Grand plans crumble
Pullout reasons: Too few students, too huge an investment, simply not sustainable
By Sandra Davie, Education Correspondent
May 24, 2007,The Straits Times
UNIVERSITY of New South Wales (UNSW) vice-chancellor Fred Hilmer was grim-faced yesterday as he told journalists that the Australian institution is quitting Singapore.
Too few students. Too huge an investment. Simply not sustainable, he said.
So it will all be over on June 28, when the current semester ends.
Yesterday's press conference was markedly different from the smiles and confident pronouncements of the past three years, whenever UNSW's top people came to town.
Just three years ago, then deputy vice-chancellor John Ingleson said UNSW was honoured to have been chosen to spearhead Singapore's vision to become a thriving education hub with 150,000 international students by 2015.
His targets: 10,000 students by 2015 and 15,000 by 2020.
It was a massive commitment, and not one that the Australians appeared to have arrived at hastily.
UNSW was already a highly reputable institution with a high proportion of foreign students, so it did not leap at the Singapore Economic Development Board's invitation to come here.
Its leadership took two years to consider the proposal, making several visits to universities and research centres here before deciding.
It was a 2004 visit to the Biopolis, the $500 million biomedical research complex in Buona Vista, that finally swung the decision.
Its success in getting up and running, attracting several companies and top scientific talent, impressed the Australians.
'It also showed us that once the political masters here are convinced of a strategy, they go all out for it,' Prof Ingleson revealed later.
Two weeks after that visit, the UNSW governing council made its unanimous decision to come to Singapore.
Things moved fast.
In October 2004, UNSW was unfazed by a survey in The Straits Times that said students found its fees hefty.
It promised value for money, a chance for undergraduates to shoot for two degrees in five years.
Students were also offered an opportunity to spend up to a year in Sydney.
Prof Ingleson confidently declared in an interview with The Straits Times then: 'We're asking the same as what we charge our international students at our Sydney campus. It's four times more than the local institutions in Singapore, so we will deliver quality. Otherwise, why should students want to pay that much?'
The Australians pressed ahead.
On frequent visits to Singapore, its dons scouted for research opportunities and funds and even launched a design competition for its 20ha campus in Changi South.
The architect finally picked was no less than winning architect Kerry Hill, famed for designing renowned resort hotels such as the Amanusa in Bali, Indonesia, and The Datai on Langkawi island in Malaysia.
When Britain's Warwick university was seriously considering taking up Singapore's offer to set up a campus here, UNSW's key personnel admitted that it could mean intense competition, but added confidently: 'UNSW thrives on competition.'
The man named to head the campus here, Professor Greg Whittred, called his appointment a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Ms Jennie Lang, executive director of UNSW International, and one of those who championed the Singapore enterprise, had more good things to say later on.
'Singapore appeals to us because it is a small island nation that isn't afraid to think big,' she said in 2005, expressing confidence that the education hub idea would succeed.
Indeed, Prof Ingleson said then: 'Singapore's vision for a top-notch education hub gelled with UNSW's idea to be a global university.'
All that changed quickly when the figures for its first intake were revealed in March this year.
A change in leadership at the university also appeared to have contributed to the rethink.
It took just two months for UNSW's new vice-chancellor, Prof Hilmer, to decide to pull the plug on the university's bid to go international.
He said yesterday: 'As with any pioneering venture, there is a fuller appreciation of the risks involved once the venture becomes operational.'
sandra@sph.com.sg
Thursday, May 24, 2007
EDB's refusal to disclose lost UNSW money is an outrage
By: Chee Soon Juan
The Economic Development Board (EDB) has stated that it will not reveal how much money it has lost over the closure of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus in Singapore.
In case it has forgotten, its funds come from the toil and sweat of Singaporeans, not money it has privately earned. Its refusal to make a full and public disclosure of the money lost is outrageous and unacceptable.
Moreover, that a multi-million dollar project can fail so spectacularly and in so short a time signals incompetence and an appalling lack of foresight at the highest levels. But will there be an inquiry into what went wrong and who the responsible decision-makers are? Given the PAP system, hell will freeze over first.
With the plastering over of past government failures – including the embarrassing Suzhou Industrial Park debacle, the careless acquisition of Shin Corp by Temasek bordering on the criminal, and the endorsement of the NKF by ministers despite the corruptness of Mr T T Durai and company just to name a few scandals – why should anyone expect anything different over the present UNSW crash?
