UNSW call it quits after 3 months, $250million wasted
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15,000 student s by 2020. That's almost the size of 2 to 3 corhots of a full functioning university.
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Professor Fred Hilmer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of New South Wales, said: "Last year....we actually had much stronger demand in Sydney than we had in the previous four years. I think one of the things we've learnt, and it's really for Singapore to draw its own lesson, is that geography is really important. When a student says he wants an Australian degree, what he really means is, 'I want the experience of living in Sydney', and not just in educational terms but riding a surfboard, doing the other things a lot of students in a campus like ours, do."
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Financial issues, breakdown in negotiations because EDB wonÂ’t compromiseÂ…Â…what other possible issues?
Students cannot get Aussie PR after graduation?
Disenchanted by limits on academic freedom? Concerned with SingaporeÂ’s laws on speech, press and campus activities?
Many possibilities.
Perhaps EDB should consider pulling in educational institutions from China. Her ranking in speech and press freedom or even academic freedom are closer to Singapore's ranking.
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Maybe if u get world class college things would have been different like harvard or MIT.
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20 students = $1mil that will be about 50k each.Originally posted by vito_corleone:who the hell would pay 30k to study in SINGAPORE
Singaporeans, as it would still be cheaper than going to Oz.
But foreigners? some would think they might as well go to NSW.
But to say that a person who wants an Australian degree actually means that he want to experience the lifestyle downunder is nonsense. People want a degree in the chosen field of study from a recognised institution. Some, like kids of the rich, want to go abroad to "study".
I think the concept is not given a chance because of uncertainity and a lack of courage.
Do they want to profit from the word "GO" ? -
You do know that youngsters like to be far away from home once in a while? Why do you think a lot of undergrads at NUS and NTU live in Hostel despite it being cheaper at home?Originally posted by mancha:20 students = $1mil that will be about 50k each.
Singaporeans, as it would still be cheaper than going to Oz.
But foreigners? some would think they might as well go to NSW.
But to say that a person who wants an Australian degree actually means that he want to experience the lifestyle downunder is nonsense. People want a degree in the chosen field of study from a recognised institution. Some, like kids of the rich, want to go abroad to "study".
I think the concept is not given a chance because of uncertainity and a lack of courage.
Do they want to profit from the word "GO" ?
And also, people don't just choose a university, they choose the environment. Probably since most people in Singapore are stuck good in this country, they can't see much beyond this rock and they have no choice anyway. -
This concept was doomed to fail from day 1. The people at UNSW have already admitted that they are at the level of NUS and NTU in recognation. So if their main target were foreigners what's the point of them coming over to UNSW instead of NUS or NTU? I guess the people at UNSW realized that and combined with the money grabbing demands of EDB they decided there's no chance of them making money and they cut their losses early. Why did the people at EDB or UNSW green light this project in the first place?
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i'm sure some might agree that its not only the academia or the bankability of a degree that draws students but the experience of being in a particular environment or place forms a substantial clout as well.Originally posted by mancha:20 students = $1mil that will be about 50k each.
Singaporeans, as it would still be cheaper than going to Oz.
But foreigners? some would think they might as well go to NSW.
But to say that a person who wants an Australian degree actually means that he want to experience the lifestyle downunder is nonsense. People want a degree in the chosen field of study from a recognised institution. Some, like kids of the rich, want to go abroad to "study".
I think the concept is not given a chance because of uncertainity and a lack of courage.
Do they want to profit from the word "GO" ? -
Unlikely because:Originally posted by Herroin:Maybe if u get world class college things would have been different like harvard or MIT.Originally posted by googoomuck:Disenchanted by limits on academic freedom? Concerned with SingaporeÂ’s laws on speech, press and campus activities?
Many possibilities.
Perhaps EDB should consider pulling in educational institutions from China. Her ranking in speech and press freedom or even academic freedom are closer to Singapore's ranking.
