Nurturing Lifelong Learners

Transcription

MDIS pays tribute to Singapore’s founding father on its collec tive grow th journe y
with the nation over the past 59 ye ars.
Nurturing
Lifelong
Learners
M D I S A n n ua l R e p o r t 2014
“Education is the
passport to the future,
for tomorrow belongs
to those who prepare
for it today.” – Malcolm X
Multifaceted Approach
Message from MDIS President
Message from MDIS Senate Chairman
MDIS Senate
For decades, MDIS has stayed true
to our purpose. Growing with the
nation, we are positioned to enable our
students’ aspirations while fuelling the
advancement of Singapore’s vibrant
economy. Today, we are an educational
institution that nurtures lifelong learners.
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MDIS Patron & Trustees, MDIS Academic Advisory Board and
MDIS Education Trust Fund Trustees 11
MDIS Governing Council
MDIS Subcommittees
12
13
MDIS School Industrial Advisory Boards
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Highlights for 2014 18
Etched in Memory 22
Financial Highlights
Distinctive Programmes
Educating for the Future
Vision
The choice for lifelong learning with global recognition.
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Achieving a Quality Education 36
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
Mission
Creating Opportunities for All
Moulding Well-Rounded Students
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An International Perspective
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Developing an Active Research Environment 41
Developing Strong Competencies in People
Core Values
Inspiring Environment
Fostering Vibrant Learning and Living
Imparting Moral Values
Forging Bonds for Life
The acronym for MDIS’ Core Values is LEARN.
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L Lifelong Learning
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Inspiring a Heart for Society
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We embrace lifelong learning.
EExcellence
Steadfast Commitment
Transcending Borders, Expanding Globally
A caring and socially responsible institution that
maximises the potential of individuals and organisations
through globally accredited programmes.
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Excellence Through the Years 58
MDIS Honours List 68
Our University Partners 69
Reaching Beyond Our Shores
We strive for excellence in customer care.
AAbility-driven
We offer ability-driven education and training.
RResponsibility
We take utmost responsibility in ensuring high
quality programmes.
NNurture
Pictured on front cover:
Bianchi Magalhaes Marcio (Brazil) (seated)
Lee Changwoo (South Korea) (standing, left)
Sripathy Harika (India) (standing, right)
Pictured on inside front cover (left to right):
Pavlov Denis (Russia)
Soumey Lim (Cambodia)
Mathieu Chan Hsuei Yew (France)
Pictured on back cover (right to left):
Kanokphan Suttisingh (Thailand)
Cherepova Vladislava (Russia)
Mai Chaowei (China)
Rajini Shukla d/o Prempal Shukal (Singapore)
We nurture talents for the new economy.
Culture
MDIS embraces a culture of lifelong learning to nurture
and maximise the potential of our stakeholders.
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MDIS Annual Report 2014
MDIS Experience
Core Values of MDIS Students
ARTICULATE
MDIS students enhance their presentation and
communication skills by formulating and presenting their
oratory competencies with clarity, fluency and effectiveness.
Creative
MDIS students are challenged to think out of the box through
experiential learning and problem solving.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
MDIS students attain globally recognised academic qualifications
and are knowledgable in cross-cultural issues through constant
interactions with a good mix of international students.
INTEGRITY
MDIS students develop self-discipline and inculcate leadership
qualities through participation in co-curricular activities.
SELF-MOTIVATED
MDIS students engage in acquiring knowledge though
lectures and research.
SUSTAINABILITY
MDIS students keep the environment green, robust and healthy.
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MDIS Passion
MDIS Spirit
CARING
MDIS lecturers are empathetic towards the students going
the extra mile to support them in their learning process.
ACCOUNTABLE
MDIS staff comply with company policies, operating
procedures and work instructions.
COMPETENCE
MDIS lecturers are subject-content experts for the academic
assignments they undertake.
CREATIVE
MDIS staff develop and implement ideas and think out of the box.
Core Values of MDIS Lecturers
COMMITMENT
MDIS lecturers are willing to give their time and energy to
develop the profiles of all students.
EXPERIENCE
MDIS lecturers are professionals with the relevant knowledge
and skills accumulated through experience.
HONESTY
MDIS lecturers are truthful, and students have confidence
in them.
INSPIRING
MDIS lecturers are able to motivate and encourage students
to achieve their goals.
NURTURING
MDIS lecturers are willing to impart their knowledge to the
students to help them develop their potential.
SUPPORTIVE
MDIS lecturers are able to create opportunities for
students to develop their self-confidence.
Core Values of MDIS Staff
CONFIDENT
MDIS staff are certain of themselves and their roles in
the organisation.
DYNAMIC
MDIS staff exude contagious energy that inspire those
around them.
EFFICIENT
MDIS staff practise good time management and utilise
the best tools and teams to get the job done.
EMPATHETIC
MDIS staff care for and appreciate their colleagues
and their shared environment.
PASSIONATE
MDIS staff create their own opportunities and seek continual
improvement for the institute.
PROACTIVE
MDIS staff identify and anticipate areas for improvement.
RESPONSIBLE
MDIS staff ensure that all tasks assigned to them are followed
through and completed timely.
TEAM PLAYER
MDIS staff align their goals and responsibilities with
those of their colleagues and the institute.
M
Multifaceted Approach
An education that goes beyond imparting
classroom knowledge provides MDIS students
with insights and perspectives that enrich
their learning journey.
Class in session
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Message from
MDIS President
At MDIS, we prepare students to be
lifelong learners, empowering them with
the knowledge, social skills and values to
thrive in their careers, and to be caring
individuals in society. In addition to the
rigorous academic learning, the students
enjoy a vibrant campus life with a myriad
of activities, enrichment workshops and
internships. The diversity of the campus
community creates a unique learning
experience that enables them to take on the
opportunities and challenges of the future.
University of Bradford, University of Wales
and University of Sunderland. The 22%
increase in First Class Honours graduates
over last year’s cohort is a testament to
the students’ remarkable achievements
and MDIS’ high academic standard. It is
a reflection of the hard work and pride
that the students had undertaken in the
pursuit of their studies, and the quality
of the education provided by MDIS in
collaboration with its university partners.
We celebrated many significant
achievements in 2014 despite the slowing
global economy and competition from
the growing private education sector.
On the financial front, MDIS achieved a
financial surplus of about S$21 million
in revenue before donations and taxes.
This was the result of combined efforts
of the MDIS team, as well as the efforts
undertaken in the prudent management
of the institute.
The MDIS Applied Research Centre (MARC),
launched in July 2014, aims to establish
a vibrant research environment that
encourages discovery, innovation and
enterprise in developing entrepreneurial
ventures. MARC will pave the way for
MDIS to collaborate with internationallyrenowned institutions to become a
research institute that is recognised both
locally and regionally for its ability to
conduct high-quality research across
a broad range of disciplines.
Other achievements include the following:
1. EduTrust Certification Renewal
MDIS once again proved its high quality
standards of education by receiving the
EduTrust Certification from the Council
for Private Education for another four
years from 2014. This was a significant
milestone as it attests to the institute’s
exemplary education and business
excellence standards.
2. Acquisition of the
Service Quality Centre
In July 2014, MDIS acquired the Service
Quality Centre Pte Ltd (formerly known as
TÜV SÜD PSB Learning Pte Ltd), a pioneer
soft skills specialist in service quality and
excellence. The partnership aligns MDIS’
vision of promoting lifelong learning and
brings about natural synergy between
MDIS and SQC in raising the standards of
service excellence in Singapore.
3. Record Breaking
First Class Honours Graduates
It was yet another record breaking feat for
MDIS with 126 First Class Honours graduates
from the graduating class of 2014 from the
4. MDIS Applied Research Centre
5. Customer-centric Initiatives
Aiming to be the best in its industry, MDIS
embarked on its journey towards Service
Class with a series of Customer-Centric
Initiatives (CCI). Launched in 2014 over three
phases, MDIS staff learnt about CCI, S-Class
certification and Strategic Service Intent
in working towards attaining world class
service standards at the workplace.
6. Conducive Study Environment
The Bell Wing at Blk B, level 1 was set
up in 2014 with plush furnishings, a TV
room and a game room – complete with
foosball and pool table – specially for
students. Operated by the MDIS School
of Tourism and Hospitality, the Brew and
Bites café at the Bell Wing offers a wide
selection of food and drinks that makes it
a perfect place for students to study in a
relaxed environment.
7. MDIS Tashkent
True to its graduation motto of The Future
is Ours to Make!, MDIS Tashkent (MDIST)
celebrated its 4th graduation ceremony in
October 2014 with more than 340 students
graduating from the Southern Cross
University (Australia), University of Wales
(UK) and University of Bradford (UK). MDIS
Tashkent achieved a 40% increase in student
population with a record breaking 2,300
students enrolled in 2014. Gaining greater
academic stature in Uzbekistan and Central
Asia as a provider of quality education,
MDIST is set for greater growth
as an institution of higher education.
8. MDIS Malaysia
The groundbreaking ceremony of the
MDIS Malaysia campus at EduCity,
Iskandar, in 2013 marked the beginning
of construction of MDIS’ largest overseas
campus. Boasting state-of-the-art
amenities, the campus is set to open its
doors to students upon completion of
first phase construction in 2016.
We welcomed over 100 students to the
City Campus Johor Bahru City Square in
2014. As part of MDIS’ Corporate Social
Responsibility efforts in nurturing talents,
Merit Achievement awards of RM1,000
scholarship in course fees were granted
to more than 70 outstanding students.
Awarded in recognition of their outstanding
results at the SPM level, the maximum
payout for each student was capped
at RM6,000.
Expressing Appreciation
The strong foundation, strengths and
core competencies that we have
established have given MDIS a distinctive
place and role in Singapore’s private
education sector. The aforesaid
achievements have been due to the
dedication of the Governing Council, our
Patron, Trustees, Senate Members and
Academic Advisory members. I thank
them all for their unrelenting support and
invaluable contributions to the success
of MDIS.
I would also like to thank the management,
staff, lecturers, university partners,
students and other stakeholders for their
contributions and steadfast support to
MDIS. Each of these stakeholders have
played a crucial part in making MDIS an
institute of high academic standing.
I look forward to their continued support
to make MDIS an institution of academic
excellence in the years ahead.
Dr Eric Kuan
President
“The strong foundation,
strengths and core
competencies that we
have established have
given MDIS a distinctive
place and role in
Singapore’s private
education sector.”
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“As Singapore’s
oldest not-for-profit
professional institution,
MDIS is proud to
count itself as one of
our nation’s foremost
providers of lifelong
learning.”
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Message from
MDIS Senate Chairman
Despite being just a little red dot on
the map, Singapore has an education
system that is renowned, admired
and well-respected throughout the
world. With a total literacy rate of
more than 96%, an annual national
education budget of over S$11 billion,
and a meritocratic system that believes
in rewarding performance with
professional opportunities, Singapore
is an ideal place to jumpstart one’s
career. As a result, this obsession with
educational excellence has made
Singapore an extremely attractive
destination for students seeking
tertiary education.
As Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit
professional institution, MDIS is proud
to count itself as one of our nation’s
foremost providers of lifelong learning.
Even as Singapore changes and grows
as a nation, so too has MDIS. As a
59-year old institution, we have had
ample time and opportunity to hone
and refine our pedagogical skills and
know-how.
Holistic Learning
The VUCA world we live in today
– a world of volatility, uncertainty,
complexity and ambiguity –
makes us wary of the need to better
understand our internal and external
customer requirements and exceed
them as best as we can, beyond just
equipping our graduates with mere
technical competency. This is precisely
why an education at MDIS only begins
– but never ends – in the classroom.
Supplemented by industry visits,
soft-skills workshops, and talks from
industry experts, we aim to provide all
of our students with a holistic and wellrounded educational experience.
Exemplary Service Standards
The renewal of MDIS’ EduTrust
certification in 2014 for an additional
four years by the Council for Private
Education (CPE) in Singapore affirms
MDIS’ continued commitment to
providing students with the best
possible education and standards
of service quality. Extended only to
institutions that have proven themselves
to have “commendable performance
in key areas of management and the
provision of educational services,”
the EduTrust award is a testament
to the institute’s unwavering dedication
to students.
Commitment to Excellence
I would like to take this opportunity
to extend my debt of gratitude to my
fellow members of the Senate, Patrons,
Trustees, Academic Advisory Board,
Governing Council, management
and staff, students and alumni of
MDIS for their invaluable support,
strategic counsel and commitment to
excellence. They have in many ways
contributed to the growth and success
of the institute. In many ways, they are
truly the backbone and sine qua non
of this 59-year old Institution.
