The University of Stirling is today celebrating the graduation of students from its programmes delivered at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).
The two institutions formed an international partnership in 2011, which sees students taught in Singapore by travelling lecturers from University of Stirling Management School. Supported by staff at SIM, students can choose from a range of courses and graduate with a University of Stirling degree.
Today, the University of Stirling marks the achievement of almost 100 graduates in BA Retail Marketing, BA Marketing, BA Sports Studies and Marketing and BA Events Management. It is the first University of Stirling-SIM ceremony to be held in person since 2019, due to the pandemic.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “On behalf of the University of Stirling, I send my warmest congratulations to our students graduating in Singapore today. We’re incredibly proud of the efforts of all our graduates and wish them the very best as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”
The University’s Deputy Principal (Internationalisation), Professor Neville Wylie, and Executive Director for Internationalisation and Partnerships, Dr Lee Zhuang, attended the ceremony.
Deputy Principal (Internationalisation), University of Stirling
Our partnership with Singapore Institute of Management continues to go from strength to strength and it gives me great pleasure to be with some of our international alumni today, and to congratulate them on joining our expanding global network.
Professor Neville Wylie said: “It is wonderful to be able to attend this graduation ceremony which celebrates the partnership between the University of Stirling and Singapore Institute of Management. Today we recognise the hard work and success of 99 students as they receive their degrees, and it is brilliant to see them doing so in person, surrounded by their peers and loved ones, something we all took for granted three years ago.
“Our partnership with Singapore Institute of Management continues to go from strength to strength and it gives me great pleasure to be with some of our international alumni today, and to congratulate them on joining our expanding global network.”
There are currently five courses offered by the University of Stirling-SIM partnership: BA Retail Marketing, BA Marketing, BA Sports Studies and Marketing, BA Events Management and BA Digital Media.
Graduate: Tsan Ming Kang.
Tsan Ming Kang, from Singapore, is graduating today with a BA Honours in Sports Studies and Marketing. Having played for the National Singapore Golf Team and studied at the Singapore Sports School for seven years, Tsan Ming grew up surrounded by, and with a keen interest in, all things active. Therefore, he was drawn to study the University of Stirling’s specialised courses in sport.
After studying for two years, Tsan Ming, 24, is looking forward to utilising the skills he has developed during his degree, as he embarks on a promising career as Marketing Executive at Tanah Merah Golf and Country Club.
Tsan Ming said: “What I valued the most about this course was the care for students, and the teaching of lifelong, practical skills outside of the classroom. I would like to take this chance to thank the staff, who not only made the modules fun to learn, but went out of their way to guide and expose us to important knowledge that can be used in the workplace.
“Apart from sports, I have a passion for digital marketing – this course taught me how to produce content that is trendier, authentic, and relatable to hook and engage audiences. I learnt important skills, such as graphic designing, video editing and website designing, as well as soft skills like leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and self-management.”
Celebrations: Wong Li Pin.
Wong Li Pin, graduating with a BA Honours in Events Management, was attracted to the University of Stirling course due to her interest in concerts and live events. As Wong Li graduated from her previous degree as the world entered lockdown, she decided to take advantage of the time she had available to acquire new knowledge and skills to better prepare herself for future challenges.
Over the course of her degree, 23-year-old Wong Li learned the importance of communication, maintaining expectations and accepting and navigating changes as they arise. As well as academic achievements, she learned valuable life skills that she feels have readied her for the world of work.
Wong Li said: “Other than the valuable knowledge passed down by my professors on this course, I am thankful for the opportunities I had to learn and grow with my fellow flatmates. I’m now hoping to find a sustainable job that I enjoy and which also further upgrades my skills and knowledge. Learning does not stop at university!”
Congratulations: Foo Ming Li.
Also, among the graduates and a fellow Singapore native was Foo Ming Li, who studied BA Marketing. Foo Ming was attracted to the course due to the University of Stirling’s excellent reputation and the interesting and varied curriculum on offer. During the two years she spent studying, 26-year-old Foo Ming completed two internships in a marketing and PR agency, where she had hands-on, practical experience which complimented her university education.
Foo Ming said: “The connections that I was able to make through the curriculum of this course were of great value to me and allowed me to gain friendships and connections that I still cherish today.
“I also think that, in this particular course, the creative aspects are an attractive perk. I feel creative skills are important to have – especially in the marketing industry, where you are often required to come up with creative content. I have landed in a role after graduation and I am aiming to do my very best and put what I have learnt into practice.”
The Singapore graduates join a Stirling alumni community of more than 100,000 worldwide.
