumni

Have questions? Find out more on our FAQ page!

Browse the FAQ »

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Welcome to Commune @ Henderson – Your Ideal Student Accommodation in the Heart of Singapore

Commune at Henderson
📍 Address: 98 Henderson Road (S) 159543

We are thrilled to share that SMU has leased 72 beds at Commune on Henderson, an inter-generational co-living community property managed by the same Landlord for CAMPUS by The Assembly Place conveniently located at Henderson Road.  It is a 13 mins walk away from Redhill MRT station (EW10) and 2 mins walk from nearest public bus stop (B10341), which has 3 bus services being 851, 145 and 16.  These 3 bus services will bring you to town and are within walking distance to SMU.

Located at 98 Henderson Road, Singapore 159543, Commune @ Henderson offers SMU students the opportunity to stay in a first of its kind generational co-living concept in Singapore.  The property is relatively new and was recently completed in April 2025.  This innovative development aims to foster a vibrant community where seniors and youth can interact and thrive together. In general, seniors would occupy Level 1, whilst mostly students would be occupying Levels 2-4.

A Comfortable and Supportive Living Space

The layout of the accommodation is planned such that seniors would occupy Level 1, whilst mostly tertiary students would be occupying Levels 2-4.

Beyond the bedrooms, the accommodation fosters a warm and social atmosphere with shared communal areas listed below :   

Site plan and facilities

These shared spaces are designed to encourage interaction, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, making Commune a thriving hub of student life experiences and not just a place of residence.

Location and Surrounding

Central Living with access to amenities

One of the perks of choosing accommodation for Commune @ Henderson would be its city fringe location, within proximity to Singapore Management University (SMU) with various easily accessible transportation modes, and a wide range of amenities to support everyday student life and activities.

Fabulous Transport Links

  • 13-minute walk to Redhill MRT Station (DT20), 5 stops away from City Hall station.
  • Only 3 minutes away from the public bus stop (13101), with 3 direct bus services to SMU.

Vibrant Neighbourhood

  • Situated strategically near amenities such as Bukit Merah View Market and Hawker Centre, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Sing health polyclinics and Delta Sports Hall.
  • Close to Henderson Community Club where students can go engage and bond in a myriad of leisure activities.

Accommodation Type

Bed Types

4 bedroom

4 bedroom

Facilities and Hangout Areas

Sheltered Drop-Off Area 

Sheltered Drop-Off Area

Lobby Reception

Lobby Reception

Communal Dining Area

Communal Dining Area

Communal Lounge

Communal Lounge

Basketball Court

Basketball Court

Exercise Areas

Exercise Areas

Accommodation Fees for SMU full-time Undergraduates Only

* Please enquire directly with housing office regarding the rates if you are not a full-time undergraduate but keen to apply for housing for Commune @ Henderson.
For the following periods: Semester 1 & 2 Stay (01 Aug 2026 to 30 April 2027)

Semester 1 & 2 Stay (01 Aug 2026 to 30 April 2027)

 Room Rent Per Person 
(excluding GST)

Admin Fees
(One-time payable inclusive of GST and payable to site office)

Total

$8,010.00
$890 per month

$223.45 

$8,233.45

Full Academic Stay (01 Aug 2026 to 31 July 2027)

 Room Rent Per Person 
(excluding GST)

Admin Fees
(One-time payable inclusive of GST and payable to site office)

Total

$10,680.00
$890 per month

$223.45 

$10,903.45

* All rates are quoted in Singapore dollars and inclusive of prevailing Goods and Services Tax. Rent would be paid directly to SMU, while the registration fee would be collected by the site office in cash only upon check-in. 

Do note that all applications for rooms must be done through SMU directly to enjoy the above rates. If you apply through Commune @Henderson (external landlord) website, you will not be considered for any contract terms that we have negotiated as a group jointly under SMU. If in doubt, please contact us at smuhostel@smu.edu.sg before you make any booking.

To further assist students with accommodation, SMU has provided additional subsidies off the discounted contract rates This would be the final room rates full time undergraduate students need to pay when taking up Commune@Henderson.

Our rates Include:

  • Wifi

     

  • Utilities

     

  • Single Bed Mattress, Mattress Protector, Pillow, Pillow Cover

     

  • Complimentary Blanket and Bedsheet

     

  • Weekly Housekeeping for common areas and washrooms

     

  • An inclusive set of Blanket and Bed Linens

     

  • Communal Kitchenware: Cooking Pot/Pan, Plate, Bowl, Cutlery, Knife, Chopping Board etc

     

  • Commercial Washer and Dryer available at Laundry Area at $4 per wash and $1 per dry for every 10 minute block

How to Apply

We accept applications from undergraduates (full-time SMU students) and all other students (PhD or Masters) who have accepted the offer to study full time at SMU. Priority would be granted to full time undergraduates due to their length of study in SMU. 