Dr Ahmad Magad
Chairman
MDIS Senate
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MDIS Senate
Dr Ahmad Magad
Chairman
Mr S Chandra Das
Deputy Chairman
Dr A Vijiaratnam
Member
Group Managing Director
II-VI Singapore Pte Ltd
Managing Director
NUR Investment & Trading
Pte Ltd
Sole Proprietor / Director
VJ Consulting Engineers
Professor Philip Poh
Member
Dr Yii Hee Seng
Member
Honorary Chairman
Trade & Industry Association,
Singapore
Medical Director
Raffles Medical Group Ltd
Raffles Health Insurance
Pte Ltd
Professor Lawson
Savery
Member
Dr Chuang
Hsuan-Hung
Member
Emeritus Professor
Mark Cleary
Member
Professor Lui
Pao Chuen
Member
Consultant Cardiologist
and Medical Doctor
Asian Heart and Vascular
Centre, Mount Elizabeth
Hospital
Emeritus Professor
University of Bradford, UK
Advisor, National
Research Foundation
Prime Minister’s Office,
Singapore
Member, Board of Governors,
University of Plymouth, UK
Adjunct Professor
University of Canberra,
Australia
Mr Tan Kah Hoe,
JP, PBM, BBM
Member
Proprietor
Descon Chartered Architects
& Planners
Professor Emeritus
Edward Henry
Twizell
Member
Professor Emeritus
Brunel Business School,
Brunel University London, UK
Dr Hoh Sek Tien
Member
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Mount Elizabeth Novena
Hospital and Gleneagles
Hospital, Singapore
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MDIS Patron & Trustees
Mr Victor Wong
Fun Hong
Patron
Mr Tan Kah Hoe
JP, PBM, BBM
Trustee
Professor
Philip Poh
Trustee
Mr Kuppusamy
Ramanujam
Trustee
Sole Proprietor
Simnex International
Proprietor
Descon Chartered
Architects & Planners
Honorary Chairman
Trade & Industry
Association, Singapore
Managing Partner
Rama & Company
MDIS Academic Advisory Board
Dr Ahmad Magad
Chairman
Group Managing Director
II-VI Singapore Pte Ltd
PROFESSOR TAN
TIN WEE
Member
Associate Professor
Department of Yong Loo Lin
School of Medicine, NUS
MR BENEDICT SOH
Member
MR JONG HEE SEN
Member
Executive Chairman
Kingsmen Creatives Ltd
Executive Chairman
and Group President
International Healthway
Corp Ltd
MDIS Education
Trust Fund Trustees
Dr Eric Kuan
Choon Hock
President
Dr R Theyvendran, Lim How Kim,
PBM
BBM, PBM, PBS
Secretary-General
Trustee
Elder Ang Poh
Siew, JP, PBM
Trustee
Director
Lanvard Education &
Development Pte Ltd
Chairman / Managing
Director
Stamford Media
International Group
of Companies
Director
Hotel Supreme Pte Ltd
Senior Lecturer
Singapore Polytechnic
Ms Chomil Kamal
Trustee
Director
Starspur Enterprise Ltd
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Dr Eric Kuan
Choon Hock
President
Mr Chong
Kwan Wai
Vice-President
Dr Christopher
Syn Kiu Choong
Vice-President
Director
Lanvard Education &
Development Pte Ltd
Director
Un Chi Enterprise Pte Ltd
Director,
Biology Division
Health Sciences
Authority
Mr Shareef Bin
Abdul Jaffar
Assistant SecretaryGeneral
Mr Roger Tham
Kong Khuan
Honorary Treasurer
Mr Chua Chen
How
Assistant Honorary
Treasurer
General Manager /
Secretary
Singapore Recreation
Club
Assistant Manager,
Customer Accounts
Workshop Production
Control
SIA Engineering
Company Ltd
Mr Eric Chern
Aik Hua
Council Member
Mr Chamal
De Silva
Council Member
Manager
NTUC Income
Director
Nautique Pte Ltd
Managing Director
FP Holding Pte Ltd
Dr Wong Sin Yew
Vice-President
Director
Infectious Disease
Partners Pte Ltd
Mr Winston Gan
Kuat Cheong
Council Member
Managing Director
D’Best Respray Centre
Mr Tan Zing Yuen Mr Simon Ho
Council Member
Khee Lim
Council
Member
Director of Corporate
Finance
Thomson Medical
Pte Ltd
Consultant
FP Consultant Int’l
Pte Ltd
Dr R Theyvendran,
PBM
Secretary-General
Chairman & Managing
Director
Stamford Media
International Group
of Companies
Mr Christopher
Yeow Shih Shin,
PBM
Council Member
Executive Director
Very Special Arts
Singapore Ltd
Mr S V
Padmanabhan
Council Member
(co-opted)
President
Global Finance Head
– Products and
Head – Corporate
Planning Department
Olam International Limited
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MDIS Subcommittees
Administration
Finance
Property
Chairman
Dr R Theyvendran, PBM
Chairman
Mr Chong Kwan Wai
Chairman
Mr Chua Chen How
Members
Mr Chong Kwan Wai
Mr Shareef Bin Abdul Jaffar
Members
Dr Wong Sin Yew
Mr Roger Tham Kong Khuan
Mr Chua Chen How
Mr Winston Gan Kuat Cheong
Mr Simon Ho Khee Lim
Members
Mr Christopher Yeow Shih Shin, PBM
Mr Suppish Pillai Sivamani
Audit
Chairman
Mr Tan Zing Yuen
Members
Mr Eng Ek Phang, Bobby
Ms Helen Campos
Corporate
Relations
Chairman
Members
Dr Wong Sin Yew
Mr Eric Chern Aik Hua
Education
& Training
Chairman
Dr Eric Kuan Choon Hock
Members
Dr Christopher Syn Kiu Chong
Mr Tan Zing Yuen
Dr Keith Ng Yong Ngee
International
Business
Chairman
Dr R Theyvendran, PBM
Members
Mr Chong Kwan Wai
Mr Chamal De Silva
Investment
Chairman
Mr Chong Kwan Wai
Vice-Chairman
Mr Chua Chen How
Members
Dr Wong Sin Yew
Mr K P Muniratnam
Management
Development
& Consultancy
Chairman
Members
Mr Chamal De Silva
Ms Shoba Gunasekaran
Student
Services
Chairman
Members
Mr Chamal De Silva
Technology
Chairman
Members
Mr Chua Chen How
Academic Quality
& Examination Board
Chairman
Dr Christopher Syn Kiu Chong
Members
Dr Keith Ng Yong Ngee
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MDIS School Industrial
Advisory Boards
MDIS Business School
Industrial Advisory Board
School of Media & Communications
Industrial Advisory Board
Mr David Wee
Chairman
Mr Lincoln Teo
Member
Founder & CEO
DW Associates Pte Ltd/
Asia Speakers Bureau
(ASB)
Chief Operating Officer
DP Information Group
Mr John
O’Callaghan
Chairman
Mr Nicholas
Chee
Vice-Chairman
Director
Publishing and
Partnerships, Edelman
South East Asia
Managing Director
Sinema Media Pte Ltd
Mr Ong Shei Ren
Member
Mr Eric Wong
Member
Mr Donald Lim
Member
Director, Examinations
– Singapore, Malaysia,
Indonesia
British Council Singapore
Head - Talent Acquisition,
Learning & Development
APAC, Japan & China
Polycom Asia Pacific
Pte Ltd
CEO
Digimagic
Communications
Pte Ltd
Mr Mohd Saat
Abdul Rahman
Member
Mr B
Suryanarayanan
Member
Ms Isadora
Mohamed
Member
Group Chief Financial
Officer
Mindtrac (S) Pte. Ltd
Senior Programme
Director
Warna 94.2FM
& Ria 89.7FM
Editor
Berita Harian, Singapore
Press Holdings
Mr Mike Wiluan
Member
Managing Director
Infinite Frameworks
Pte Ltd
Mr Jonathan Ng
Member
Editor
Razor TV, Singapore
Press Holdings
Mr Jason Tan
Member
Ms Azizah Malik
Member
Project Director
Cohort Communications
Pte Ltd
Assistant Vice-President
MediaCorp Production,
Eaglevision
School of Health & Life
Sciences Industrial
Advisory Board
School of Tourism
& Hospitality Industrial
Advisory Board
Dr Chew Fook Tim Mr Allan Yeo
Chairman
Hwee Tiong
Member
Vice Dean
Mr Benedict Soh
Chairman
(Undergraduate Studies Principal Advisor
and Student Life,
KPMG Services Pte Ltd
Faculty of Science)
Department of Biological
Sciences, National
University of Singapore
Mr Leigh
Berryman
Member
Chief Executive Officer
Maccine Pte Ltd
Dr Tan Swee Ngin
Member
Associate Professor
Natural Sciences
& Science Education
Academic Group
National Institute
of Education
Nanyang Technological
University
Executive Chairman
Kingsmen Creatives Ltd
Mrs Janet
Tan-Collis
Member
President
SACEOS
Mr Michael
Chow
Member
Group Publisher - TTG
Travel Trade Publishing
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd
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Mr Beppe De Vito
Member
Managing Director
II-Lido Pte Ltd
Ms Teo Ser Lee
Member
Founder / Director
Protocol Academy Pte Ltd
Dr Yu Hao
Member
Dr Steven Lee
Member
Mr Chan Mun Wei Mr Dennis Law
Member
Member
Professor
Department of
Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
National University
of Singapore
Founder and Chief
Executive Officer
BioGENEXUS, LLC,
Singapore
Divisional Director
Corporate Planning
Sentosa Development
Corporation
Executive Officer &
General Manager Global
Inbound Division
JTB Pte Ltd (Asia Pacific
Head Quarters)
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Financial Highlights
MDIS Net Surplus
Net Surplus* (S$Mil)
30
26.6
26.6
24.6
25
20.9
20
14.2
15
10
7.5
8.7
5
0
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2014
*Net surplus before donations and tax
17
Net Assets – MDIS & MDIS Education Trust Fund
Net Assets (S$Mil)
250
241.8
222.7
200
168.3
150
113.3
100
68.3
45.5
32.7
50
9.9
13.6
14.7
13.7
14.0
13.9
13.9
0
2003
MDIS
2005
2007
2009
MDIS Education
Trust Fund
MDIS does not solicit funds or donations from the public. As a not-forprofit organisation, the institute is entirely self-funded through its
programmes; all profits are channelled back into the Institute for the
purposes of expanding and improving current infrastructure, developing
new programmes and enhancing the quality of its current programmes.
2011
2013
2014
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Highlights for 2014
08 Mar
MDIS Open
House 2014
MDIS opened its doors to the
public for its annual Open
House at the Stirling Road
Campus. Amidst the bustle
and excitement of events and
activities specially organised
for the day – ranging from
flea markets, a basketball
tournament and performances
by MDIS Dance Clubs Misstery
and sMash.DIS – some 500
visitors attended the Open
House to find out more about
their preferred courses.
17 May
MDIS 19th Scholarship &
Bursary Awards Ceremony
In line with its vision to provide learning opportunities
for all regardless of background, MDIS held its annual
Scholarship and Bursary Awards Ceremony in the
Fairmont Ballroom at the Raffles City Convention Centre.
Attended by more than 2,000 guests, the event was
graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker
of Parliament, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade
GRC and CEO of NTUC Fairprice Cooperative.
03
jul
19
Former President
Mr S R Nathan’s
90th Birthday
Celebration
The day was truly a memorable
riot of music, colour and laughter
as former President of Singapore
Mr S R Nathan celebrated his 90th
birthday at the Shangri-La Hotel
with more than 700 guests in
attendance. MDIS students were also
a part of the celebrations. Students
from ASEAN countries – each
decked out in traditional costumes
representing their home countries
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos
and Myanmar – lined up to receive
President Dr Tony Tan, Emeritus
Senior Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong,
and His Excellency Mr S R Nathan.
14 sep
We Love SG
Flowers
A thousand flowers bloomed on
MDIS’ rooftop gardens as more
than 2,000 MDIS staff, students
and volunteers from the People’s
Association gathered to handcraft
flowers from recycled plastic
bags. As part of Singapore’s
50th birthday celebrations, the
We Love SG Flowers project was
featured in the opening display of
Chingay Parade 2015, showcasing
a gigantic flowerbed made from
more than a million recycled
plastic bag flowers.
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Highlights for 2014
08 oct
MDIS Career Fair
“Are you ready for the future?”
This was the question that the
MDIS Career Assistance Unit (CAU)
posed to students during the
MDIS Career Fair. With a theme The
Future Belongs To Those Who Are
Ready, the annual career fair saw
the participation of 31 prestigious
companies including Cedele,
Singapore Marriott Hotel and CIMB
Bank Berhad, setting up booths
to facilitate dialogue between
students and companies.
10 oct
OCU Career Seminar
The MDIS School of Media and Communications
career seminar saw the spacious MDIS Residences’
auditorium packed to the rafters. The two-hour
session featured four distinguished speakers from
the media industry, namely, Mr Jonathan Ng of
Singapore Press Holdings, Miss Lai Lei Khim from
the Media Development Authority of Singapore,
Mr John O’ Callaghan of Edelman Southeast Asia
and the Honourable President Mr Robert H. Henry
of Oklahoma City University (OCU), USA.
16
oct
International Day
The MDIS Student Council –
in conjunction with the MDIS
Membership and Alumni
Relations department – held the
institute’s annual International
Day celebrations at the Stirling
Road campus. Marked by food,
games, music, colourful costumes
and a flea market, the event
was attended by more than 350
students. Many sporting students
also turned up in traditional
costumes, and a photo booth was
set up to capture their glory.
14 & 29 Nov
21
Dance Club Activities
November was an exciting month for MDIS dance
clubs, sMash.DIS and Misstery, as they were invited
to perform at functions and events. This included
Jalan Kayu GRC’s Grassroots Appreciation Night on
14 November, and the Zone ‘5’ Residents Committee’s
21st Anniversary on 29 November, which was graced
by Guest-of-Honour Dr Intan Azura Binte Mokhtar
(MP and Grassroots Advisor for Ang Mo Kio GRC).
