5 things to do at this NTU spot with resort vibes

by Tan Zi Jie / Photos by Hillary Tan, Kwok Pei Fang and Nanyang Executive Centre 

Nestled in a leafy corner of NTU near the sports and recreation centre, the Nanyang Executive Centre (NEC) is just a five-minute walk from Canteen 2.

Reopened in August, it offers a mix of dining, arts, event and accommodation spaces, surrounded by greenery. Here are five reasons to drop in and explore it for yourself.

1. Catch a live piano performance

The striking red grand piano in the centre’s atrium was first played by renowned pianist Lang Lang at Singapore’s 2015 National Day Parade.

Now at NTU, the SG50 limited-edition Steinway will be used for performances and activities to bring the campus arts and cultural community together.

Keep an ear out for the next mini concert happening here.

2. Follow an art trail

Turn your walk around NEC into a mini art trail and see familiar corners of the NTU campus through fresh eyes.

Look out for dramatic eclipse photos, charming wildlife shots and other slices of NTU life along the walkways. Guests staying overnight can also enjoy them in the 150 newly refurbished guestrooms.

The works were selected from nearly 240 submissions by the NTU community for the centre’s photography and art competition. Find out how an NTU student created a montage from his hospital bed and discover the stories behind other winning pieces. 

3. Find a space for your next gathering

Planning a workshop, talk or celebration? NEC has spaces for gatherings big and small, from discussion rooms to lecture theatres and function halls.

In September, it played host to a hall dinner and dance, and a dialogue between students and government leader Mr Eric Chua, an NTU alumnus.

“For our dialogue on media governance, we needed both a formal setting for the main address and Q&A, and a casual space for discussion,” says philosophy, politics and economics undergrad Wah Tee Liat, one of the organisers from the NTU-University Scholars Programme club.

He adds: “The centre’s function hall helped us stay focused during the structured session, while the foyer just outside gave students room to mingle and continue discussing free expression, tackling online harms and safeguarding social harmony. It was refreshing to take these conversations beyond our usual classrooms.”  

4. Catch up over good food   

Meeting a friend after class?

If pizza and light bites are your thing, check out Paolo Sports Bar, opening in October 2026 at the Campus Clubhouse next door.

Or head to Man Le to share Chinese and local favourites such as prawn paste chicken wings and Peranakan-style curry fish with rice or noodles. Set menus cater to solo diners as well as larger groups. They take reservations at 6592 2732. 

5. Unwind with family on a scenic staycay

Treat your friends and family to a different kind of getaway in one of NEC’s guestrooms.

“I was impressed by how spacious my room was, the inviting king-sized bed and the choice of four types of pillows,” says information engineering and media undergraduate Wong Siang Yu, who won a night’s stay in a HEY! contest.

He adds: “I spent quite some time relaxing in the guest lobby, which had a calming ambience. I also like that there are food and snack vending machines in the atrium if you need late-night snacks.”

The buffet breakfast at Datum was the highlight of Siang Yu’s stay. He says: “I loved the wide variety of mains, fresh fruit and desserts, especially the scrumptious jam-filled pastry.”

Master’s student Shivangi Pathak, originally from India, is already thinking ahead to her convocation. She hopes her parents can stay at NEC while she shows them around campus.

“I can already picture myself returning to stay here a few years after graduating, walking around campus and reliving the memories I’ve made at NTU,” she adds.

Families can enjoy the Panorama suite, a striking curved room that accommodates four to six people and offers lush green views.

A little corner of calm in the lobby.

Garden views aplenty.