image
By Asia Education Review Team , Friday, 03 May 2024

UoB Bolsters Global Ties with Landmark Singapore Visit

  • Leaders from the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) recently visited the University of Birmingham to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their partnership. During their visit, they acknowledged the significant impact Birmingham has had in Singapore, particularly through collaborations such as the School of Engineering's work with SMRT and the commercialization of research from the Birmingham Business School's Centre for Responsible Business.

    One notable achievement is the development of a sustainability measuring platform by experts at the Centre for Responsible Business, aligned with the UN's 17 sustainability goals. This platform has been adopted by the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX) and is utilized by over 200 companies in Singapore to aid their efforts towards achieving net zero emissions.

    Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Director of the College of Social Sciences, warmly welcomed the delegation, highlighting the University's robust global engagement strategy and the significance of the partnership with SIM for its future growth.

    The partnership with SIM extends to offering a range of business programs in Singapore, catering to students who are unable to study in Birmingham or Dubai. For instance, the redesigned MBA program from the Business School will be launched at SIM in January 2025, allowing working professionals to access the Birmingham MBA through blended learning. This initiative, along with programs in Edgbaston and Dubai, reflects the Business School's commitment to global education.

    Hazel Westwood, Director of International Education (Singapore) at Birmingham Business School, expressed pride in the strong partnership with SIM, with currently 700 students enrolled in business-related degrees. Additionally, the partnership fosters a network of active alumni in Singapore, further enhancing the University's connections with businesses in Southeast Asia.

    Professor Wei Kwok Kee, Provost of SIM, commended the partnership's importance in facilitating SIM's expansion in Singapore and the wider region. He recognized the University of Birmingham as a crucial partner in achieving SIM's goals.