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Etched in Memory
05 may
Setting an Example
MDIS celebrated the graduation of its students in the Graduate
Certificate in Public Administration and Management
programme. Mr Thierry Abeloko, Secretary General of the
Ministry of Budget and Public Accounts took the time to explain
why he chose to adopt Singapore’s educational model.
“We felt attracted to the
unique Singaporean
model [which is] based
on innovation, openness,
performance, responsibility
and excellence; virtues
which are now considered,
worldwide, as exemplary
for countries seeking
emergence such as Gabon.”
Mr Thierry Abeloko
Secretary General of the Ministry of
Budget and Public Accounts
Gabon
27 may
Society is the Real University
MDIS and the Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics (ZJTIE)
held a joint graduation ceremony for their students from the
Advanced Diploma in International Trade & Commerce and
the Advanced Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management.
Attended by over a hundred students, ZJTIE President Professor
Chen Li Neng gave a speech in Mandarin.
“Society is the real university.
Once you graduate, you will
soon come to meet many
people, be they colleagues
or friends. Be humble and
always ready to learn from
others. Once you are able
to combine your technical
knowledge with soft skills,
you will be a true professional,
and you will soon be treated
as such by others.”
Professor Chen Li Neng
President
Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics
China
31 may
Making a Difference
Attended by nearly 200 graduands and guests, the MDISUniversity of Sunderland graduation ceremony was graced by
the presence of Ms Foo Mee Har, Member of Parliament for West
Coast GRC. In her speech, she emphasised the importance of the
work that graduands would be doing in the future.
23
“Many of you will have the
opportunity to show visitors the
Singapore that is special to us; what
it means to be Singaporean and
why when we land at Changi Airport
we always feel a sense of warmth
and relief. Some of you may work
overseas – where I hope you will be
good ambassadors of our country,
always uplifting and projecting
the brand of Singapore and
Singaporeans. It is important never
to forget who you are and where
you come from, be proud of it, and
share some of that with others.”
Ms Foo Mee Har
Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC
Singapore
11 oct
A New Beginning
The 17th MDIS-Oklahoma City University Graduation ceremony
was held at the Raffles City Convention Centre. Attended by more
than 100 graduands, the ceremony was graced by Guest-ofHonour Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, Member of Parliament
for Marine Parade GRC, and over 200 guests.
“This is a momentous occasion for
all of you. It is a critical juncture
in your life, in your career, but it
is not the end. It is indeed the
beginning. Perhaps this could be
a life-changing event for you. You
are at the crossroads of your life,
of your career, and some critical
decisions have to be made. These
can have an effect on you for the
rest of your life, your family, and
where you stand in society.”
Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef
Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC
Singapore
24
17Oct
Learning for Life
MDIS Tashkent held its 4th graduation ceremony, with a slogan
The Future is Ours to Make! More than 340 graduands from the
degree programmes of the University of Wales, University of
Bradford and Southern Cross University gathered to celebrate
their success. In his speech, Dr Jasur Salikhov – Rector of MDIS
Tashkent – reminded the graduands to never stop learning.
“We have given you the
knowledge and skills, but
knowledge can be forgotten if
unused, skills can vanish if not
trained constantly. However,
one thing will always stay with
you – it is the mindset – the
way you perceive the world
as an educated and intelligent
person. Embrace a practice
of lifelong learning, seek new
knowledge and continue the
quest for acquiring new skills.”
Dr Jasur Salikhov
Rector
MDIS Tashkent
Uzbekistan
25 Oct
Taking the Road Less Travelled
The 8th MDIS-Southern Cross University (SCU) Graduation Ceremony
was held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, attended by 178
graduands and more than 200 of their family and friends. In his
speech, Guest-of-Honour Mr Ang Wei Neng, Member of Parliament
for Jurong GRC reminded students that they should not measure
success in their life by the speed in which they get there.
“After you graduate, many of you will
embark on different routes. Some will
go on the highway; some will travel
the arterial roads; some will embark
on roads less travelled; or take a path
that no one has ever travelled. Even if
you are on the same highway, some
will take the fast lane while others may
travel on the slow lane. Travelling on
the highway doesn’t mean you’ll reach
your destination faster. It is usually
a longer way and you may take a
longer time to reach the destination.
Sometimes, taking the road less
travelled may not be a bad thing.”
Mr Ang Wei Neng
Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC
Singapore
08 Nov
Ready for the Future
Graced by the presence of Guest-of-Honour Dr Chia Shi-Lu,
Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, more than 120
graduates and over 150 guests attended the 12th MDIS-University
of Wales Graduation Ceremony at Raffles City Convention Centre. In
his speech, Dr Chia congratulated the graduands and expressed his
belief that they will go on to succeed in their chosen career.
“Armed with the education
you have received here at MDIS
from the University of Wales,
I am confident that you will
find a way to overcome any
obstacle thrown in your way and
succeed. After all, you’ve shown
that you are more than capable
of that. By being here, at this
ceremony, each and every one
of you have already overcome
a challenge most momentous:
that of finishing your degree.”
Dr Chia Shi-Lu
Member of Parliament for
Tanjong Pagar GRC
Singapore
22 Nov
The Right Attitude
The 20th MDIS-University of Bradford (UOB) Graduation Ceremony
marked a significant accomplishment for the cohort. A total of
120 students graduated with First Class Honours, 41% more than
the previous year and the highest achievement recorded so far for
MDIS-UOB. In his speech, Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lim Biow Chuan,
Member of Parliament for Mountbatten SMC encouraged the
graduants to pursue lifelong learning.
“Don’t look down on anyone,
be they cleaners, drivers,
clerks or secretaries. I’ve been
a lawyer for 25 years, and I
tell you: even today, I’m still
learning from my secretary
and clerk because they have
acquired knowledge in a
different way.”
Mr Lim Biow Chuan
Member of Parliament for
Mountbatten SMC
Singapore
25
D
Distinctive Programmes
Programmes strategically aligned to industry
demands ensure that MDIS graduates are
geared to triumph real world challenges.
Students from the School of Fashion and Design working on a project
28
Educating for the Future
The range of comprehensive and well-accredited courses at
MDIS equips students with the skills and knowledge to brave the
challenges of today as well as tomorrow’s evolving economy.
MDIS College
Established in 2006, MDIS College offers
Preparatory Courses for the SingaporeCambridge General Certificate of
Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advanced
Level examinations and aims to inspire
students to reach their full potential. The
college takes pride in enhancing students’
learning experience through competent
teachers, committed administrative staff
and a conducive environment.
While students develop their
cognitive skills through rigorous
learning within and beyond the
classroom, the resemblance of MDIS
College to a mini-globalised village
stimulates socialisation, engagement
and cultural exchange among
international students. The future
of the 21st century youth begins at
MDIS College.
29
The resemblance
of MDIS College to a
mini-globalised village
stimulates socialisation,
engagement and cultural
exchange among
international students.
Students of diverse backgrounds
and nationalities at MDIS college
Business students brainstorming
on a group assignment
MDIS Business School
The MDIS Business School (MBS)
launched two undergraduate and two
postgraduate programmes in July 2014:
a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Banking
and Finance, a Bachelor of Science (Hons)
in Business Studies and Finance, a Master
of Business Administration in Banking
& Finance, and a Master of Business
Administration in International Marketing
awarded by the Bangor University, UK.
Out of the 423 graduating students in
the University of Bradford’s BSc (Hons)
Business, 40 students demonstrated their
academic excellence by attaining First
Class Honours in 2014.
On top of academic development,
the school also seeks to inculcate
confidence in students, through handson experiences. During the year, the
school participated in several businessrelated competitions and attained
favourable results. For example, in June,
a team from the MBS team participated
in the Youth Entrepreneurship
Competition 2014 organised by the
Singapore Discovery Centre and
achieved the award for Best in
Business Plan.
Such ventures awaken the
entrepreneurial spirit in students,
spur them to become self-reliant and
advocate their sense of responsibility
to the society, whilst honing their
leadership skills and enhancing the
student-life experience in MDIS.
30
School of Engineering
In 2014, the School of Engineering
initiated a tie-up with Northumbria
University to enhance its current
Mechanical and Electrical & Electronics
programmes with a design focus, in line
with the courses at the UK institution.
and learnt reasons behind theories.
Industry visits to places such as Rolls
Royce, Yamazaki Mazak and ST
Marine are also part of MDIS’
efforts to bring students closer
to the engineering industry.
Students are at the top of the school’s
priorities, and in this regard, the school
expanded its current workshop space
to offer a more conducive learning
environment. More machines, including
the CNC machines and 3D printers are
now ready for use. More commercial
modeling and simulation software
like ANSYS and Ekahau Site Survey
and materials database, Cambridge
Engineering Selector were purchased
to aid students in their design projects.
A new engineering student
club, GEARS, was also
formed to facilitate
student interactions and
active anticipation in
projects. More exciting
activities are expected
to be organised in
the coming years to
create a fun learning
environment for
students.
Student from the School of
Engineering conducting a
test on a “house fabricated”
3D printer
To further add value to students’
learning journey, external industry
players were invited to deliver talks to
students and lecturers. An industrial
seminar on Motion Technology, was
hosted by Yaskawa Pte Ltd, where
students were shown practical results
Students from the School of Fashion
and Design having a discussion at the
Fashion studio
20%
Increase in students enrolled in
the School of Fashion & Design
Resource Hub – acquired 100 new
fashion-titles.
School of Fashion & Design
2014 was a year of growth for the
School of Fashion & Design, which
saw a 20% increase in student
enrolment. To give the students the
best possible facilities to unleash their
full potential, the Fashion Studio was
updated with new machines while
the MDIS Library – the aptly-named
In order to help students understand
the culture and context behind the
fashion industry, career talks with
fashion professionals such as Grace
Chua from Harper’s Bazaar, Sharon Au
from StyleXStyle, Michel Gonzalez from
Dolce & Gabanna and Kay Liu from
Redress – Eco Chic were organised.
Hands-on experiences from working
on “live” projects in collaboration
with industry partners, field trips, and
volunteer opportunities at important
fashion events in Singapore such as the
Audi Fashion Festival, Digital Fashion
Week and FIDE further reinforced
students’ knowledge.
31
School of Languages
A front runner among providers
of English as Second Language
in Singapore, the MDIS School of
Languages strives to cultivate lifelong
learning by providing opportunities
for students to put what they have
learnt into practice. The School of
Languages has organised activities
such as motivational talks, a Spelling
Bee Competition, the EIS Talent Show,
Quiz Competition, and field trips to
the Singapore Zoo, Sea Aquarium and
Ceylon’s Sports Club to help students
improve their communication skills
and boost their self-confidence.
Team members exchanging their
perspectives on the English subject
In 2014, the MDIS School of Languages
adopted a new learning method
with the introduction of books that
provide students with blended learning
experiences. Students were given access
to online platforms anywhere anytime,
enabling learning and practising to take
place at a customised pace.
52
First Class Honours Graduates
from the Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in Biomedical Sciences
and Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in Pharmaceutical
Management Programmes
Students
collaborating
on a project in
the life sciences
laboratory
School of Health and
Life Sciences
The School of Health and Life Sciences
had a remarkable year with a record
breaking number of 52 First Class
Honours graduates from the Bachelor
of Science (Hons) in Biomedical
Sciences and Bachelor of Science
(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Management
programmes. Many of these graduates
went on to either further pursue
their postgraduate studies or work
in prestigious research institutions
around the world. A significant
number of graduates also entered the
workforce to join leading companies
and hospitals. These accomplishments
validate the quality of the education
standards the institution sets.
The MDIS School of Health and Life
Sciences is dedicated to its mission
of producing highly qualified health
and life sciences professionals.
Therefore, the school has collaborated
with Northumbria University to offer
a Master of Science in Biotechnology.
This not only presents an opportunity
for current Biotechnology students to
continue their pursuits of an academic
career in the highly sought-after field
of applied sciences, it also opens
doors to a myriad of new career
opportunities for them.
32
School of Media
and Communications
The School of Media and
Communications (SMC) is the first
private education institution in
Singapore to provide an American Mass
Communications degree programme.
Offered in collaboration with Oklahoma
City University (OCU), the degree
combines a liberal arts curriculum with
theoretical and practical courses
in mass communications.
The SMC students started their own
YouTube channel AEE Channel Raw
in early 2013; and the 20 episodes
produced and uploaded have received
over 11,000 views to date. Aside from
YouTube videos, SMC students have
also worked with local companies such
as SMRT and the Media Development
Authority of Singapore to come up with
videos for commercial use. Several SMC
students have also participated and
emerged winners in a local alternative
film award organised by Trichokare
with a short film entitled, Looking Good,
Feeling Good.
Students from the School of Media and
Communications filming a production
To give students further insights into the
industry, the SMC held a career seminar
in October. The two-hour long session
featured four distinguished speakers from
the media industry: Mr Jonathan Ng of
Singapore Press Holdings, Ms Lai Lei Khim
from the Media Development Authority
of Singapore, Mr John O’ Callaghan
of Edelman Southeast Asia and the
Honourable President Mr Robert H. Henry
of Oklahoma City University.
students also folded 100 paper
lotuses with handwritten personalised
notes and, accompanied by musical
instruments and songs, gave them out
to MDIS students.
Through these visits, students gained
hands-on experience as they observed
and learnt to empathise with the sick and
mentally unstable.
