NUS in Tri-University Alliance for deeper collaboration

NUS HAS PARTNERED with Korea University and Fudan University to establish the

S 3 University Alliance (S 3 UA). Defined by the cities anchoring the universities, Shanghai , Seoul and Singapore , S 3 UA is the outcome of the Seoul Declaration for Collaboration sealed at the Tri-University Colloquium in Seoul , Korea on 19 May. The Alliance is a milestone in the development of deeper collaboration between the three universities.

The agreement was signed by NUS President Professor Shih Choon Fong, Fudan University President Professor Wang Shenghong and Korea University President Professor Yoon-Dae Euh and witnessed by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew who was conferred an honorary doctorate degree by Korea University.

SEOUL DECLARATION: Front row, from left: Fudan University President Professor Wang Shenghong, Korea University President Professor Yoon-Dae Euh and NUS President Professor Shih Choon Fong. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and representatives from three universities witnessed the signing.

Research and education programmes initiated under S 3 UA will be globally oriented, with a significant focus on Asia . Korea University will focus on Asian MBA programmes, while NUS and Fudan will spearhead programmes relating to Asian financial markets and bioscience, respectively. Expected to be launched within a year, these joint programmes target to be the best in Asia within five years – and among the world’s top five in 10 years.

Said NUS President Professor Shih: “The breadth and diversity of talent – whether homegrown or foreign-sourced – at Fudan , Korea University and NUS provide a platform for deep and meaningful partnership. With our shared heritage and prized location in Asia ’s global cities, we have what it takes to bring education and research to world-class levels.”

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES: A MOU for Student Exchange between the three universities was also sealed during the Colloquium. From left: Professor Doo-Hee Lee, Korea University Vice President for Development and External Affairs; Professor Chen Yinzhang, Director of Fudan University Foreign Affairs Office; Professor Wang Shenghong, Fudan University President; Professor Yoon-Dae Euh, Korea University President; Professor Shih Choon Fong, NUS President; and Associate Professor Lawrence Loh, NUS Vice President for University and Global Relations.

The Colloquium, anchored by the theme, Thinking Globalisation: For Whom the Bell Tolls, was attended by Presidents and key officials of the partner universities. A highlight was a Presidents Colloquium, where the three university presidents shared their visions and views on globalisation.

MM Lee at Tri-University Colloquium in Korea

MINISTER MENTOR Lee Kuan Yew spoke on Attracting Global Talent – Key to Becoming Global Universities, following the conferment ceremony. MM Lee stressed that “no university can be excellent in every field. There is potential for synergies and cooperation between them. NUS can serve as the gateway to Southeast Asia , Fudan as the entry point to vibrant China and Korea University as the connection to the technology and vibrancy of Korea .”

His address was followed by a question-and-answer session, with an exchange between MM Lee and the audience on the challenges of building the East Asian community and key success factors for a developed country.