NUS President on university alliances in research

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye joined university leaders and higher education experts in a lively discussion titled “University alliances — research output defining regional strength” at the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Universities Summit on 6 February. Held at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China, the two-day Summit featured interviews and discussions on research universities in Asia.

Prof Tan spoke alongside Professor Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University; Associate Professor Dr Nantana Gajaseni, former Executive Director of ASEAN University Network; and Dr Sabrina M Y Lin, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, in the panel discussion moderated by Dr Jo Beall, Director of Education and Society and Executive Board Member of the British Council.

At the session, Prof Tan underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between universities and building a mutually beneficial interaction and relationship. He also highlighted a university’s role in fostering a vibrant ecosystem to develop talents and connecting them. On the topic of regional networks and its effectiveness, Prof Tan added that partnerships are never an issue of distance but more about compatibility and noted the huge potential for innovation and talent in the ASEAN region.