NTU and SIM University (UniSIM) formalise plans to leverage their mutual strengths and resources in joint academic, professional and technical activities.

Imagine - young and energetic undergraduates and working adults rich in life experiences, learning together in the same classroom.

This could be a reality, owing to a new tie-up between NTU and UniSIM that aims to create a more vibrant learning environment for each university's students.

The result "will be a hotbed for new solutions, new technologies and new businesses," says an excited NTU President Dr Su Guaning.

NTU hopes that the demand from UniSIM students to join NTU courses would in turn generate greater interest in its own programmes.

Discussions are already underway to allow UniSIM students to gain access to NTU's digital library, which boasts a rich repository of research papers, audio-visual materials, databases, examination papers, journals and publications.

E-learning support
Prior to the alliance, Assoc Prof Daniel Tan, Director of NTU's Centre for Educational Development, had already been engaged to determine an e-learning framework for UniSIM to support up to 20,000 adult learners. This would allow its students, who hold mostly full-time jobs, to learn effectively anywhere and anytime in a self-paced e-environment.

Both universities are also keen to jointly organise academic talks, seminars and conferences.

This is the first university-level MOU that UniSIM has signed since its formation this year. The institution is the first private university in Singapore approved by the Ministry of Education to award its own degrees.

Greater co-operation and resource sharing
Prof Cheong Hee Kiat, SIM University President and former Deputy President of NTU, notes that "greater co-operation and resource sharing between our local universities will enrich our students' experience" and "widen opportunities for their development".

This view is shared by Dr Su, who points out that NTU - established in science and technology, business, education and communication studies - is in a position to "avail resources to help adult learners achieve their tertiary education goals".

He adds: "We have a good existing continuing education programme. That is one area UniSIM could tap and where the two universities could work together for the benefit of those interested in continuing their education."

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