The University of Queensland and the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) have launched a new joint technology management and e-business education venture in Singapore.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore Institute of Management CEO and Executive Director Mr John Yip to offer the UQ award programs in Singapore from November 2000.
The inaugural intake will be aimed at 20 students, and follows similar programs offered through UQ in Australia and in partnership with Lingnan University in Hong Kong.
Professor Hay said it was a coup for UQ that Singapore, a recognised leader in technological and IT advancement, had sought such a partnership with one of Australia's leading universities to complement its partnerships with leading North American universities.
"Technology Management is about managing technology and innovation as a key to business competitiveness in the information age," Professor Hay said.
"UQ is pleased to be associated with Singapore's premier management Institute which has sought this linkage because of the quality of our technology management programs and the impressive e-Business and e-Learning components. UQ offers Australia's most advanced program in technology management using electronic technologies."
Mr Yip said that the Singapore Institute of Management constantly sought out new avenues for working adults to upgrade themselves without compromising their tight work schedules.
"These web-based programs offered in partnership with UQ will provide the flexibility for busy executives to manage their learning as well as their work and other commitments," he said. "Management of technology and innovation will be the key to business competitiveness in the new economy, and through the launch of these two programs we address these emerging needs.
"UQ has a reputation for quality teaching and research and is recognised for its innovative delivery of education. This collaboration marks a milestone in SIMS e-learning initiatives and we are confident our partnership with UQ will further enhance the quality of continuing education in Singapore. We take pride in our partnership with UQ and look forward to many good years ahead."
UQ Executive Dean of the Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (EPSA) Faculty Professor Andrew Lister said UQ and UniQuest, the University's technology transfer and venture company, had launched a range of programs for Australian and international students through the University's Technology Management Centre in 1999.
The programs, at Graduate Certificate through to Doctor of Technology levels, this year include the Master of Technology Management (e-Business) stream, a collaborative program between the EPSA and Business, Economics and Law Faculties of the University.
Acting Director of UQ's Technology Management Centre Associate Professor Shantha Liyanage said the new joint venture opened up many other possibilities for collaborative ventures in Singapore.
Dr Liyanage said the Technology Management Centre was established to provide management training for natural science and engineering graduates, but had expanded to develop the knowledge base for commercialising research and innovation.
"TMC programs provide best practice methods and critical management skills and knowledge for the management of technology-basedbusiness, and assists industries to systematically utilize emerging technology and inovation for their business competitiveness," he said.
"A key feature of the electronic learning component which is complemented by face-to-face learning is that it is much more client focused and interactive. The majority of our students are senior professionals in key management positions and they expect high quality materials and fast response times to their queries.
Dr Liyanage said the courses combined real world case studies and significant interaction with industry.
About the participant organisations:
The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is an independent professional membership organisation founded in 1964 with the mission of helping to enhance managerial and organisational effectiveness in Singapore. Over the years, SIM expanded its role and scope beyond management development to become the leading human resource development organisation in Singapore. It was selected by the Ministry of Education in 1992 to run the Open University Degree Program (OUDP) in Singapore.
In 1997, SIM was invited by the Government to evolve into Singapore's third (and private) university. However, in view of the Institute's commitment to the continuing education of working adults, it proposed to the Government that the third university be set up as a separate institution. SIM therefore conceptualised the new university and this July, the new Singapore Management University (SMU) opened its doors to the first batch of students.
In 1993, SIM was the first educational and training institute in Asia to be awarded the PSB ISO 9002 certification for its management and delivery of programs and services. In 1999, the institute scored another significant milestone by becoming the first educational and training institute in Singapore to achieve the People Developer Standard, an award that recognises its commitment to staff development.
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a leader among Australia's 37 universities, recognised internationally as a premier research institution. It is one of only three Australian members of the elite Universitas 21 - a global alliance of 20 universities committed to quality enhancement through international benchmarking. In 1998 The University of Queensland was declared 1998-99 Good Universities Guides Australian University of the Year. In 2000 it has again received the maximum five star rating for prestige, student demand, positive graduate outcomes, getting a job, research performance, gender balance and staff qualifications.
Technology Management Centre, The University of Queensland
The Technology Management Centre offers postgraduate programs related to technology management in Australia and overseas and has produced more than 200 postgraduates with masters degrees, graduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates. The Centre also conducts specialised short courses designed to improve business performance.
The broad aim of the centre is to understand, integrate and promote the management of technology in industry, thereby improving business productivity and global competitiveness. Its core activities are teaching, research, and industry consultancy. The Centre has formed links with Australian and international firms including Nihon University, Japan, the Centre for Technology Commercialisation Inc, USA, and the Hong Kong Industrial Technology Centre Corporation.
Technology Management Centre staff undertake consultancy work with a variety of industries, international development agencies and other government organisations. These include the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AUSAID), University of Technology, Malaysia, Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank.
Media: Further information, Associate Professor Shantha Liyanage, telephone 61 7 3365 1615, email: s.liyanage@techman.uq.edu.au
