[14 February 2003]
University of St. Gallen partners Singapore Management University to offer management programmes

The University of St. Gallen, Switzerland (HSG) and Singapore Management University (SMU) have today signed a supplementary memorandum of understanding (‘MOU’) to establish their collaborative efforts in the development and delivery of two management studies programmes. The primary MOU was signed in March last year, initiating exchanges and visits by faculty and students between the two institutions.

The programmes under the supplementary MOU will commence in May 2003 with one on Management in Europe at the HSG campus in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and the other on Management in Asia at the SMU campus in Singapore. The universities will jointly develop and organise the teaching programme for both courses. There will also be the opportunity for visiting academic faculty members from the two universities to teach and give seminars outside of the two management programmes.

“This cooperation goes beyond the traditional exchange. It is a new business model in intercultural training. Tailored-made programmes are now offered by each university on the campus and also within the cultural environment of the other. It is a smart form of an offshore campus,” said Professor Thomas Bieger, Dean for International Exchange, HSG.

Assoc Prof Tsui Kai Chong, SMU, remarked, "SMU recognizes that, in today’s globalised economy, managers need to possess skills that would make them successful leaders, whether they be based in Singapore or overseas. We are constantly enhancing our business education offerings and providing our students the necessary global exposure through partnerships with leading foreign universities such as St. Gallen."