January 3, 2022

Since the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in modern Singapore on 29 January 1819, Singapore has progressively formed closer political ties with various European countries. Though established by the British East Indian Company as a favourable trading port in the Malay peninsula, Singapore has since garnered global repute in fields spanning from politics to education. Recognising Singapore’s global reach, numerous European organisations have collaborated with Singaporean establishments, including educational institutions. Over the years, NUS too has worked towards creating a plethora of study abroad programmes to cater to students’ desire for greater mobility. While fostering stronger relationships with global universities has allowed NUS to mobilise its students, it has also created prospects for greater academic alliances.

In ‘NUS’ Connections with Europe: Our Students’ Experience with European Partners’ (50 Years of Singapore-Europe Relations, 2015), Associate Professor Anne Pakir (NUS Department of English Language and Literature) emphasises the importance of NUS’ partnership with European universities while detailing the wide range of opportunities that have arisen from establishing these relationships. Quoting Professor Tommy Koh (Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), A/P Pakir highlights that Europe provides NUS and its students with exposure to its high culture and valuable socio-political practices.

As NUS is generally perceived by European institutions to be a valuable partner, it has been able to jointly develop a multitude of academic collaborations with leading European universities. United Kingdom universities such as Imperial College King’s College London have established joint PhD programmes with NUS for various faculties, promoting student mobility between the universities and increasing collective research opportunities. With the Language Preparation Programme (LPP) conducted by NUS, many top French and German universities have partnered with NUS for several academic programmes. Through the LPP, students gain confidence in engaging with different cultures while adequately speaking a foreign language which enhances their Student Exchange Programme experience.

Increasing student mobility to Europe through immersion programmes, with awards and bursaries to aid students, has increased understanding between students of both regions. As NUS continues to facilitate such global experiences for its students and staff, there is hope that stronger connectivity and inclusiveness is imbued in the international academic community.

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