Plans to set up branch campus in Singapore welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister

Wednesday 17 April 2024

Last night in Singapore, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas signed an Enhanced Collaboration Agreement with PSB Academy's Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah.

PSB Academy Chairman Viva Sinniah, NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas

From left: PSB Academy Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas in Singapore.

Last updated: Monday 22 April 2024

The special occasion was witnessed by the Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon during his business delegation visit to Singapore.

This enhanced collaboration with PSB Academy represents a significant expansion beyond traditional offshore teaching partnerships and is a first for New Zealand universities. With this collaboration, Massey will offer Singaporean students and international students from around the region, access to top-quality New Zealand education programmes. This partnership not only enhances educational opportunities but also strengthens higher education ties between New Zealand and Singapore.

Accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas, the Prime Minister heard how Massey University, known for its excellence in transnational education, aims to enrol 5,000 offshore students by 2026, and where Singapore will be a key contributor.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his support, stating, "This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of New Zealand and Singapore to advance education and foster global partnerships."

Massey Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the enhanced collaboration agreement presents an exciting opportunity to bring Massey and Aotearoa New Zealand's unique offerings to Singapore. The academic programmes offered through this enhanced partnership will be tailored to Massey's strengths, ensuring they meet the needs of the market and avoid duplication.

“Sharing our expertise and meeting the needs of a broader market is a priority for Massey. Singapore is an important established market, which makes it a logical base for expansion into the Southeast Asian market, and beyond. We have been teaching in Singapore since 2008 and Massey has an excellent reputation there, and across Southeast and Southern Asia,” Professor Thomas adds.

The university's recent successes in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Five Stars Plus rating and the QS Subject Rankings have further bolstered its international reputation.

PSB Academy Chief Executive Officer Derrick Chang sees the enhanced agreement with Massey as an exciting leap forward, elevating their programme offerings to unprecedented levels.

"PSB Academy has a rich history of successful collaborations with reputable and credible overseas university partners in the UK and ANZ region, and this enhanced collaboration is another milestone in making global education accessible and inclusive. We are thrilled about this new venture, which we believe will resonate strongly with both Singaporean and international students, further solidifying Singapore’s position as the Education Hub of Southeast Asia."

Massey University’s strategic move to expand its educational offerings beyond borders, and into Singapore's dynamic educational landscape promises a transformative impact. With plans underway for Massey University to work towards the registration of a branch campus in Singapore that will be supported by funds managed by Massey Global Singapore Private Ltd, the future of global and transnational education is promising. This initiative will foster cross-cultural exchange and enhance academic excellence, solidifying Singapore's position as a premier destination for higher education.

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