School of Psychology
2014 was a fun-filled and fruitful
year for the students of the School
of Psychology. Applying the activelearning methodologies learnt in the
classroom, diploma students worked
together with the school to organise
The Happy People campaign: an event
which proved to be a huge success
with the students. During Vesak Day,
Students having an interactive
discussion with the lecturer
The school regularly organised
industrial trips to the Institute of Mental
Health and Ang Mo Kio Hospital.
Students were also brought to the Central
Narcotics Bureau’s Heritage Gallery to
learn about the history of the drug scene
in Singapore, and the Bureau’s efforts
in curbing the growth of drug culture.
The fruitful experience reaffirmed the
importance of social research in the war
against drugs for students.
Lastly, the school conducted several
preview sessions with speakers from
relevant industries. One such example
was the talk entitled The Psychology
of Our Future Selves by guests from
Middlesex University, UK. This talk
received a large turnout and was
thoroughly enjoyed by students.
33
School of Technology
and E-Learning
The School of Technology and E-Learning
(STEL) has grown from strength to strength
in the year 2014. Not only was the school’s
Diploma and Advanced Diploma in
Information Technology revamped with a
curriculum that has a practical emphasis,
the hands-on coursework was also
redesigned and updated to give students a
competitive edge in the job market.
To meet the growing demand for industry
relevant programmes, the school has
partnered with Northumbria University
in UK to deliver degree programmes in
Computer & Network Technology and
Computer Security. After all, IT-related
issues such as hacking are multifaceted and
complex, and these problems often call for
solutions that require a multidisciplinary
approach: something which MDIS partner
university’s curriculum is careful to adopt
and inculcate in students.
Student from the
School of Tourism
and Hospitality
making coffee at
Brew and Bites
Recognising the importance of
out-of-classroom learning, STEL has
also launched a formal Mathematics
preparation course and, together with
the School of Languages, an e-learning
project on its online platform. This is
in addition to the opportunities the
school provides prospective students
to gain entry to the programmes
through online learning.
Practical emphasis
with hands-on skills
2014 also saw STEL participating in the
Cloud Expo Asia to promote awareness
for its programmes. The exhibition
provided an effective platform for
STEL to attract postgraduate students
looking to deepen their IT skills or for
a career change. These endeavours
underscore the continuing efforts
to enhance STEL’s presence in local
institutions and raise MDIS’ brand
name internationally.
School of Tourism
and Hospitality
The programmes of the School of
Hospitality and Tourism (STH) are
tailored to meet both industry needs
and student expectations. The school’s
rigorous curriculum ensures that students
graduate with a strong academic
foundation and a real understanding
of the complexities and demands in
the dynamic service industry.
This is exemplified through the school’s
programmes which includes a semester
of practicum at Tropical Breeze Training
Centre where students learn skills in front
office operations, food & beverage, and
housekeeping management. Part of this
training also takes place at the institutionowned café, Brew & Bites. Run by STH,
the café offers a broad platform for skills
building and experiences accumulation
including customer service skills, inventory
management, food menu planning,
costing, social media strategies
and teamwork.
STH has also incorporated an internship
programme for the students as part of its
curriculum since 2007. To date, the school
has collaborated with over 250 industry
partners for internships, including The
Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, ShangriLa and The Fullerton. These practical
on-the-job trainings provide students
with personal real world insights and
exposures to working life, an experiential
foundation for their career choices,
and the opportunity to build valuable
business networks. This automatically
makes them more marketable as they
require less training and are assumed to
be able to handle more responsibilities.
In July 2014, the school launched its
MDIS Advanced Diploma in Tourism,
Hospitality and Events Management. A
unique combination of studies in tourism,
hospitality and events management,
the course provides participants with a
pathway to develop their career within
the tourism, hospitality and events sector.
Students thereafter are able to fast-track
to a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in
International Tourism and Hospitality
Management awarded by the University
of Sunderland that can be completed in
just nine months.
34
Encouraging
Lifelong Learning
To foster continuous growth and improvement,
MDIS proactively develops programmes that elevate
the expertise of working professionals, cultivating
a culture of lifelong learning.
Leadership
Service Excellence
Innovation
Communications,
Sales & Marketing
Youth Union participants from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, attending a
Public Administration Management programme organised by MDC
The Management Development and
Consultancy (MDC), the corporate
training arm of MDIS, offers a wide
range of training programmes in areas
such as Leadership, Service Excellence,
Innovation, Communications, Sales &
Marketing and more. MDC seeks to
effectively cater to the training needs
of working professionals across
various industries.
(JTC) – the team is continually analysing
market trends and business needs of
organisations locally and globally.
Having developed several customised
programmes for top agencies – such as
A*STAR, ST Marine, MINDEF, Singapore
Police Force (SPF), National Library
Board (NLB) and Jurong Town Council
By focusing on organisational
alignment with current and emerging
market trends, MDC is well positioned
to cater to the corporate training
needs of clients.
In addition, MDC also continues to
conduct student immersion programmes
and corporate trainings for overseas
participants from Africa, China, India,
Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, Russia,
Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
MDC seeks to
effectively cater
to the training
needs of working
professionals
across various
industries.
35
Creating
Opportunities for All
Through the MDIS Education Trust Fund, the institution ensures that
no needy and deserving student misses out on a quality education.
welfare organisations. Funded entirely
by surpluses from MDIS’ operations, the
fund provides financial assistance to
needy and deserving students, giving
them a helping hand in realising their
fullest potential.
MDIS Scholarship
and Bursary Awards
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Seah Kian Peng,
Speaker of Parliament and MP for
Marine Parade GRC at the MDIS 19th
Scholarship and Bursary Awards
Ceremony 2014
MDIS Education Trust Fund
MDIS firmly believes that education
is key to sustaining the societal and
economic growth of Singapore. To this
end, the MDIS Education Trust Fund
was established to extend assistance
and provide support to charities and
MDIS first began offering scholarship
and bursary awards in 1996. Since then,
the institute has constantly stepped up
its efforts to increase funding so that
more scholarships and bursaries may
be awarded to students in Singapore.
Bursaries are disbursed to students
from secondary schools, junior colleges,
polytechnics and institutes of technical
education. Scholarships are also offered
to working adults through self-help
groups: CDAC, Yayasan MENDAKI,
SINDA, the Eurasian Association and
other associations such as People’s
Association and NTUC. In 2013, MDIS
awarded degree scholarships to
deserving candidates from self-help
groups for the first time.
As of 31 December 2014, the MDIS
Education Trust Fund had accumulated
about S$13.9 million in funds and
presented 740 recipients with
scholarship and Bursary awards. More
than S$4.4 million in scholarship and
bursary awards had been disbursed,
benefitting over 6,000 recipients, over
the period of 19 years.
“To give away money
is an easy matter and
in any man’s power. But to
decide to whom to give it,
and how large, and when,
and for what purpose and
how, is neither in every
man’s power nor an easy
matter.” – Aristotle
36
Achieving a
Quality Education
MDIS’ branding and quality assurance initiatives enable its students to receive
quality education from a consistent and reputable private institution that
continuously raises the bar to be the institution of choice.
EduTrust Certification (MDIS & MDIS College)
MDIS
MDIS and MDIS College first received their four-year EduTrust
Certification in 2010 and they have once again proved their high
quality standards of education in receiving the EduTrust Certification
from the Council for Private Education for another four years.
This is a mark of educational and service excellence awarded to Private
Education Institutions (PEIs) that meet the Council’s stringent standards
and requirements. It is a significant milestone for MDIS as it attests to
the institute’s exemplary education and business excellence standards.
MDIS College
MDIS is also amongst the first batch of PEIs to be registered under
the Enhanced Registration Framework.
MDIS
MDIS College
ISO 9001 Certification (MDIS & MDIS College)
The ISO 9001 certification – an international series of standards
which ensures effective implementation of quality assurance
systems – is given only to institutions that have established
themselves to uphold the strictest standards of service and
excellence. In a continued effort to reassure the student
population of their distinction and emphasis on quality, both
MDIS and MDIS College are ISO 9001 certified.
OHSAS 18001 Certification
The School of Health and Life Sciences’
laboratories are certified to be compliant
with the international standards of
occupational health and safety as set out
by the Occupational Health and Safety
Advisory Services (OHSAS) Project Group.
This validates that all equipment is kept
safe, functional and up-to-date.
37
Best Eco Practices (Merit) Award
MDIS was awarded the Eco Action
Award for Best Eco Practices (Merit)
in 2014 for its commitment to
environmental sustainability. This marks
the third green award that MDIS has
won, the first two being the Building
and Construction Authority’s Green
Mark Gold Plus Award in 2010 and
2013 respectively.
Green measures were fundamentally
interwoven into the construction of
the campus to inculcate eco-friendly
and energy-saving practices, such as
using rainwater to irrigate the campus
landscape, solar energy to supply
hot water for showers at the hostel
and insulating the buildings from the
heat. Through the judicious use of
heat shields, reflectors, architectural
ventilation and double-glazed
windows, the campus is kept cool
and pleasant without excess airconditioning, minimising and saving
on energy costs.
E – Engage with passion
N – Notice unspoken needs
R – Responsive and innovative
I – Inspire learning
C – Commit to excellence
H – Happy to serve
Customer-Centric Initiative
MDIS kickstarted its journey in the
pursuit of achieving Service-Class
(S-Class) recognition and embarked on
a series of customer-centric initiatives
(CCI) in order to be amongst the best
in the industry.
Launched in February 2014, the
exercise included intensive surveys of
staff and students to better understand
the work scope, responsibilities and
levels of customer service towards
attaining world class service standards
at the institution. The Strategic
Service Intent statement: “At MDIS, we
E.N.R.I.C.H your learning experience”
was introduced.
MDIS staff attended a half-day workshop
in preparation for the CCI, S-Class
certification. They learnt what E.N.R.I.C.H.
stood for, and how they could be
an essential part of MDIS’ journey in
attaining the S-Class award in 2015.
MDIS’ Strategic Service
Intent Statement:
At MDIS,
we E.N.R.I.C.H your
learning experience.
MDIS was awarded the Eco Action Award for its commitment
to environmental sustainability
38
Moulding WellRounded Students
Apart from educational knowledge, MDIS strives to
equip students with skills that set the stage for success
upon graduation. The result is students who are more
prepared, confident and ready for the future.
to a series of graduate talks held by
industry speakers throughout the year.
Career Assistance
Whether a fresh graduate or an alumni is
making a career choice, researching their
options, struggling to make a decision,
or ready to hit the road with a job search
plan, they are encouraged to consult
with a career counsellor. The Career
Assistance Unit (CAU) provides career
coaching and guidance to the students
– easing their entry to the workforce.
Through CAU’s career portal – MDIS
Career Hub, registered students will
not only be able to create and update
an online resume, they will also be
able to view company profiles and
openings, and send their resumes
to any partnering employer of MDIS.
Students can also stay updated with the
latest news and events and receive jobhunting advice from the industry. With
a full range of career services including
job matching, career counselling,
industry tours and career talks, CAU
has helped students find work and
provided networking opportunities
with industrial partners.
MDIS also conducted 62 industrial
tours to Singapore’s statutory boards
and multinational companies such
as Bloomberg, Yamazaki Mazak, ST
Microelectronics Asia Pacific and Asia
Pacific Brewery in 2014. This is in addition
From the graduate surveys held in 2014,
it is heartening to know that despite
the challenging economic outlook and
tightened foreign talents policy, about
80% of Masters and Degree students
were employed by the time of their
graduation, with most holding full-time
job appointments. Some 79% of degree
graduates were employed within six
months of their graduation.
MDIS Career Fair
Over 30 companies – such as Aztech
Group Ltd, DBS Bank, and Singapore
Marriott Hotel – took part in the MDIS
on-campus career fair. Keeping in line
with the motto Are you ready for the
future?, the institute encouraged all
jobseekers to step out of their comfort
zone to determine their own career.
To help students prepare for the career
fair, CAU also conducted a series of
pre-career fair workshops prior to the
event. Emphasising on skills such as
resume writing, interview preparation
and personality profiling, the workshops
80%
Graduates employed
by the time of graduation
helped students get into the right frame of
mind to prepare them to meet what might
turn out to be their future employers.
MDIS Experience
Employers these days look beyond
academic qualifications when assessing
prospective candidates; which is why
the MDIS Experience workshops remain
a strong focus of the institute. These
workshops are a prerequisite for all fulltime students and are designed to instil
critical skills such as business etiquette,
effective communication, problem solving
and relationship building in students.
Over 30 companies took part in the
MDIS on-campus career fair
Maersk hosted MDIS students for an industry visit
39
An International
Perspective
Through creating strategic alliances both regionally
and globally, MDIS works towards bolstering growth
and improvement throughout the institution.
Promoting International
Participation
MDIS proactively looks to spread its
programmes to countries beyond
Singapore. 2014 saw the third batch
of students from the Central African
country of Gabon undertake the
Graduate Certificate in Public
Administration and Management
(GCPAM) programme at MDIS.
Sponsored by the Gabonese government,
the students first took three levels of
English classes – Basic, Intermediate and
Advance – before proceeding to the
GCPAM programme for another four and a
half months. Studying under experienced
lecturers from the public sector, the
students learnt how Singapore’s efficient
civil service has consistently been a model
for the rest of the world.
In addition to classroom lectures,
the students were brought to various
government statutory boards and
places of interest as part of their learning
journey. For example, they visited the
NEWater Plant in Bedok to learn how
Singapore conserves and reclaims its
water resources. Additionally, visits to
Chinatown and Little India enabled
them to learn how Singapore preserves
its heritage.