I think Beijing Uni students would definitely be more politically active and aware than NUS ones... maybe they should invite North Korean universities to come here. -
Let's say you're from Australia, would you pay your nose to come to Singapore and study at the same school you could get federal credits to attend back home?
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i think unsw is not doing enough to help the students. they offered all of them a place in their campus in australia... but not everyone can go there!
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Originally posted by mancha:20 students = $1mil that will be about 50k each.
Singaporeans, as it would still be cheaper than going to Oz.
But foreigners? some would think they might as well go to NSW.
But to say that a person who wants an Australian degree actually means that he want to experience the lifestyle downunder is nonsense. People want a degree in the chosen field of study from a recognised institution. Some, like kids of the rich, want to go abroad to "study".
I think the concept is not given a chance because of uncertainity and a lack of courage.
Do they want to profit from the word "GO" ? I know many indonesians would prefer to go to australia rather than singapore. away from the parents so they can enjoy themselves, not so convenient in singapore. besides, many indonesians really don't need to graduate, just some experience then go back and take over their family business. -
This is true in some aspects but it is not only confined to Indonesian student only.Originally posted by sgdiehard: I know many indonesians would prefer to go to australia rather than singapore. away from the parents so they can enjoy themselves, not so convenient in singapore. besides, many indonesians really don't need to graduate, just some experience then go back and take over their family business. -
What will happen to the school building??
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another white elephant?Originally posted by soulwinner:What will happen to the school building?? 
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Don't talk about white elephant first.Originally posted by 4getmenot:another white elephant?
The amount of money poured in is huge. Who is going to shoulder this responsibility?
And how about the materials bought? What are the contractors going to do with them?
Where should the extra workers hired go? Retrench? -
I think they won't refund it, because it was reported that the students can go on to the Aussie campus to study, and they will be on partial scholarship which covers their accomdation. Not sure if it covers anything else.Originally posted by hawkeye1819:Hey guys, what happens to the school fees of the students? Will they get refunds? Why no mention anywhere?
Besides, I doubt many of the students pay the whole course fees at 1 go. It is the norm in private schools in Spore for students to pay in installments or by sememster, so if that's the case, then UNSW need not refund their students since they say they will close only at the end of the sememster. I don't know what the payment system in the UNSW Spore campus is like, but i think its most probably the same as other Spore private schools.
Nonetheless, to hype the school only for it to close down less than 6 months is a disgrace to EDB too. It could have hint of a lack of adequate research, as well as inability on its part to make UNSW Singapore campus the university they want it to. -
In My Inbox:
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer has asked that the following message be sent to all Singapore alumni following the announcement of the closure of our campus in Singapore.
Jennifer Bott, Chief Executive
UNSW Foundation
Dear alumnus
I regret to tell you that we have decided to close our campus in Singapore. The announcement was made to staff and students earlier today, and I expect will be covered in the media tomorrow.
This difficult decision has been reached after an intensive review of the project, which was sparked by lower-than-expected initial enrolments and disappointing demand for the August semester. The review showed that the operation is not financially viable. In these circumstances, it would have been irresponsible to continue.
The decision follows extensive discussions with the Economic Development Board.
I can assure you that we are speaking with every staff member and student on an individual basis to ensure the best possible outcome for each of them.
The media release issued today is provided below.
We look forward to your continued involvement with UNSW.
Fred Hilmer
Vice-Chancellor
UNSW ASIA TO CLOSE
The University of New South Wales will close its campus in Singapore, Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer announced today.
The campus will be closed on 28 June 2007, the end of the current semester.
The decision has been reached after extensive discussions with SingaporeÂ’s Economic Development Board and follows lower than anticipated enrolments.
“We have been fully committed to the success of this enterprise, and are disappointed to have to make this decision,” Professor Hilmer said.
“We particularly regret the disruption to students and the consequences for staff.