Yet, Singaporeans must not accept the status quo. A people who are fearful or indifferent to public affairs encourage corruption and abuse by the State. It is hugely important for citizens to not only be aware of what our Government is doing, but also to register our voices of displeasure. The clearer and louder the better.
Apart from the lack of transparency from the EDB, there is also the question of the PAP's strategy of trying to lure foreign academic brains to Singapore.
First there was Warwick University and the London School of Economics which turned down the EDB's invitation to set up shop here. Then there was the controversy over British drug scientist Dr Simon Shorvon and his subsequent departure resulting in the loss of millions of investment dollars. And now the UNSW collapse.
All this wasted time and resources can be avoided if we concentrate on developing our very own Singaporean talent of which is not in short supply. The only thing that is holding back our institutions of higher learning is the refusal of the PAP to allow academic freedom in this country.
In the world of academia, minds need the freedom to clash, prod and play. Only then can a culture conducive to research develop. And only when research flourishes can our universities attain the stature and reputation we seek.
But the PAP system is anathema to the development of academia. Dictatorial systems that brook no dissent and research minds that thrive on questioning authority are sworn enemies.
The PAP tries to get around this problem by buying academic (and subservient) talent from overseas. Throwing money to entice academic "stars" while keeping an authoritarian lid on society is like trying to light a candle in a thunderstorm.
The continued PAP arm-lock on Singapore is hurting this country and the future of the people. The current UNSW mess is but a minor symptom of a much bigger disease that afflicts this country.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) has stated that it will not reveal how much money it has lost over the closure of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus in Singapore.
In case it has forgotten, its funds come from the toil and sweat of Singaporeans, not money it has privately earned. Its refusal to make a full and public disclosure of the money lost is outrageous and unacceptable.
Moreover, that a multi-million dollar project can fail so spectacularly and in so short a time signals incompetence and an appalling lack of foresight at the highest levels. But will there be an inquiry into what went wrong and who the responsible decision-makers are? Given the PAP system, hell will freeze over first.
With the plastering over of past government failures – including the embarrassing Suzhou Industrial Park debacle, the careless acquisition of Shin Corp by Temasek bordering on the criminal, and the endorsement of the NKF by ministers despite the corruptness of Mr T T Durai and company just to name a few scandals – why should anyone expect anything different over the present UNSW crash?
Yet, Singaporeans must not accept the status quo. A people who are fearful or indifferent to public affairs encourage corruption and abuse by the State. It is hugely important for citizens to not only be aware of what our Government is doing, but also to register our voices of displeasure. The clearer and louder the better.
Apart from the lack of transparency from the EDB, there is also the question of the PAP's strategy of trying to lure foreign academic brains to Singapore.
First there was Warwick University and the London School of Economics which turned down the EDB's invitation to set up shop here. Then there was the controversy over British drug scientist Dr Simon Shorvon and his subsequent departure resulting in the loss of millions of investment dollars. And now the UNSW collapse.
All this wasted time and resources can be avoided if we concentrate on developing our very own Singaporean talent of which is not in short supply. The only thing that is holding back our institutions of higher learning is the refusal of the PAP to allow academic freedom in this country.
In the world of academia, minds need the freedom to clash, prod and play. Only then can a culture conducive to research develop. And only when research flourishes can our universities attain the stature and reputation we seek.
But the PAP system is anathema to the development of academia. Dictatorial systems that brook no dissent and research minds that thrive on questioning authority are sworn enemies.
The PAP tries to get around this problem by buying academic (and subservient) talent from overseas. Throwing money to entice academic "stars" while keeping an authoritarian lid on society is like trying to light a candle in a thunderstorm.
The continued PAP arm-lock on Singapore is hurting this country and the future of the people. The current UNSW mess is but a minor symptom of a much bigger disease that afflicts this country.
EDB's funding for B-standard education a big flop for UNSW
Simon Marginson, a professor in higher education at the University of Melbourne, said UNSW Asia was never in the university's interests because it was designed for "B" students, while the best students went to Singapore's own universities. "This was not good given that UNSW itself is a world class research university not far below National University of Singapore and at least as strong as Nanyang IT."- Brisbane Times
Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB), the chief architect of the country's ambition to be a leading education centre in the region, conceded the closure was a setback but put a brave face on it.- Reuters
Singapore is trying to attract more foreign students as part of a wider drive to boost its skilled labor force.