The allocation of rooms is at the discretion of the University and subject to the disposition and needs of applicants. Allocations will result in students of various age and cultural backgrounds being accommodated together in shared units, a reflection of SMU’s diverse student population. 

Changing of rooms will not be allowed.

Students who are interested to stay for AY2026/27 can fill in and submit the application (e-Form) on Friday , 29 May 2026 at 9am (Singapore time) via the following link:

Do note that all applications for rooms have to be done through SMU directly in order to be valid. If you apply through The Assembly Place or Commune (external landlord) website, you will not be considered for any contract terms that we have negotiated as a group jointly under SMU. If in doubt, please contact us at smuhostel@smu.edu.sg before you make any booking.

Application Processing

Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis and will close once all the beds are taken up. Any applications received before the application start date and time would not be considered, so students are advised to adhere strictly to the timing.

If you apply before the application start date stated above, your first application will be invalid and you will need to apply again. If you applied after the start date stated above, your application will only be considered if there are still vacant beds available.

Application Results and Acceptance

Successful applicants will be informed of their application results and room allocations only via email. Successful applicants are able to move in from :

  • Semester 1 - 1 August 2026
  • Semester 2 - 1 January 2027

* No early check-in before the move-in dates stated above is allowed.

Unsuccessful applicants will be placed on a waiting list and any allocations will be given based on any withdrawal or cancellation. However, being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee an offer of accommodation.

Note to All Applications

  1. Submission of applications does not guarantee an offer of accommodation.
  2. The mode of payment is via Telegraphic/Bank Transfer only. A copy of the completed transaction slip or email notification from the bank for the payment made shall be returned to smuhostel@smu.edu.sg by the date stated in the Letter of Offer, in order for your bed to be reserved successfully.
  3. Confirmation: Successful applicants are required to pay the advance payment amount stated when they receive the letter of offers for their stay. We would only confirm your accommodation upon receipt of full payment.
  4. Administrative Fee: Successful applicants must make a separate payment of S$223.45 (inclusive of GST) Administrative Fee to the site administration staff during check-in.
  5. Pre-termination of stay: Successful applicant is expected to remain in residence for the time specified in the agreement once an allocation of the accommodation has been assigned to and accepted by him/her. No pre-termination of stay is allowed except for exceptional circumstances such as withdrawal of course from SMU.

Payment Options

  1. Payment in person
    Payment can be made at the new Student Services Hub located at 70 Stamford Road #B1-36 (opposite Dental@Uni), from Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays), 10am to 5pm.:
    • Debit/Credit Card (VISA/Mastercard) in person
    • NETs or credit/debit card in person
  2. Online Credit/Debit Card Payment via Student Self-Service Page

Leasing Business / Housing Office

Email address for all applications and  enquiries - smuhostel@smu.edu.sg

Housing Office number - 6336 5621 / 6336 5262

Commune @ Henderson

Address - 98 Henderson Road (S) 159543

View the location of Commune @ Henderson on Google Maps.

The SMU Office of Overseas Centres (OOC) expands the university's footprint across Asia by deepening partnerships, strengthening global visibility, and opening new pathways for creating impact. Working in some of the region’s most dynamic innovation and education hubs, the OOC supports knowledge exchange, applied research, and partnership engagements that respond to local needs and opportunities.

Our role is to connect SMU's intellectual capital with partners who are shaping the future of business, policy, and society. Through these partnerships, the OOC enhances SMU's ability to contribute insights, develop talent, and support growth across the region.

OOC MISSION

Advancing SMU’s Regional Presence in Asia

The SMU Office of Overseas Centres (OOC) strengthens SMU’s engagement across Asia by extending the University’s work in education, research, and industry collaboration beyond Singapore. Our mission is to build purposeful connections that create opportunities for learners, partners, and communities throughout the region. To achieve this, the OOC plans, establishes, and oversees SMU’s overseas offices — including SMU Thailand, SMU Indonesia, and SMU Vietnam. Embedded within their local economies, these offices serve as contact nodes to support student mobility programmes such as internships and study visits, facilitate alumni networking, knowledge sharing, executive learning, research collaborations, and partnerships that respond directly to regional needs.

These centres serve as SMU’s strategic gateways in Asia. They enhance the University’s visibility, deepen cross-border collaborations, and create new avenues for impact by bringing people, ideas, and organisations together. Through this work, the OOC supports SMU’s commitment to expanding access to expertise and contributing to the region’s continued advancement.