The batch of students who started
their programme in May 2014 have
returned to Gabon in March 2015 to
resume their appointments within
the civil service.
Building International
Alliances
2014 was also an important year
for the institute’s collaborative
arrangement with the Zhejiang
Technical Institute of Economics
(ZJTIE). ZJTIE renewed its agreement
with MDIS to provide the Advanced
Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality
Management and the Advanced
Diploma in International Trade and
Commerce programmes in Zhejiang.
The blended learning approach of
classroom lectures and on-site visits
enriched the knowledge and experience
of the students from Gabon
About 300 students from ZJTIE
are enrolled in the respective
advanced diplomas with about
100 of them graduating every year.
After completion of their advanced
diplomas, students may choose to
continue their bachelor’s degree
programmes at MDIS in Singapore.
The cohort of graduating students from Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics, China
40
Developing Strong
Competencies in People
In a strategic move to diversify its offerings in training solutions,
MDIS Corporation Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of MDIS has acquired the
Service Quality Centre (SQC).
Service Quality Centre
In July 2014, MDIS took a a significant
step in securing its position as a
premium provider of training solutions
in the region by acquiring the Service
Quality Centre (SQC).
Founded by Singapore Airlines
(SIA) and Singapore Productivity
and Standards Board, SQC was
established in 1990 as part of
the government’s efforts to raise
service standards in Singapore. The
suites of services provided by SQC
include service excellence, quality
and productivity-related training
solutions for notable entities such as
financial and healthcare institutions
and supermarket chains, as well as
government ministries and agencies.
SQC is a strong brand synonymous
with service and quality excellence,
and credited for world-class standards
delivered by major corporations in
the region. Since 1999, SQC is the only
organisation that has partnered and
assisted 11 organisations to win the
coveted Singapore Quality Award (SQA),
the highest business excellence accolade
in Singapore.
The concerted effort between SQC
and MDIS’ existing corporate training
arm, the Management Development
and Consultancy (MDC), will enable the
institution to provide holistic corporate
training solutions that will meet the everchanging standards and demands
of businesses and consumers.
MDIS has set aside S$1.5million to renovate
its Dhoby Ghaut campus to house both
training units under one roof. Located
in the heart of the city, the campus will
have enhanced facilities such as modular
training rooms, a refreshed façade and
reception area. In addition, three concept
rooms will be added to facilitate SQC’s
training courses.
SQC’s Award Winning Partners:
• PSA Corporation
• Singapore Police Force
• Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
• Singapore Civil Defence Force
• Singapore Prisons Service
• Public Utilities Board
• Land Transport Authority
• Ministry of Manpower
• Raffles Institution
• National Library Board
• Building Construction Authority
The collaboration is an important
milestone in aligning MDIS’ vision of
promoting lifelong learning and bringing
about natural synergy between MDIS and
SQC in raising the standards of service
excellence in Singapore and the region.
People
Excellence
Corporate
Excellence
Service
Quality
Centre
Productivity
and Quality
Service
Excellence
Environment,
Health and
Safety
41
Developing an Active
Research Environment
Having established itself as one of the leading institutes in the private education
sector, MDIS now turns to prepare itself to meet the challenges of the changing
educational landscape through the MDIS Applied Research Centre (MARC).
MDIS Applied
Research Centre
Established in July 2014, MARC aims to
build a vibrant research environment
that encourages discovery, innovation
and enterprise amongst MDIS staff and
students. MARC could also serve as an
incubation centre for research projects
that have the potential to be translated
into entrepreneurial ventures.
Research projects at MARC can be
broadly grouped into two categories –
biomedical research and management
research. Full-time lecturers at MDIS
are encouraged to take on a Principal
Investigator (PI) role at MARC where they
will submit research proposals, as well as
secure approvals and funding to pursue
their research interests. A guideline is
set out for concrete deliverables such as
publications, seminars and conferences.
Innovative research is not new to MDIS.
Dr Christina Floresca from the MDIS
MDIS academics having a discussion
School of Health and Life Sciences, in
collaboration with Associate Professor
Tan Swee Ngin and Mr Lawrence Kuek
from Nanyang Technological University,
had published a research article on
a low-cost glucose biosensor in 2014
(Kuek et al., 2014). Their findings were
MDIS academics have published a total of 18 articles since 2012 on diverse
subjects in different journals. Below are research articles from our MDIS
academics published in 2014:
An Empirical Examination of Decision Styles of Managers, Management
Development Journal of Singapore, Ajay Kumar Pillai and Dr Anngieline Lu.
Age Diversity and its Impact on Employee Performance in Singapore, International
Journal of Research and Development in Technology and Management Science,
Darwin Joseph R.
A “green” cellulose paper based glucose amperometric biosensor. Sensors and
Actuators B, Kuek, C. S. K., Tan, S. N., and Floresca, C. Z.
“Foreign Exchange Risk in the FDI Decisions: A Case Study of Myanmar Currency’s
Exchange Rates”, Asian Journal of Business and Management, Dr Sein Min.
Demographic Factors in the Evaluation of Service Quality in Higher Education:
A Structural Equation Model (SEM) Approach, International Journal of Marketing
Studies, Dr Sein Min.
Equipping MBAs for the Challenges and Opportunities Ahead, People Matters,
Dr Kurian, Alby A.
Overseas Business, India Today (Aspire) All India edition, Dr Kurian, Alby A.
published in the strong impact Sensors
and Actuators academic journal and were
also subsequently featured in the Hispanic
Business Journal and Electrochemistry
Communications Journal. Full time lecturers
from the MDIS Business School have also
routinely published professional papers
in journals, news articles, reports and
magazines, contributing towards academic
research in MDIS.
MARC intends to carry out at least three
research projects in 2015, namely, a water
conservation project, an energy conservation
project, and a diabetes research project.
Other projects in the pipeline include
a heavy metal remediation project and
another biosensor research project.
With the launch of MARC, MDIS aims
to become a research institute that is
recognised both locally and regionally for
its ability to conduct high-quality research
across a broad range of disciplines. An active
research environment will not only help
MDIS to distinguish itself from other private
education institutes but also pave the way
for MDIS to establish collaborations with
relevant research institutes or industries
through conferences, seminars, workshops
or exchanges.
I
Inspiring Environment
Facilities designed for optimal learning
experience foster an innovative culture within
the campus to enable holistic development.
Students exchanging ideas at MDIS Resource Hub
44
Fostering Vibrant
Learning and Living
Ensuring that students
living abroad can still feel
at home, MDIS creates
a dynamic environment
for learning, living and
meeting new friends from
all over the world.
MDIS Residences Resident Committee
(MRRC) was formed in January 2013
to encourage a spirit of comradeship
and fellowship amongst residents of
the MDIS hostel. Last year, the MRRC
organised several activities, such as the
Welcome Barbeque in May 2014 where
120 students came together to mingle
and enjoy some good food.
As the MDIS Residence sees itself as a
home away from home for many students,
the MRRC also held a Mid-Autumn Festival
celebration in September 2014 for those
who would normally be celebrating the
festival at home. The 119 students enjoyed
feasting on delicious moon cakes available
in various flavours, taking part in games
and admiring the full moon.
45
A Halloween Party was also held in October 2014 where students were
encouraged to tap into their creativity and go wild with their costumes. 150
tickets were snapped up before the event, which saw students participating in
activities including the haunted house, a photo booth, face painting, fortune
telling, and a mystery box game.
Student showcasing his superb skills in a game of pool
Students working out in the gym, keeping fit
Students capturing their fun costume in the photo booth during the Halloween Party
Students enjoying a relaxing moment together
46
Imparting Moral Values
The MDIS campus at Stirling Road is
peppered with inspirational statues designed
to inculcate a sense of virtue, morality and
social responsibility in our students. Cast and
sculptured from bronze, their ubiquitous
presence reminds everyone walking through
the campus that we should, at all times, strive
to be the best person that we can be.
MDIS prides itself in providing a holistic
learning experience – one where students are
not only prepared for work, but also one where
they are prepared for their future by being
instilled with strong fundamental values.
Filial Piety
The Chinese concept of filial piety (Chinese: 孝, xiào)
encapsulates the merits of respect for one’s elders.
The engraved rock with Chinese inscriptions placed
at the MDIS campus serves as a constant reminder
to students of the importance MDIS places on
filial piety and family values.
The Family
(Family Bond)
The Jubilant
MDIS Student
The family is the foundation, the
sacred rock. It is a unique relationship
where each member is a different
individual brought together as one.
They are connected to each other by
‘heart’, invisible threads of life-blood,
kinship and dreams.
MDIS cultivates a culture
of creativity to enliven the
students’ experiential learning,
competencies, skills and core
values for greater success.
47
Galloping to Success
Horses symbolise endurance, stamina,
power, performance and soundness –
qualities that makes one a champion.
At MDIS, these qualities are harnessed
to nurture the strengths of every student,
in realising their full potential. Each of
them is empowered with knowledge and
life’s lessons to become better equipped
to actualise their vision and turn their
ideals to reality.
Mother and Child (A Mother’s Love)
The Ten Sages of the World
A mother is a very special person. She is a child’s first and most
important teacher and mentor. She is strong in protecting her
children, yet tender in her loving care for them. The bonds are deeper
than words can express. She is firm in imparting her teachings to her
children and generous in her praises of them.
MDIS has high regards for gurus who have
left a legacy of wisdom. Each of the Ten Sages
have individually influenced many lives and
redefined the way many think, learn and live.
Aptly, they are chosen as inspiring figures to
stimulate MDIS students’ interest in education
and motivate them to greater learning.
48
Inspiring a Heart
for Society
Aside from academic success, MDIS instils in its students the
importance of contributing back to the society by taking an active
role in implementing community outreach initiatives.
SFD Collaboration with
Jean-Sebastien Choo
In March 2014, the MDIS School
of Fashion & Design worked with
Ms Choo Kah Ying and her son,
Jean-Sebastien Choo, to develop
merchandise designs that would raise
funds for A Mother’s Wish (AMW), a
social enterprise that seeks to create a
community that subsidises activities
for individuals with moderate to
severe autism. Sebastien is autistic
himself and loves to paint, and the
students from the school sought to
incorporate his art into their projects.
Jalan Kayu Community Day
Dedicated to caring and sharing with
the community, for the fifth year
running, MDIS sponsored S$30,000
worth of goodies and cash vouchers
to 150 needy families in the Jalan Kayu
constituency in support of the Jalan
Kayu Heartstrings Programme. The event
on 14 June was graced by the Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Members
of the Ang Mo Kio GRC and grassroots
leaders at the Hwi Yoh Community
Centre. Each family received a goodie
bag worth S$30 along with S$170 worth
of cash vouchers. As the founding
sponsor, MDIS has since contributed a
total of S$150,000 to the event.
PM Lee presents S$170 worth of cash
vouchers to a Jalan Kayu resident
Annual Blood Donation Drive
On 24 June, the MDIS Student Council
held its annual blood donation drive at
SAMTAS Hall, MDIS Campus. By the end
of the day, a total of 44 units of blood
was collected by the Red Cross. This is a
wonderful achievement that highlights
the hard work and efforts of the MDIS
Student Council in facilitating the event.
Ms Choo Kah Ying (left) and Jean-Sebastien Choo (centre) with a
lecturer from the School of Fashion and Design
49
Metta Charity Cycling
Students from the MDIS School of
Fashion & Design’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
Marketing and Branding programme did
their part for charity and took charge of
the annual fundraiser for the Metta Welfare
Association. Organised in collaboration
with Elite Advisory Services (EAS), the
Charity Ride took place on 25 May at East
Coast Park. While cycling was the highlight
of the event, participants were also treated
to a bento picnic in addition to games and
other fun-filled activities.
The exercise helped the Metta Day
Rehabilitation Centre for the Elderly
and the Metta Hospices raise money
to continue operations for the rest of
the year. It also served as an excellent
opportunity for the students to flex
their business muscles in a practical
setting. Not only did they brainstorm
for games and novel marketing ideas,
the time they spent helping out at the
event also taught them a lot about
the importance of planning, teamwork
and community work.
No Tobacco Day
The annual World No Tobacco Day (WNTD)
is observed around the world on 31 May
every year as a way to encourage people
MDIS students create an awareness of the hazards of tobacco use
everywhere to abstain from tobacco,
if not permanently, then at least just
for a day. In support of this event, the
MDIS Business Club’s Social Enterprise
Subcommittee organised MDIS’ very
own No Tobacco Day on 30 May
at the campus.
While the main goal of the event was
to raise awareness about the harm that
tobacco causes, the subcommittee –
seeing how mouth and lung cancer
is one of the leading causes of death
resulting from tobacco use – saw an
opportunity to help the Singapore
Cancer Society raise some money by
selling daffodil pens and mini-bears at
their booth. The latter was extremely
popular and sold out in less than a day,
allowing the club to make a sizeable
S$500 donation to the Singapore
Cancer Society.
Visit to Sasco Senior
Citizens’ Home
On 5 November, MDIS staff and
student volunteers brought whoops
of laughter and good cheer to residents
during their visit to Sasco’s Home for
Seniors. Residents were treated to a
scrumptious high tea and red packets
were handed to senior citizens. With
fun activities ranging from a friendly
bingo tournament to singalong
sessions, the smiles on the faces of
residents made the day memorable.
