In December 2009, NUS Business School moved into its flagship building, the Mochtar Riady Building, located on a prominent site overlooking the road intersection between Heng Mui Keng Terrace and Kent Ridge Drive, which is the southern gateway to NUS.

Inspired by the ancient Aesop fable where reeds survive storm winds and oak trees fall, the Reed-like design of the building serves as a metaphor for exceptional quality, deep flexibility and perennial stability in the face of the vicissitudes borne by business in the contemporary world.

Triangulated columns rising from the ground, juxtaposed with a glass facade, the variegated exterior takes on different hues in the various shades of sunlight, with the transparency symbolising the School’s open relationship with the real business world and the universe of ideas.

Within the nine-storey tall, 16,000 sqm building is a soaring five-storey atrium that will serve as a focal point as well as a perfect place for corporate events. Much thought has been given to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge, so throughout the building, there is a series of informal interaction zones to encourage discussions. As well, classrooms, meeting and seminar rooms, study spaces, executive dining areas, and even a cafe and a dedicated Alumni Lounge are all cleverly integrated.

Designed from ground up to be environmentally friendly, energy monitoring systems and structural designs are geared to optimally conserve energy. As such, faculty and department offices located on the upper floors will enjoy the flow of fresh air, naturally lit by a dramatic open-air skylight.

Jointly designed by internationally renowned architect Professors Philip Cox of the Cox Group in Australia and local firm Design Environment Group Architect, the Mochtar Riady Building testifies to the School’s keen intent to foster a comfortable and innovative environment for the creative pursuit of academic excellence.

Named after Dr Mochtar Riady, Founder & Chairman of the Lippo Group, in recognition of the Group’s generous gift of $21 million to NUS Business School, this iconic building that will serve as a gateway to the School will be a pertinent symbol of the School’s deep commitment to exceptional academia.

In addition to Lippo Group’s gift, our alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends have also rallied behind the building project and many have contributed generously to the Building Excellence Campaign, a fundraising campaign for the building fund.