The University has been invited by the Singaporean Government via the Economic Development Board (EDB) Singapore to open a campus in Singapore.

For the duration of the offer, which the University is currently considering, EDB will not approach any other UK higher education institutions. If we accept the offer then EDB guarantee that they won't approach any other institution for several years.

The Offer

The proposal, which has the full support of the Government of Singapore, is to establish a private campus as part of the private sector with both undergraduate and postgraduate provision.

The academic principles, standards and reputation of the University must not be compromised by the campus's remote location. If Warwick accepts the invitation, this must be a research-driven enterprise designed to raise the international profile - in fact to internationalise - the University in a way which maintains the reputation and standing that has been gained over the past 40 years. The student experience likewise must be maintained at a high standard; we should prioritise on-campus face-to-face learning and establish degree programmes with international currency.

The Visits

The Vice-Chancellor and a small group of academic and senior administrators made an initial visit to Singapore in February. This visit was followed by a short visit from a larger delegation comprised of faculty, senior administrative staff and a representative of the University's Council in May. The purpose was to allow the delegation to meet with the British Council and the EDB, spend some time in Singapore and consider the institutional and professional issues.

The Process So Far

The University has set up a group, chaired by Dr Colin Sparrow, from the Institute of Mathematics, and made up of representatives from across the institution, to fully investigate the offer in preparation for giving a considered institutional response.

During Summer 2004, the 'Asia Exploratory Group' met on a weekly basis with a view to preparing a paper for consideration at a special meeting of Senate on 22 September 2004.

This paper has been informed by discussions with representatives from every academic department and most administrative departments. The paper will be published on Wednesday 15 September and will form the basis of discussion at an open meeting on Friday 17 September.

On Wednesday 22 September Senate will consider whether the University should undertake further sufficient work to produce, possibly in April 2005, a firm statement of intent.

Have Your Say

This is your chance to engage with the project and have your say prior to the meeting of Senate. Make sure that you check the website again on Wednesday to download a copy of the Asia Exploratory Group’s draft paper before coming to the meeting.

The Chair of each academic department is invited to the special meeting of Senate and they and the members of the Asia Exploratory Group will pass on your views to Senate.

Find Out More

To read all about the Economic Development Board’s offer and what the University has done so far see the Warwick in Asia pages - http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/international/asia/