'I admit that it is a setback. For us, we just have to keep working at it,' Aw Kah Peng, the assistant managing director at EDB, said at the briefing.
CNA publishes two three versions of UNSW Closure Report
by: nightsky74
Look closely the time and the reporters who reported this. Same time but different reporters! This is not the first time we've seen this sort actions taken by CNA.
Update:
Look closely the time and the reporters who reported this. Same time but different reporters! This is not the first time we've seen this sort actions taken by CNA.
(VERSION 1)- 1ST POSTED
University of New South Wales (Asia) in Singapore shuts down
By Ashraf Safdar, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 23 May 2007 1715 hrs
SINGAPORE: It was supposed to be Singapore's first comprehensive foreign university.
But less than six months since classes started, the University of New South Wales (Asia) in Singapore has decided to shut its doors.
According to preliminary reports, this is because of low student enrolment.
The university had projected to get 800 students by August but it is not clear how many there are to date.
The closure comes despite the fact that an estimated quarter of a billion dollars had been spent on the school's new campus in Changi.
To ease the transition, students who are currently enrolled at UNSW Asia will be offered a place in an equivalent programme at UNSW Sydney. - CNA/ir
(VERSION 2)
University of New South Wales' Singapore campus to shut in June
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 23 May 2007 1715 hrs
SINGAPORE: The University of New South Wales will close its campus in Singapore next month. The announcement came less than two months after its grand opening.
The school says it is running into financial problems because enrolment was lower than expected.
Its target was 300 students in its first semester.
But it only got 148 students, 100 of whom are Singaporeans.
Students have already paid their fees, which range between S$26,000 and S$29,000 a year. UNSW says these students will be offered a place at its home campus in Sydney.
There will also be scholarships to help with the cost of travel and accommodation.
The school adds that it is also in talks with local institutions and other universities in the region to offer these students a place to continue their education.
UNSW has already invested over S$22 million (AUD$17.5 million) in its Singapore campus.
It was invited by Singapore's Economic Development Board in 2004 to establish what would have been the first private comprehensive university in Singapore.
The EDB refuses to reveal how much it invested in the school. - CNA/ir
Update:
(VERSION 3)- LAST POSTED (today)
University of New South Wales Singapore campus to shut in June
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 23 May 2007 1715 hrs
SINGAPORE: The University of New South Wales (UNSW) will close its campus in Singapore next month.
The announcement came less than two months after its grand opening.
The school said it was facing a financial shortfall of $15 million a year due to lower-than-anticipated student enrolment numbers.
Its target was 300 students in its first semester.
But it only got 148 students, 100 of whom are Singaporeans.
If it were to continue building its campus in Changi, it would have to borrow $140 million.
The school said both factors led to an unsustainable financial burden and it decided to call it quits in Singapore.
Students have already paid their fees, which range between S$26,000 and S$29,000 a year.
UNSW says these students will be offered a place at its home campus in Sydney.
There will also be scholarships to help with the cost of travel and accommodation.
UNSW has already invested over S$22 million (A$17.5 million) in its Singapore campus.
It was invited by Singapore's Economic Development Board in 2004 to establish what would have been the first private comprehensive university in Singapore.
The EDB had said the school was expected to contribute at least $500 million a year to the economy in direct spending.
The EDB refuses to reveal how much it invested in the school.
The episode is clearly damaging to Singapore's aim to be a global schoolhouse.
But the EDB, which drives the global schoolhouse initiatives, believes it will still reach its target of attracting 150,000 international students by 2015.
There are currently 80,000 foreign students in Singapore.
Aw Kah Peng, EDB's Assistant Managing Director, said: "The learning point is that we have to continue working very hard. Truly, with every institution, it will be different. With each one, we have to put everything we can to think about all these issues of whether we can make it work, how long it will take for us to make it work, what will it take for us to make it work. We will then have to step forward on that basis."
UNSW says it would have stayed on in Singapore if it has been allowed to scale down its student enrolment numbers to 2,000 students by 2012.
But this would be quite far from the original bargain with the EDB which had set a target of 15,000 UNSW students by 2020.
The UNSW closure does not mean that the EDB will no longer work with the school.
The EDB says there are many areas of cooperation between UNSW and Singapore which are mutually beneficial.
These include foundation schooling for university entry, research collaborations, University of New South Wales school competitions and joint programmes with Singapore institutions.
EDB says it will continue to pursue these areas and strengthen its relationship with UNSW. - CNA/ir