“However an intensive review of our operations in Singapore clearly indicates that to continue would involve an unacceptable level of risk to our institution.
”We are taking the decision to close at the end of the current semester, because to attempt to continue would not be in the best interest of the students,” Professor Hilmer said.
UNSW was invited by the Singapore Economic Development Board in 2004 to establish what would have been the first private comprehensive university in Singapore.
“The University Council and senior management of the time accepted this invitation in good faith, and after taking extensive expert advice,” Professor Hilmer said.
”UNSW Asia was to be the first comprehensive research and teaching institution to be established by an Australian university overseas.
“This was an initiative with potentially significant benefits to both Singapore and the University.
“However the lower than anticipated enrolments and current demand have highlighted financial and operational issues that make the operation unsustainable.”
“As with any pioneering venture, there is a fuller appreciation of the risks involved once the venture becomes operational.”
The UniversityÂ’s first priority is the welfare of the students currently studying at the UniversityÂ’s campus at Tanglin, said Professor Hilmer.
“All enrolled students will be offered a place at UNSW’s home campus in Sydney, providing scholarships to help with travel and accommodation costs. And we will work with those who are unable to accept a place in Sydney to meet their needs.”
Students were informed of the decision today. A team of advisers will work with students on a case-by-case basis to develop the best solution for each studentÂ’s particular situation.
Discussions with affected staff are also underway, following a general meeting with UNSW Asia staff members.
The UNSW Asia campus currently has 148 enrolled students, with some 100 of these being Singapore residents. The anticipated enrolment for the initial intake in 2007 was 300 students. Second semester enrolments were anticipated at 480 students but it is clear that this target would not be met.
Professor Hilmer said that UNSW looks forward to continuing its cooperative relationships in Singapore and will maintain its presence in Singapore, through activities such as foundation schooling for university entry, research collaborations, University of New South Wales school competitions and joint programmes with Singapore institutions.
Media contact, Sydney: Judy Brookman, UNSW Director of Communications, ph + 61 2 9385 3249, mob 0421 061 251, [email protected]
Date issued: Wednesday 23 May, 2007.[/b] -
I wonder if they are still accepting students for it's Singapore campus, because they just announced that they will be giving away scholarships of $22,000 a year for students going to it's Australian campus.
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I think today i still see advertisement for it lehOriginally posted by maurizio13:I wonder if they are still accepting students for it's Singapore campus, because they just announced that they will be giving away scholarships of $22,000 a year for students going to it's Australian campus. -
when you site the campus at changi...what's the chance of having a good take up rate?
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i am looking 4 a place 2 study my degree...UNSW sounds good, and is only 15min from my house
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Professor Henry said ALL students would automatically get a space at its Kensington campus in Australia and would be allowed to transfer their credits.
The big issue now is logistics.
So Singaporean students and those who live in Singapore will be given a S$22,000 scholarship per year for the duration of their study.
For international students, they will get a S$12,000 scholarship per year.
Students can choose to receive their scholarship in a lump sum or be paid fortnightly
More UNSW staff will also be brought in from Sydney to help with this.
Professor Henry said besides the three local universities, the Monash University in Kuala Lumpur is also open to accepting UNSW Singapore students.
UNSW is also in talks with the University of Newcastle and James Cook University in Australia.
I believe the scholarships is to help with travel and accommodation costs, not based on meritocracy.
If that's the case, why enrol in local universities?
Is the close down of the Singapore campus has any thing to do with monetary loss? Maybe it's something else.
EDB should clarify. -
Singapore has just lost a fundamental step towards being a world class education centre.
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wah then mou dun dun tan tio like that... not badOriginally posted by maurizio13:I wonder if they are still accepting students for it's Singapore campus, because they just announced that they will be giving away scholarships of $22,000 a year for students going to it's Australian campus. -
Wonder if I go sign up this month, will they give me $22,000 a year scholarship?Originally posted by laoda99:I think today i still see advertisement for it leh