Gateway to South East Asia

Prior to the opening of a regional office in 2017, representatives from the University visited the Republic of Singapore to meet alumni, prospective students and to strengthen academic and industry links.

With over 1000 alumni based in the country and close to 300 students currently studying in Edinburgh, Singapore is an important global partner for the University.

In November, Senior Vice-Principal Professor Charlie Jeffery led a delegation of 18 staff from across the University, including senior academics, to Singapore to strengthen existing partnerships and to announce the opening of a University of Edinburgh South East Asia office in Singapore in early 2017.

Alumni reception

A highlight of the trip was an alumni reception hosted by Edinburgh alumnus and British High Commissioner, Scott Wightman.

Over 100 alumni, current students – including several from online distance learning programmes - and university friends came together at the British High Commission’s Residence for a relaxed and informal evening that included a light-hearted introduction that recalled Mr Wightman’s Edinburgh days studying French in the 1980s.

Senior Vice-Principal Charlie Jeffery then provided an update about recent developments at the University before announcing the opening of the South East Asia office in Singapore in early 2017. The new office will join a network of four existing offices in China, India, North America and Latin America.

You can view more photographs from the reception by visiting our Facebook page.

View Edinburgh University in Singapore Facebook album (external link)

The Edinburgh experience

Another event from the visit that provided alumni with an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge was an evening aimed at prospective students considering their options for studying abroad.

2014 international relations alumna Miss Sumita Kunashakaran was one of the speakers at this event and, as a recent graduate, was able to explain the Edinburgh experience in a way that drew on fresh and relevant memories and provided cultural pointers from a Singaporean perspective.

Strengthening collaboration

The visit also included visits to the world renowned Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Singapore Management University (SMU) where future partnerships with Edinburgh are now well underway.

Get involved

If you would like to find out more about University activities in Singapore, or our alumni clubs and networks in the Asia and Pacific region, please contact Beth Munro.

Related links

Global community