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
Singapores 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 Universitys first priority is the welfare of the students
currently studying at the Universitys campus at Tanglin, said
Professor Hilmer.
All enrolled students will be offered a place at UNSWs 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 students 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]