MDIS staff and student volunteers
interacting with residents of the Home
50
Forging Bonds for Life
The Membership & Alumni Relations Department of MDIS organises
specially-crafted events that allow individuals to maintain enduring bonds
beyond their school years.
MDIS 59th Annual
General Meeting
Despite challenging and volatile market
conditions in 2013, MDIS gamely
embarked on regional expansion in
the form of MDIS Malaysia. This was
revealed at the 59th Annual General
Meeting held on 7 June 2014 in the
MDIS Auditorium.
The meeting attended by close to
170 members was presided by MDIS
President Dr Eric Kuan; MDIS SecretaryGeneral, Dr R Theyvendran, PBM; and
MDIS Honorary Treasurer, Mr Roger
Tham Kong Khuan. The meeting
revealed that MDIS’ net assets has
grown from S$198.8 million in 2012 to
S$222.7 million in 2013.
It was also shared with members
that the institution was becoming
increasingly involved in a large number
of corporate social responsibility
More than 1,800 participants came together for a mass Qigong
display in conjunction with the We Love SG Flowers campaign
programmes. Members expressed their
appreciation to the MDIS Governing
Council for their leadership in scaling
new heights and establishing a global
presence amidst numerous challenges.
MDIS Breakfast Talks 2014
MDIS President Dr Eric Kuan; MDIS
Secretary-General, Dr R Theyvendran,
PBM; and MDIS Honorary Treasurer,
Mr Roger Tham Kong Khuan presided
over the annual general meeting held
on 7 June 2014
The MDIS Breakfast Talks 2014 proved
popular with members and stakeholders,
providing ample networking opportunities.
Presented by highly respected professionals
in their fields, the talks were insightful and
well received.
A wide range of topics were covered,
from hot button issues such as cyber
threats and security to social matters
such as striking a work-life balance.
Notably, the MDIS Members’ Day
attracted more than 250 participants.
Titled Emerging Trends in HR Practices,
the seminar featured leading trends
and developments in the field of
human resource, the importance of
understanding local labour laws, as well
as how social media can impact hiring
and development decisions.
51
Membership Activities
The MDIS campus was abuzz with
activity on 14 September 2014 as it
hosted the We Love SG Flowers cum
Qigong Mass Display event. Organised
by the People’s Association and Qigong
Shi Ba Shi Association, more than 1,800
participants came together with a mass
Qigong display in conjunction with the
We Love SG Flowers campaign. Present
at the event were Mr Heng Chee How,
Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s
Office and Mr Ang Hak Seng, Chief
Executive, People’s Association.
2014 was also filled with numerous
other activities and events targeted
at forging closer ties among members
such as International Day, the Blood
Donation Drive, and the ever popular
basketball, badminton and soccer
tournaments.
In October, MDIS members also took
part in the well-received MDIS Talentime
2014, where 14 finalists wowed the
audience and charmed the judges with
their songs and contemporary dance
moves. It was truly an entertaining night
for both contestants and the audience.
The traditionally popular badminton tournament saw many
members’ active participation
Alumni Activities
MDIS alumni hosted a series of activities
in 2014, from movie nights to a food
trail in Malaysia. Among which, the
MDIS Homecoming event saw alumni
members return to their alma mater and
gather for a buffet reception. They were
also entertained by dance performances
put up by MDIS dance groups and
activities such as brain teasers, picture
matching games, a robot display, a live
DJ console and a makeshift mocktail bar.
More than 250 participants attended
the MDIS Members’ Day seminar titled
“Emerging Trends in HR Practices”
In addition to recreational events,
enrichment workshops such as Rapport
Building and the Art of Networking,
The Secret to Becoming the Key Person
of Influence and Achieving Financial
Freedom – Investment Workshops
continue to take centre stage for
alumni members.
The food trail event to Malaysia organised
by MDIS alumni received many positive
feedback from the participants
S
Steadfast Commitment
MDIS personnel, who are experienced and
passionate to serve, facilitate students’
educational pathway and prepare them for
the challenges of the new economy.
A Student Admission Specialist furnishing course information to a prospective student
54
Transcending Borders,
Expanding Globally
The MDIS vision comes to live in Uzbekistan as MDIS Tashkent
continues to blaze a trail of excellence by scoring a number
of monumental achievements.
MDIS Tashkent
2014 marked the seventh year of
sustained growth, since MDIS was
first established in Uzbekistan. On
19 February 2014, MDIS Tashkent
welcomed its second rector –
Dr Salikhov Jasur. He was assigned
to this position by the order of the
Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic
of Uzbekistan on 12 February 2014
after the first rector of MDIS Tashkent,
Dr Rizaev Farkhod, was promoted as
the first Deputy Minister of Higher
and Secondary Special Education of
the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2013.
surpassing 1,800 in 2013 to reach 2,300.
As such, MDIS Tashkent will be exploring
to expand its campus with approval
from the government of Uzbekistan.
The Future is Ours to Make
MDIS Tashkent held its 4th Graduation
Ceremony on 17 October 2014 at the
Uzbekistan Banking Association. This
year’s event took place under the
slogan The Future is Ours to Make! and
more than 340 students were awarded
Bachelor and Master degrees.
Record Breaking
Student Enrolment
Notable Visits by Bloomberg
LP and Uzbekistan-Singapore
Business Forum
2014 was also a record breaking year
for MDIS Tashkent in terms of student
enrolment. The student population
of the institution increased by 40%,
On 17 March 2014, Bloomberg LP
visited MDIS Tashkent to explore
potential collaboration opportunities.
In accordance with PD-1438 Decree
MDIS Tashkent graduate being congratulated
by Dr Eric Kuan, MDIS President
of the President of the Republic
of Uzbekistan, MDIS Tashkent was
designated with creating a special
financial market training centre, which
will simulate the actual trading floor
environment of international banks and
stock markets to provide enhanced job
opportunities for students and specialists.
Additionally, the participants of
Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum
visited the MDIS Tashkent campus on
1 April 2014. Comprising business
individuals and important leaders from
Singapore, the delegation was delighted
to meet with staff and students and
acquaint themselves with the MDIS
Tashkent campus. The guests from
Singapore were impressed by the stateof-the-art facilities, and expressed their
interest in coming back and conducting
lectures for the students.
Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum participants at the MDIS Tashkent campus
Dr Salikhov Jasur,
Rector of MDIS Tashkent
Hosting Prominent Events
On 30 May 2014, the III Forum
of Young Scientists and Economists
– organised by the Institute of
Forecasting and Macroeconomic
Research, under the Cabinet
of Ministers of the Republic of
Uzbekistan and in collaboration with
a wide variety of partner companies
– was held in MDIS Tashkent. Aimed
at intensifying research by bringing
intellectual youth potential together
to solve problems on topical issues
surrounding Applied Economic
Sciences, the forum also sought
to identify and support talented
young people seeking to realise
their creative potential through
scientific activities.
Giving students the opportunity to
exchange ideas with academia and
practitioners, MDIS Tashkent held its
first International Tourism Conference
(ITC) on 15 October 2014. The
objective of ITC 2014 was to explore
contemporary and future issues in the
hospitality and tourism industry, and
to exchange knowledge on stateof-the-art research in hospitality and
tourism. The conference focused on
a range of topics related to current
issues in the hospitality and tourism
industry, and specific aspects of the
industry’s development in Uzbekistan.
During the conference, academia and
business representatives both delivered
and gained valuable insights by
sharing their findings with the invited
guests, faculty members and fellow
students. The exchange of ideas
and perspectives empowered the
participants to improve their research
work and potentially have their work
published in international journals.
The event also provided students
with the unique opportunity to
present their research work in a real
conference setting, allowing them
to gain experience in a professional
environment. MDIS Tashkent has
plans to broaden its scope of work
in human capital development in
Uzbekistan’s tourism sector.
Happy graduates at the 4th MDIS Tashkent Graduation Ceremony
Joyful graduates celebrating their success
55
56
Reaching Beyond
Our Shores
MDIS is on the way to expanding the brand globally with the first phase
of its largest overseas campus, MDIS Malaysia, at EduCity, Iskandar,
Johor, slated for completion in 2016.
An artist’s impression of the MDIS Malaysia campus
Development of MDIS Malaysia
Campus (Phase 1)
On 5 September 2013, MDIS Malaysia
held its groundbreaking ceremony in
the prestigious educational enclave of
EduCity in Iskandar, Johor. Officiated
by Guest-of-Honour YAB Tan Sri Dato’
Hj Muhyiddin bin Hj Mohd Yassin,
Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Education and Special
Guest YAB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled
bin Nordin, the Menteri Besar of Johor,
the event marked the beginning of
construction work on MDIS’ largest
overseas campus.
The development of the modern
campus at EduCity Iskandar is
progressing well, and the first phase of
construction is slated for completion
in 2016. Once completed, the campus
The five-day student exchange in December 2014 afforded 18 students from MDIS Malaysia
a chance to study and interact with students from MDIS Singapore
57
will boast a wide variety of state-of-theart amenities. These include film and
radio studios, an audio-editing room,
a hospitality training centre, computer
laboratories, conveniently-situated
prayer rooms, two canteens catering to
halal and non-halal menus separately, a
600-seater auditorium, a multi-purpose
hall, and sports and recreational
facilities that range from a gym and
fitness centre to badminton halls, table
tennis tables, sepak takraw courts and
basketball courts.
In line with MDIS’ Green Campus
philosophy, the eco- and disabledfriendly integrated campus will also
be fitted with solar panels, rainwater
collection tanks and green walls to reap
up to 10% of energy and water savings
annually, minimising the impact the
campus will have on its environment.
MDIS Malaysia City Campus
The City Campus at Johor Bahru City
Square welcomed over 100 students in
2014. With a capacity of 300 students,
comprising five classrooms, two
computer laboratories, a library, and
office, this campus will nurture students
for the first two years of their higher
education before moving them to the
EduCity campus for their remaining
tertiary education.
MDIS Malaysia Merit
Achievement Awards
MDIS Malaysia awarded the Merit
Achievement Award to more than 70
students studying at the MDIS Malaysia
City Campus in 2014. Under the scheme,
students are eligible for a RM1,000
scholarship on course fees for every “A”
grade they achieve at the SPM level. The
maximum payout under this unique
recognition of merit by outstanding
students is RM6,000 each.
MDIS Malaysia will continue to extend
the Merit Achievement Awards to
deserving students in 2015. In addition,
two more special awards – the
Leadership Scholarship Award and the
Some 40 MDIS student volunteers celebrated Merdeka Cheers with children
from the Johor Spastic Children’s Association
Wawasan (Vision) Scholarship Award –
with a value of RM31,000 each will also be
introduced. This is part of MDIS’ corporate
social responsibility efforts to nurture
talents and meet the needs of Malaysia’s
future manpower resources.
Merdeka Cheers
Some 40 MDIS student volunteers
celebrated Merdeka Cheers with children
from the Johor Spastic Children’s
Association on 2 September 2014. The
children were full of joy as they gleefully
waved mini Malaysia flags at their
parents, teachers and special guests who
graced the ceremony as MDIS student
volunteers wheeled them around
the school’s compound in Jalan Dato
Menteri, Johor.
Much to the delight of the guests, the
children also put up an impromptu
dance performance together with MDIS
students. The activity taught MDIS
students the importance of community
service and inspired them to give back
to the society in the future.
Student Exchange Programme
On 8 December 2014, 18 students from
MDIS Malaysia had the pleasure of
experiencing campus life in Singapore.
Hailing from the MDIS Malaysia’s School
of Business and School of Information
Technology, the students had the
opportunity to study and interact with
students from four different schools at
the Singapore MDIS Campus for a period
of five days.
Throughout their stay, these students
were exposed to a variety of academic
disciplines. Lecturers from the School of
Fashion and Design, for instance, taught
them basic colour theory and how they
could employ colour coordination to
strengthen their designs, while lecturers
from the School of Tourism and
Hospitality demonstrated how cocktails
were made. On day four, students learnt
basic laboratory etiquette at the School
of Health and Life Sciences, followed
by a session on phonetics at the School
of Languages. Taking some time off to
explore tourist sites in Singapore, the
students also visited the Underwater
World on Sentosa Island.
Teen Leadership Camp
Providing an avenue for students to hone
their leadership and event management
skills, around 80 students from various
secondary schools attended the Teen
Leadership Camp organised by MDIS
Malaysia on 13 December 2014. The
camp consisted of leadership talks in the
morning followed by team-based games
to enhance the students’ teamwork and
management skills. The students found
the camp to be fun, engaging
and enriching.
58
Excellence
Through the Years
Achieving numerous milestones throughout its more than five decades of
history, Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit institution has gained the trust and
reputation to be recognised as an industry leader.
1950s
Era of Early
Industrialisation
1956 Philanthropist Mr Loke Wan
Tho was its first Chairman and the
Supervisory and Management Training
Association of Singapore (SAMTAS)
was formed primarily to address the
industrial relations problems and
issues facing the Singapore workforce.
Throughout the 1960s, SAMTAS played
a crucial role in training supervisors
on subjects ranging from job relations
to industrial safety.
1960s
Former Patron and Trustee, Mr Tan Hoay Gie received recognition for his
contributions at MDIS’ Inaugural Ceremony (1985)
Formation of SIM
1961 SAMTAS opened its first library
with 281 books on management and
supervision, probably the one and only
organisation to possess such a library then.
University, Singapore Polytechnic,
Adult Education Board, Joint Chambers
of Commerce and the Singapore
Manufacturers Association.”
