Building global minds for a connected future

To meet the needs of today's interconnected world, cultivating talent with a global perspective is essential for educational institutions, said Wei Kwok Kee, president and CEO of the Singapore Institute of Management, a leading private education institution that is home to around 16,000 students from more than 50 different countries.

Singapore and China share a partnership that has grown steadily over the past 35 years, from establishing diplomatic relations in 1990 to forging close economic, technological, and cultural ties.

According to Wei, people-to-people exchanges, joint initiatives in education and research, and coordinated efforts in trade and cross-learning have reinforced mutual trust and created a strong foundation for continued cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Chinese government issued the 2024-35 master plan on building China into a leading country in education in January, which emphasized the importance of expanding academic exchanges, international research collaboration, and participation in global scientific programs.

"SIM is well positioned to support China's vision outlined in the master plan. Through our partnerships with leading universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, our learners are exposed to foreign pedagogies that encourage different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and seeing the world," Wei said.

Committed to establishing pathways for students to obtain qualifications recognized worldwide and pursue thriving careers, SIM has partnered with 10 internationally renowned universities, including the University of Birmingham, the University of London, RMIT University, and the University of Alberta, to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Students are able to earn internationally recognized degrees at competitive tuition rates while studying in Singapore.

By combining global exposure, cross-cultural inclusiveness, and industry-aligned education, SIM has been strengthening the educational bridge between China and Singapore. It has partnered with a series of Chinese institutions such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wuhan University, and Renmin University of China.

In response to the evolving demands of China's education market and parental expectations for quality education, SIM has also established a comprehensive network of 27 Overseas Teaching Centres across major Chinese cities including Beijing, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Chengdu since 2021.

These centers allow Chinese students to complete parts of SIM's academic program locally without compromising on quality or standards. The OTC model helps learners gradually adapt to Singapore's teaching methodology and English-language environment, ensuring a smoother transition to further studies in Singapore.

Preparing students for the future of work goes beyond academic excellence — it's about cultivating adaptable, industry-ready and lifelong learners.

To strengthen learners' career readiness, it has signed memorandums of understanding with major regional talent and human resource development organizations in China. These collaborations have created structured pathways for internships and employment, helping Chinese learners transition seamlessly into the workforce.

This reflects SIM's broader strategy to bridge learning, skills and work through a strong ecosystem of industry collaborations, micro-credential programs, and applied learning experiences. Students gain exposure to real-world problem solving, develop digital fluency, and acquire soft skills — such as adaptability, curiosity, and collaboration — that employers consistently value.

To stay ahead of emerging needs, SIM continuously updates its program offerings in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital innovation, and sustainability to help learners build meaningful expertise and respond confidently to new and evolving opportunities.

Wei noted: "Singapore has long been recognized as a global hub for quality education and a trusted destination for international learners. Its education system is known for its strong governance and commitment to lifelong learning. SIM's strategic direction aligns with this ethos — nurturing globally minded, career-resilient graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the future economies of both Singapore and China."

"Ultimately, SIM's goal is to help learners not only earn a degree, but develop the mindset to learn, unlearn, and relearn — a mindset that keeps them employable and future-ready in an ever-evolving world," Wei said.