Newcastle Learning and Teaching Conference 21 March 2018 Delivering Newcastle Degrees in Partnership: The challenges and opportunities of delivering joint programmes in Singapore for a sustainable future in SE Asia. Matt Bentley, Head of Academic Operations, Newcastle University in Singapore Newcastle Learning and Teaching Conference 21 March 2018

NU-SIT degrees - Blending Tradition with Innovation

Newcastle University operates out of three locations in Singapore: SIT Buildings Newcastle University operates out of three locations in Singapore: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic and Devan Nair Institute (NewRIIS) SIT@NP Building SIT@NYP Building

Newcastle Research and Innovation Institute

SIT –Singapore Institute of Technology Singapore’s newest autonomous University (since 2014) Based in one SIT building at each of five polytechnic campuses Interim central campus at SIT@Dover Building NU is based at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Marine, Chemical Engineering) and Nanyang (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering) Ngee Ann is the old word for Teochew (Chinese people originating from Guangdong Province in China) Nanyang describes the countries of SE Asia surrounding the South China Sea

Newcastle University Locations at SIT Nanyang Poly NewRIIS Ngee Ann Poly 1o North of Equator; tropical rainforest climate; 277 square miles; 5.6 Million population

SIT versus NU SIT is Singapore’s University of Applied Learning and aims to be “a leader in innovative learning by integrating learning, industry and community”. A new university, working very closely with industry and Singapore Government, nimble (able to respond quickly to changing demands) Newcastle University has “always focused on academic excellence and the impact of our academic work”. Traditional, Russell Group of 24 leading universities, research intensive

Challenges

Principal Challenges Trimester System Student Ability Learning Style Three 12-week Trimesters (Sept-Dec; Jan-April; May-August) One week recess period plus two weeks exams in each Two weeks between Academic Years Student Ability Post-Polytechnic Diploma versus A-levels, Returning NS-Men (after 2 years’ National Service), mature students Year 1 & Year 2 Entry; some mixed Year 1 & Year 2 study Learning Style UK versus more US-style courses Coming to terms with independent learning Dependence on VLE course materials

Opportunities

Principal Opportunities Collaboration Collaboration with SIT staff at academic and professional service levels Collaboration with polytechnic staff and staff in other universities (NUS, NTU) Collaboration with Industry partners Industry Linking learning to the workplace through IWSP (Integrated Work Study Programme) Industry-NU research projects Employability IWSP on to Final Year Project and into employment Skills development in students

A Sustainable Future in SE Asia International Recognition and Reputation Being closer to the Singapore Government (SkillsFuture) Recognised Overseas Partner of SIT International Recruitment Continued Presence in SE Asia Beyond the current collaborative agreement with SIT (i.e. post-2020) A new home on SIT’s Punggol campus from 2021-2022 Linking to Postgraduate Teaching and Research Taught Masters Programmes at NewRIIS International students Vibrant research environment

An Example of NU’s Profile in Singapore

SIT Punggol Campus from 2021 Photo: SIT

The SIT – NU Marriage Like most marriages there are challenges to be overcome in the early years. Following those early years and the recent introduction of the joint degree programmes there have been new challenges. The relationship is now maturing and we can look forward to a future with mutual respect, harmony and growth together. The benefits to staff and students by working together will undoubtedly be greater that those of the separate parts.

Staff at Newcastle University in Singapore Currently 713 students predicted to rise to >1000 over the next three years

Thank you I would like to thank especially those academic staff and professional service staff who have contributed to this presentation by sharing ideas on the challenges and opportunities: Sherry Chua, Arun Dev, Kheng-Lim Goh, Michael Lau, Jo-Ann Lee, Paul Liu, Joanne Poon, Naayagi Ramasamy, Anurag Sharma, Ivan Tam, Ming Tham, Xin Wang, Eugene Wong, Lok Woo, Xiuqi Wu, Chun Yang Yin.