SMU's Overseas Presence

Recent Updates

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Photo Gallery

Leadership Profile

Edmund Chin

Director, Office of Legal and General Affairs

Work Experience

2025 to PresentSingapore Management University
Director, Office of Legal and General Affairs
2013 to 2025Singapore Management University
Assistant Director / progressively senior legal roles, Office of Legal and General Affairs
Prior to SMULendlease Group, Investment Management Division
Legal role advising on legal, transactional, operational and compliance matters
Prior to SMUST Aerospace
Legal role advising on legal, transactional, operational and compliance matters

Education

University of Exeter
Second Upper Honours Degree in Law
National University of Singapore
Graduate Diploma in Singapore Law
Singapore Management University
Master’s in Wealth Management

Awards & Achievements 

2024Commendation Medal, National Day Awards

Leadership Profile

Patrick Lau

Vice President, Professional & Continuing Education

EDUCATION

2004Master in Public Administration (Merit)         
Australian National University 
1993BA Honours (Second Upper)
National University of Singapore 

Experience

2024 – 2026Civil Service College, Singapore
Assistant Chief Executive (Enterprise Technology Group) & Chief Digital Strategy Officer
2017 – 2024Civil Service College, Singapore
Assistant Chief Executive (Strategy & Transformation)
2013 – 2019Civil Service College, Singapore
Institute Director (Institute of Public Admin & Management)
2001 – 2013SCORE (now Yellow Ribbon Singapore)
Chief Operating Officer
1999 – 2001Ezyhealth Asia Pacific Ltd
Marketing Director
1998 – 1999Xpress Print Pte Ltd
General Manager
1997 – 1998Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
Airport Manager
1994 – 1997Singapore Press Holdings (SPH)
Assistant Sales Manager
1993 – 1994Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Town Planner
Updated 7 April 2026

The Retail Team from OCIS-Leasing Business aims to infuse vibrancy and exuberance into the F&B/Retail mix on campus while meeting the needs of the student and staff community by optimising the use of limited commercial space. Since 2018, the priorities have been to align with SMU’s Vision by offering a more inclusive food selection, providing greater variety, maintaining reasonable price points, and ensuring convenience.

Muslim Owned and Halal Options

F&B Outlets

Of all the F&B outlets on campus, there is a variety of Halal-certified / Muslim-friendly options. Please refer to F&B Listing for the updated list.

  1. TripletS by Bakery Cuisine (Halal certified)
  2. Subway (Halal certified)
  3. 1983 A Taste of Nanyang (Halal certified)
  4. Open Kitchen by Prata Alley (Muslim Owned)
  5. Indo Express Punggol (Halal Certified)
  6. Snappy Bowls (Halal Certified)
*Once the final stage is cleared with no outstanding from MUIS, the tenant will be issued a certificate.

Vending Machines

  1. Hotbakes 24/7 (Halal certified) x 3 : Level 1 LKS, Level 1 LKCSB, Level 3 YPHSOL
  2. Saybons (Halal certified) x 2 : Level 1 SOSS, Level 3 YPHSOL
  3. JR Vending (Halal certified) : Level 1 LKCSB
  4. Shakesalad (Halal certified) at Level 1 SOSS and Level 3 YPHSOL (2 locations). 
    (*note that only housebrands are Halal certified, Japanese jellies/dessert are not)
  5. EMeals by Taste Asia (Halal certified) x 3 : B1 SCIS 1, Level 1 LKS and Level 2 YPHSOL

Non-meat or Vegetarian Options

To ensure inclusivity, we have encouraged all tenants, especially new tenants, to include non-meat or vegetarian options in their offerings since mid-2022. 

(**Exclusion depends on the menu of tenants i.e. whether it fits the tenants’ food offering.  For example, it’s not possible with Ban Mian because the stock is meat based.) 

As of 1 March 2024, of the 30 outlets on campus, we have 16 of them providing such options (not including the operators in Koufu). Please refer to F&B Listing for the updated list.

F&B outlets with vegetarian options available have started to display Tent cards with the “Vegetarian Option” logo.

Healthy Food

All the F&B outlets on campus must participate in the Health Promotion Board’s Healthier Dining Programme by providing and promoting healthier food and beverage options.

Affordability

F&B outlets are aware and are regularly reminded to keep their menu offerings affordable. All outlets are encouraged to offer at least 1 ‘Value Meal’ to SMU students and uniformed service providers.

In Koufu, each stall has a ‘Value Meal’ priced at $3.80 per serving. When ordering, student matriculation cards and IDs of the service providers could be required for verification purposes.

Sustainability: Eco-friendly cutlery, disposable and Waste Management

All F&B outlets are required to:

  1. Commit to eco-friendly and green initiatives including the use of eco-friendly cutlery and crockery; bio-degradable items and non-use of disposables for dine in.  
  2. Not issue plastic bags as carriers. Only eco-friendly/biodegradable carriers are permitted.
  3. Not issue plastic straws.
  4. Implement a BYO (Bring Your Own) initiative to encourage customers to bring their own containers for their purchases.
  5. Dispose of all food waste in the campus waste digesters for treatment.

On Waste Management, in addition to NEA’s Nationwide enforcement on diners to return trays and clean table litter, since October 2023, SMU has gone further by encouraging diners at Koufu and SMU Connexion to segregate their food waste and dispose of it only in the designated food-waste bins.

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