1963 SAMTAS pioneered the TrainingWithin-Industries (TWI) courses in
Singapore, in line with the government’s
plans to promote industrialisation in
the country.
Upon SIM’s formation, Mr Tan Hoay
Gie was appointed by the Board of
Governors as one of the representatives
from SAMTAS. Throughout the early
years of SIM, SAMTAS was represented
by its Executive Committee, and was
actively involved in the joint organisation
of seminars and other activities.
On 31 December 1963, SAMTAS’ yearend report stated, “It has always been
the long-term objective of SAMTAS to
aim at the establishment of a Singapore
Institute of Management (SIM). The
task of the formation of SIM has now
been taken over by the Management
Training Committee comprising
SAMTAS, Economic Development
Board, University of Singapore, Nanyang
1969 Endorsement from the Singapore
government was forthcoming. A national
seminar on Management Development
and Performance was opened by the
then Minister of Finance, Dr Goh Keng
Swee. It was jointly sponsored by
SAMTAS and six other organisations.
1970s
Supervisory Era
1970 The second national seminar,
Strategy for the Development of
Managers, was opened by the then
Minister for Finance, Mr Hon Sui Sen,
and jointly sponsored by the same
seven organisations.
1975 SAMTAS successfully ran the
Certificate in Industrial Management
course by collaborating with the
Institution of Works Managers (IWM)
of the United Kingdom.
1976 Together with IWM, SAMTAS
collaborated with the Lancastrian School
of Management (LSM) based in Lancaster
Polytechnic (now collectively known as
59
the University of Central Lancashire)
to offer the Certificate in Supervisory
Management course.
1980s
Business
Management
1982 In conjunction with LSM,
SAMTAS launched the Certificate in
Management Studies. This was awarded
by both LSM and SAMTAS.
Concurrently, the vision to upgrade
SAMTAS’ status to that of a Professional
Institute was initiated.
1983 During the SAMTAS Anniversary
Dinner & Dance, SAMTAS Chairman,
Mr Paul Tan, said, “The history of
SAMTAS has earned remarkable
chapters. The chapter of providing
training has upgraded and produced
many trained supervisory and
management staff, and most of all,
the off-shoot of the Singapore Institute
of Management.”
At one of SAMTAS’ community events
it saw the coming together of 600
children from 18 children’s homes. The
Guest-of-Honour was Dr Tay Eng Soon,
the then Minister of State for Education
and Communication & Information.
1984 On 8 February, SAMTAS was
officially renamed the Management
Development Institute of Singapore
(MDIS). This move gave the institute
a more professional image. It also
upgraded the membership and
individual members were allowed
to use designatory letters.
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Ong Leng Chuan, gracing the MDIS Inaugural Ceremony (1985)
1985 The new MDIS logo was launched
at the inaugural ceremony graced by
Guest-of-Honour, Mr Ong Leng Chuan,
the then Honorary Chairman of the
Singapore Manufacturers’ Association
and board member of the Community
Chest of Singapore, held at the Mandarin
Singapore. In Mr Ong’s address, he
said, “This launching of the institute’s
logo serves to mark the many past
achievements and activities undertaken
when it was for many years known as
SAMTAS. It provides a new corporate
image to your organisation and an
impetus for your members to activate
the organisation further.”
Dr Tay Eng Soon, the then Minister of
State for Education and Communication &
Information, was the Guest-of-Honour at
MDIS’ first Anniversary Dinner and Dance.
1986 – 1989 MDIS collaborated with
various prestigious universities in the
United Kingdom, the United States of
America and Australia to offer certified
courses in Singapore. In line with adult
learners’ training needs, business
management courses were launched
in 1987.
In 1989, the MBA and Post-graduate
Diploma in Management Studies with
the University of East London (UK)
were launched. Subsequently for the
first time, the British Technician Council
(BTEC) gave approval for its Certificate
in Management Studies course to be
conducted in Asia.
1990s
Mass
Communications Era
1992 MDIS initiated several mass
communications programmes with the
Oklahoma City University (USA) and one
of them was the Master of Arts in Mass
Communications, the first of its kind
in Singapore.
MDIS also launched the certificate,
diploma and advanced diploma in
business management programmes
with the University of Bradford (UK).
An annual general meeting in session in the 1990s
60
1993 The Bachelor of Science (Honours)
in Business Management, awarded by
the University of Bradford was launched.
1994 To help small and medium-sized
enterprises, MDIS offered practical
management courses in critical
areas such as strategic and quality
management.
MDIS was accorded charity status under
the Charities Registration Act.
Push for
Regionalisation
1995 MDIS launched its own website
and began exploring the possibility of
recruiting students from abroad, which
was in line with the government’s
direction to promote education in Asia.
1996 The Property subcommittee was
formed to look into the acquisition of an
MDIS-owned building and the leasing
of other MDIS centres. To commemorate
its 40th anniversary, MDIS awarded 12
scholarships to members of the four
self-help groups to pursue pre-degree
programmes.
1997 MDIS was presented the
Friends of CDANS and SPANS award
by Mr Wong Kan Seng, the then
Minister for Home Affairs (CDANS
– Civil Defence Association for
National Servicemen and SPANS
– Singapore Police Association for
National Servicemen).
Concurrently, MDIS was awarded the
ISO 9001 Certification.
Scholarships were extended not only
to the four self-help groups, but also
to other organisations like the Home
Team NS (then known as Singapore
Police Association for National
Servicemen and the Civil Defence
Association for National Servicemen).
In addition, bursaries were also given
to students from secondary schools,
junior colleges, institutes of technical
education and polytechnics.
1999 The MDIS Education Trust
Fund was established and the
Institution of a Public Character
status was granted in 2000.
2000s
Singapore’s Call for
Entrepreneurship
and Enterprise
2000 MDIS became the first in
Singapore to offer the Entrepreneurship
with Management programme, which
is accredited by the University of Wales
(UK). At the same time, MDIS received
the People Developer Standard award.
Subsequently, the institute’s corporate
song, “MDIS...Where Lifelong Learning
Begins”, was composed.
Biomedical Sciences
as Fourth Pillar of
Singapore’s Economy
2001 MDIS became the first private
education provider to offer programmes
in biomedical sciences. S$2 million
was invested to acquire premises in
Dhoby Ghaut to set up the Centre for
Biomedical Sciences and Management
with up-to-date laboratories.
Subsequently, the institute purchased
the six-storey MDIS Headquarters
building at 190 Changi Road while
maintaining five other Lifelong Learning
Centres in strategic locations around
the island.
2002 MDIS began offering courses in
Information Technology, ranging from
one-day programmes to those leading
to diplomas and degrees. The institute’s
regionalisation efforts were brought to
new heights through the establishment
of its first regional representative office
in Thailand.
Focus on Quality
2003 Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister
of State for Law and Home Affairs,
Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee,
officially opened the MDIS Headquarters.
It boasted computer laboratories, a mass
communications studio, training rooms,
a bookshop, a cafe and a library.
MDIS was the first private education provider to offer Life Sciences course (2001)
61
MDIS started to provide training and
consultancy services overseas.
The former Temasek Polytechnic /
Queenstown ITE campus at 501 Stirling
Road was successfully acquired.
In the wake of the tsunami disaster, MDIS
donated S$25,000 as well as matched
donations brought in through it.
2005 Guest-of-Honour, the then Minister
for Community Development, Youth
and Sports, and Second Minister for
Information, Communications and the
Arts, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan graced the
groundbreaking ceremony of the threehectare MDIS UniCampus on 5 January.
A new Vision and Mission was launched
at the 50th AGM on 14 May.
The President’s Challenge (2003)
MDIS was one of the pioneers to be
awarded the Singapore Quality Class
(SQC) status for Private Education
Organisations (PEOs), based on the
Singapore Quality Award (SQA)
framework. This was a boost to the
institute that has been ISO 9001
certified since 1996.
The new mass communications
studio equipped with audio and visual
production facilities was opened in
February at the MDIS HQ.
MDIS attained the Singapore HEALTH
(Helping Employees Achieve Life-Time
Health) Bronze Award, which was later
upgraded to Silver.
A new Senate was formed, comprising
nine members.
MDIS awarded a full degree scholarship
to baby Tim Shee Zhe Guang, the first
leap year baby born.
In August, MDIS was awarded the CaseTrust
Accreditation for Private Education
Organisations (PEOs). This award recognised
that MDIS has attained a commendable
level of trustworthiness, professionalism,
and business and academic excellence.
It is also proof that MDIS has adopted
good practices and standards for student
protection and welfare.
All students and staff moved to the MDIS
UniCampus in mid-September. All other
centres have been released except for
two centres – the MDIS Dhoby Ghaut
and the MDIS Eunos (former MDIS HQ).
In addition to the S$250,000 given at the
2003 Scholarship and Bursary Awards
ceremony, another S$250,000 was
donated to the President’s Challenge 2003.
Moving Ahead
2004 Taking up former President
Mr S R Nathan’s suggestion to award
deserving international students, MDIS,
for the first time, offered 10 merit awards
worth S$2,000 each to students who
had performed well in their pre-degree
programmes. This was in addition to the
annual scholarship and bursary awards
given to local students. In total, close
to S$3 million have been disbursed
since 1996.
MDIS Secretary-General, Dr R Theyvendran, PBM, received a token of appreciation
from then Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in recognition of MDIS’ charitable
contributions (2004)
62
The MDIS School of Tourism and
Hospitality was launched at the
inaugural Regional Tourism and
Hospitality Conference on 5 March.
MDIS was the first Singapore institute to
sign a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Loyola College, one of India’s
top ten Colleges.
MDIS reached the milestone of having
more than 10,500 students enrolling in its
programmes, The 10,000th student, Fiona
Tumber, a Briton, received a bursary gift.
Tropical Breeze, MDIS’ hospitality training centre officially opened by
Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office (2007)
MDIS’ Golden
Jubilee Celebration
2006 A new six-member Academic
Advisory Board was formed, chaired by
the then Member of Parliament for Pasir
Ris-Punggol GRC, Dr Ahmad Magad.
To commemorate MDIS’ 50th Anniversary,
a ritzy Gala Dinner was held at the
luxurious Grand Ballroom of the Ritz
Carlton, Millenia Hotel on 15 July. The
guests present consisted of Patron and
Trustees, the Governing Council, MDIS
students, members, university partners,
ambassadors, agents and strategic
alliance partners.
A 50th Anniversary Video, Commemorative
Book, print advertising campaign and
a special 50th Anniversary logo were
also commissioned to mark MDIS’
Golden Jubilee.
MDIS announced that it would be
offering 50 Asian Scholarships to the
creme-de-la-crème, who hail from all
regions of Asia.
Student enrolment hit 9,000, out of
which about 3,000 were international
students from 49 different countries.
In view of the increasing demand for
educated and skilled workforce in the
two upcoming Integrated Resorts,
a new Diploma in Travel, Tourism
and Hospitality programme from
the University of Bradford (UK) was
commenced and so were several
degree programmes from the University
of Sunderland (UK).
On 15 December, the Minister for
Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang,
officially opened the Business School,
the largest and most established
school at MDIS.
At the end of 2006, the institute’s regional
representative offices were established
in six countries – Thailand, China, India,
Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Gearing up for the
Travel, Tourism and
Hospitality Industry
2007 Registered with the Ministry
of Education, Singapore, MDIS College
was awarded the CaseTrust for Education.
This award recognises MDIS College
as an organisation that has good
business practices.
The MDIS School of Tourism and
Hospitality was one of the first among
local private education providers to set up
a specialised hospitality training centre,
to meet the needs of the fast-growing
travel and tourism industry. The training
centre called Tropical Breeze was officially
opened by Minister, Prime Minister’s
Office and NTUC Secretary-General Mr
Lim Swee Say on 24 October 2007.
Creating
a New Milestone –
Spreading Our Wings
2008 On 12 November, MDIS held the
official opening ceremony at its first
overseas campus in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Guests-of-Honour included First Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Dr Rustum
Azimov as well as Minister for Higher
and Secondary Specialised Education of
the Republic of Uzbekistan, Dr Azimjon
Parpiev. The four-hectare campus also
houses a 160-bed hostel, a hospitality
training centre and sports facilities,
including an indoor swimming pool.
The joint venture marked the first
venture of a Singapore education
provider into Central Asia.
MDIS College was awarded the ISO 9001
Certification in February.
On 18 December, The Ten Sages
of the World statue was unveiled by
Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister of
State (Ministry of Law and Ministry of
Home Affairs), Associate Professor Ho
Peng Kee. The 10 sages include Aristotle,
Confucius, Einstein, Plato and Socrates,
eminent figures who embodied
virtue and wisdom. The life-sized
statue represents the values of those
eminent figures that MDIS wishes
to impart to the students.
MDIS has again broken new
ground by setting up the School
of Psychology and Early Childhood
Education. In collaboration with
Oklahoma City University, the
institute offered the certificate,
diploma, advanced diploma and
degree programmes.
Soaring to New
Heights with
Expansion Plans
2009 On 19 January, a cheque
of S$250,000 was presented by
63
President of MDIS, Dr Eric Kuan, to
the former President of Singapore,
Mr S R Nathan, for the President’s
Challenge 2009, kick-starting MDIS’
philanthropic activities of helping
the less fortunate.
On 3 March, MDIS held its hostel
groundbreaking ceremony at the
MDIS Campus with Guest-of-Honour,
Minister for Trade and Industry,
Mr Lim Hng Kiang, in attendance.
