 University of Newcastle to expand presence here
SINGAPORE: Australia's University of Newcastle wants to expand its presence in Singapore and build on its collaboration with PSB Academy.
The University of Newcastle operates in Singapore from the campus of PSB Academy and has recently started a full-time undergraduate programme, offering specialised degrees in Engineering and Information Technology.
Enrolment has doubled this year and the university hopes to attract 1,000 students by 2010.
Unaffected by the recent closure of the University of New South Wales Asia in Singapore, the university is confident its model will work.
Professor Nicholas Saunders, vice-chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Australia, said: "There are many, many Singaporeans still seeking higher education in this country. That means there are opportunities for universities like University of Newcastle here.
"I think the polytechnics will continue to graduate many very able people who will then go on to convert their diploma qualifications into a degree. Again, that's a pool of students for universities like the University of Newcastle."
While the Australian university has ruled out setting up a comprehensive university, it believes the current programme can help Singapore achieve its goal of becoming a global schoolhouse.
Prof Saunders said: "Now we have a global economy, we have a global workforce. So we need to build institutional partnerships, international partnerships. We see this as a way in which we can help our students gain experience internationally. We also see it as a way to attract international students to the University of Newcastle."
The university hopes to roll out bachelor's degrees in Communications and Commerce soon.
- CNA/so | 
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