As part of MDIS’ expansion plans,
S$80 million of its cash reserves was
utilised to construct a campus-run
integrated hostel and training facilities
in Singapore. The 15-storey new hostel,
comprises 782 air-conditioned rooms
and 14 suites, and can accommodate
approximately 1,700 students.
On 8 July, the MDIS School of Media
and Communications and the MDIS
Media Hub were officially launched
by Guest-of-Honour, the late Dr Balaji
Sadasivan, then Senior Minister of
State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is a major accolade for MDIS as it
is the first private educational institute
to have a media and communications
training centre. The Media Hub, a
1,040-square-metre state-of-the-art
facility is of industry standards and is
fully equipped with a television studio,
radio studio and two lecture theatres.
Official opening of MDIS Tashkent (2008)
MDIS in collaboration with the
University of Glasgow, UK – a university
of international repute and well known
for research and teaching – launched
the Diploma and Higher Diploma
in Engineering in November 2009.
The MDIS School of Engineering’s
mission is to nurture engineering
professionals in diverse disciplines
by delivering first class education,
teaching excellence and providing
opportunities for leadership
development.
Former President of Singapore, Mr S R
Nathan on a tour of MDIS Campus (2009)
64
2010s
Enhancing Quality
Standards of
Excellence
2010 Since the launch of the MDIS
School of Engineering in May 2010, the
school has expanded to include an
Engineering workshop and laboratory.
The facilities, incorporating state-of-theart equipment, ensure that engineering
students acquire technical depth and
master relevant specialist applications
of technology.
MDIS and MDIS College have been
awarded the four-year EduTrust
Certification by the Council for Private
Education (CPE). This certification is a
significant milestone for MDIS and attests
to the institute’s exemplary education
and quality standards.
MDIS is amongst the first batch of
Private Education Institutions (PEIs)
to be registered under the Enhanced
Registration Framework (ERF) by CPE in
May 2010. The EduTrust Certification will
replace MDIS’ CaseTrust and Singapore
Quality Class (SQC) accreditations.
The institute will continue to uphold the
high quality standards of practice that
make MDIS shine as a premier PEI
in Singapore.
Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, being shown the new MDIS
Hostel model by MDIS President, Dr Eric Kuan, during the groundbreaking
ceremony (2009)
MDIS extended its global footprint to
Malaysia in June 2010. A landmark deal
was signed with Education@Iskandar to
purchase a 30-acre campus in Iskandar,
Johor, to set up its second overseas
campus. The RM300 million investment
is the first major deal by a Singaporean
group in the special economic zone. The
campus is expected to welcome its first
batch of students around 2016.
In July 2010, the Academic Board and
Examination Board were combined
into one entity known as the Academic
Quality and Examination Board (AQEB).
Arising from the review of the scope and
functions of both Boards, the change
was implemented to ensure greater
compliance with the Private Education
Regulations 2009, and for greater
effectiveness and efficiency in systems
and processes.
The MDIS Residences@Stirling is the very
first hostel in Singapore to be awarded
the Building and Construction Authority
Green Mark Gold Plus Award 2010 for
its environmentally friendly design. The
hostel has eco-friendly features and
integrated facilities that allow students
to live, learn and play in an interactive
and conducive environment.
The MDIS culture statement was
introduced to ensure the nurturing and
inculcation of the values of lifelong
learning among stakeholders. The
culture statement: MDIS embraces a
culture of lifelong learning to nurture and
maximise the potential of our stakeholders,
reinforces MDIS’ position as an institution
of lifelong learning.
VIPs viewing a model of the Iskandar
development (2010)
65
In November, the MDIS School of Fashion
and Design was launched. Collaborating
with the School of Art and Design,
Nottingham Trent University, UK, it offers
students two exciting programmes – The
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design
and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion
Marketing and Branding.
Making it a historical moment for MDIS,
the School of Life Sciences and the
School of Management of the University
of Bradford, UK, had a record breaking
43 students graduating with First Class
Honours in November 2011.
A significant milestone – MDIS Intergrated Campus Official Opening Ceremony (2011)
Celebrating
Significant Milestones
2011 On 8 July, the MDIS Residences@
Stirling Road was officially opened, with
former President of Singapore, Mr S R
Nathan gracing the event as Guest-ofHonour. A monumental event for MDIS,
the S$120 million campus boasts a S$80
million 15-storey hostel – the largest
built by a PEI. In addition, MDIS has also
embarked on a S$40 million upgrading
project to increase the capacity of its
existing campus.
The Ambassador of Uzbekistan
to Singapore conferred the
commemorative medal, Insignia
The year 2011 marked a successful 20year partnership between MDIS and the
Oklahoma City University, USA. Introduced
in 1992, MDIS was the first PEI in Singapore
to offer the well-received American Mass
Communications degree programme.
“O”zbekiston Respublikasi mustaqilligiga
20 yil (20 Years of Independence of
the Republic of Uzbekistan) to MDIS
Secretary-General, Dr R Theyvendran,
PBM, in September 2011. Recognised
for his significant role in developing
higher education in the Republic of
Uzbekistan, Dr R Theyvendran, PBM,
is the first Singaporean to be awarded
this prestigious medal.
MDIS Tashkent celebrated its first batch
of student graduates from the University
of Wales in October 2011. This inaugural
graduation signifies the success of MDIST
as an institute of higher learning and
highlights the synergy between MDIS
and the Government of Uzbekistan.
MDIS Residences@Stirling (2011)
Centre: MDIS Secretary-General,
Dr R Theyvendran, PBM, with
MDIS Tashkent graduates (2011)
66
MDIS campus, Block A new building with a curved glass façade and garden
roof terrace
A model of MDIS Malaysia campus (2012)
Monumental
Achievements
2012 The Sales and Purchase
Agreement for the MDIS Malaysia
campus site was signed with EduCity@
Iskandar Sdn Bhd on 29 February 2012.
MDIS Malaysia, a RM300 million selffunded investment project, is the
first by a Singaporean group in
EduCity, Iskandar.
MDIS awarded a S$30,000 Leap Year
Baby Scholarship to Adel Bin Mohamad
Khidir, the first leap year baby born in
2012, to pursue a degree programme.
Introduced in 2004, this is the third time
that the scholarship is being offered.
On 31 July 2012, the Ministry of Higher
Education, Malaysia approved the
establishment of an MDIS campus in
EduCity@Iskandar with the approved
college name, MDIS Malaysia.
It was a historic moment for MDIS
with a record number of 50 First Class
S$30,000 Leap Year Baby Scholarship
awarded to Adel Bin Mohamad
Khidir (2012)
Honours graduates from the University
of Bradford (UOB), UK, in November
2012. A significantly higher record than
2011, this commendable achievement
is a reflection of the excellent higher
learning opportunities provided by
MDIS and UOB.
As part of the S$40 million upgrading
project to increase the campus
capacity, MDIS saw the completion
of its main building (Block A) in
December 2012. The curved glass
façade building with a garden roof
terrace and Green Mark features is an
iconic landmark in the vicinity. The
building consists of four levels of
offices and a total of 16 classrooms.
Breaking
New Grounds
2013 The MDIS Groundbreaking
Ceremony of MDIS Malaysia at EduCity,
Iskandar, marked the commencement
of construction for MDIS’ largest overseas
campus. Witnessed by more than
700 dignitaries and guests from both
Singapore and Malaysia, the event was
a significant milestone for the institute
in the realisation of its plans and vision
for global expansion.
The ceremony was officially graced by
the Guest-of-Honour, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Hj
Muhyiddin bin Hj Mohd Yassin, Deputy
Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister
of Education; and the Special Guest, YAB
Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin,
the Menteri Besar of Johor.
It was a record breaking historic moment
for MDIS with 103 First Class Honours
graduates from the graduating class
of 2013 from the UK universities. The
remarkable achievement, surpassing
the 2012 record, is evidence of the
high quality standards of learning
67
Raising the Bar
2014 MDIS has once again proved
its high quality standards of education
by receiving yet another four-year
renewal for its EduTrust Certification.
Awarded by the Council for
Private Education, this certification
is testament to the institute’s
exemplary education and business
excellence standards.
In July 2014, MDIS acquired the Service
Quality Centre Pte Ltd (formerly known
as TÜV SÜD PSB Learning Pte Ltd), a
pioneer soft skills specialist in service
quality and excellence. The partnership
was an important milestone in MDIS’
vision of promoting lifelong learning,
and the natural synergy between MDIS’
and SQC’s programmes – bolstering
the standards of service excellence
in Singapore.
opportunities offered by MDIS and
our UK university partners.
This year, MDIS also kickstarted its
journey in the pursuit of achieving
Service-Class (S-Class) recognition
by embarking on a series of customercentric initiatives (CCI) in order to be
amongst the best in the industry.
Launched in February 2014, staff learnt
about CCI, S-Class certification and
the role that Strategic Service Intent
plays in attaining world class service
standards at the workplace.
The MDIS Applied Research Centre
(MARC) was established in July 2014
and aims to establish a vibrant research
environment that encourages discovery,
innovation and enterprise in developing
entrepreneurial ventures. MARC will
pave the way for MDIS to collaborate
with internationally-renowned
institutions to become a research
institute recognised both locally and
regionally for its ability to conduct
high-quality research across a broad
range of disciplines.
The 126 students from the graduating
class of 2014 from the University
of Bradford, University of Wales
and University of Sunderland with
First Class Honours is yet another
record breaking feat for MDIS. This
presents a 22% increase over last
year’s achievement, and is the highest
recorded so far at MDIS.
Committed to providing a fun learning
environment for its students, the Bell
Wing at Blk B, level 1 was refurbished
in 2014 with plush furnishings, a TV
room and a game room. Operated
by students from the MDIS School of
Tourism and Hospitality, the Brew and
Bites café at the Bell Wing offers a wide
selection of food and drinks that
makes it a perfect place for students
to study and relax.
MDIS’ commitment in going green
in the construction of the new
Administration Building has earned
MDIS the BCA Green Mark (Gold
Plus) Award in 2013. The green
journey to success has given MDIS
the assurance that its green efforts
are making a difference to the
environment.
Dedicated to delivering a premium
level of service to postgraduate
students, the MDIS School of
Postgraduate Studies was launched
on 2 August 2013. An experienced
and devoted team of service
specialists, cater exclusively to
the specific learning needs of
postgraduate students.
MDIS Malaysia campus
Groundbreaking Ceremony (2013)
120 graduates were awarded First Class Honours by the University of Bradford, UK (2014)
68
MDIS Honours List
MDIS Distinguished Fellows
MDIS Excellent Leader Award
Dr Ahmad Magad (2013)
Mr S Chandra Das (2014)
Dr Eric Kuan Choon Hock (2014)
Professor David Johns (1996)
Dr Jerald Walker (1996)
Mr Paul Tan Phang Kwang (1998)
Professor John R. Sparkes (1999)
Professor Millicent Poole (1999)
Dr Dennis Dunham (1999)
Dr R Theyvendran, PBM (1999)
Dr Geoffrey Copland (2004)
Professor Christopher M Taylor (2004)
Professor Arthur Francis (2008)
Professor Jeff Lucas (2010)
MDIS Honorary Fellows
Mr Herman R Hochstadt
Mr Paul Tan Phang Kwang
Professor David Birchall
Mr Charlie Chan Wong Chee (1995)
Dr Eric Kuan Choon Hock (1995)
Mr Chong Kwan Wai (2000)
Mr Chua Chen How (2000)
Mr Winston Gan Kuat Cheong (2000)
Mr Roger Tham Kong Khuan (2003)
Mr Victor Wong Fun Hong (2005)
Dr Lee Fook Hong, PBM (2005)
Mr Philip Eng Heng Nee (2013)
Emeritus Professor Mark Cleary (2014)
MDIS Eminent Leader Award
Dr Ahmad Magad (2011)
Emeritus Professor Mark Cleary (2011)
Eminent Friend of MDIS Award
Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee (2011)
Esteemed Friend of MDIS Award
Dr Christopher Molander (1996)
Dr Dennis Dunham (1996)
Professor John R Sparkes (1996)
Professor Karlie Harmon (1999)
Mr S Moganaruban (1999)
Ms Eileen Teo I Chew (1999)
Professor Arthur Francis (2001)
Mr David Taylor (2001)
Dr Lee Seng Gee (2003)
Datin Lee Chee Shan (2003)
Mr Huw Flynn Hughes (2008)
Professor Michael Evans (2008)
Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM)
Mr Christopher Yeow Shih Shin, PBM (1990)
Ms Tan Gek Khim, PBM (2009)
Honorary Doctorate
Dr Eric Kuan Choon Hock (1999 & 2005)
Dr R Theyvendran, PBM (2000 & 2006)
Insignia “O”Zbekiston Respublikasi
Mustaqilligiga 20 Yil
Our University Partners
MDIS is committed to delivering high quality education and upholding
quality excellence together with our university partners.
www.mdis.edu.sg
Representative Offices
China • India • Indonesia • Sri Lanka • Thailand • Vietnam
MDIS Campus
501 Stirling Road Singapore 148951
T (65) 6278 8000 F (65) 6278 5312 E [email protected]
Management Development Institute of Singapore
Reg. No. 201001793H
20 May 2014 to 19 May 2018
MDIS College
Reg. No. 201001788K
20 May 2014 to 19 May 2018

Nurturing Lifelong Learners

Transcription

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