President's Message
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The year 2010 saw MDIS riding the wave of economic recovery that swept Singapore and the region. We have achieved a record surplus of S$28.8 million in revenue before donations and tax and inked the investment in the setting up of MDIS Campus in Johor, Malaysia. Other achievements include the completion of the 15-storey integrated hostel and training facilities. Above all, we have attained the EduTrust Certification that is awarded by the Council for Private Education (CPE). These successes were achieved despite the many challenges faced by MDIS. |
EduTrust Certification Award
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recently introduced regulatory measures that are managed by the Council for Private Education (CPE) to strengthen quality standards and practices across all private education institutions. MDIS has risen to the challenge, further enhancing our systems and processes, and integrating with the quality standards of our university partners, to better CPE’s requirements. This was possible only with the support of the dedicated team of MDIS’ management and staff.
MDIS was amongst the first batch of Private Education Institutes (PEIs) to be registered under the Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF) by CPE in May 2010.
MDIS and MDIS College Pte Ltd were awarded the EduTrust Certification (4 years) by the Council for Private Education in 2010. This certification is indeed a significant milestone for MDIS as it attests to the Institute’s exemplary education and quality standards.
Academic Quality and Examination Board (AQEB)
Arising from a review of the scope and functions of the Academic Board and Examination Board, both boards were combined into one entity known as the Academic Quality and Examination Board (AQEB). The change will streamline institution-wide academic quality processes and engender greater effectiveness in our unceasing pursuit for improvement.
MDIS Campus, Malaysia
We celebrated a historic moment on 28 June 2010 when we further extended our global footprint by venturing into Malaysia. A landmark agreement was signed between MDIS and Education@Iskandar to set up our second overseas campus at EduCity@Iskandar, Johor. Our drive into the region is part of the Institute’s growth and expansion plans.
The landmark agreement for the development of the 30-acre campus in Iskandar, Johor, costing RM300 million (S$130 million), is the first major deal by a Singaporean group in the special economic zone. The MDIS Campus, Malaysia, will offer a range of business, communications, information technology, tourism and hospitality programmes. The first batch of students are expected to be enrolled in 2013.
MDIS Integrated Hostel and Training Facility of the Future
The MDIS Residences@Stirling is the very first hostel in Singapore to be awarded the Green Mark Gold Plus Award for its environmentally friendly design. Built at a cost of S$72 million, the new 15-storey integrated hostel and training facility houses 782 air-conditioned rooms, 14 suites, an auditorium and cafeteria. The hostel itself can accommodate some 1,700 students.
The hostel and training facility were completed in March 2011. It has eco-friendly features and facilities such as an auditorium, training rooms, dance studio, gym and a rooftop garden that will enrich students’ study experience, vibrancy and interaction among 72 nationalities.
Record Achievement of First Class Honours
2010 was also an extraordinary year of firsts in the collaboration between MDIS and the University of Bradford. There was a record number of 28 First Class Honours graduates produced by the MDIS School of Life Sciences Faculty in Pharmaceutical Management and Biomedical Sciences. It was also the first time that such a large number of graduates had achieved the First Class Honours from the University of Bradford’s School of Life Sciences.
Furthermore, 25 graduates from the MDIS Business School graduated with a First Class Honours from the University of Bradford’s School of Management. It is indeed a great honour for both MDIS and the University of Bradford.
Culture Statement
We have always embraced and promoted a culture of lifelong learning and we have introduced a culture statement: MDIS embraces a culture of lifelong learning to nurture and maximise the potential of our stakeholders. MDIS advocates in individuals a spirit of continuous learning so as enable them to remain relevant in the dynamic changing world.
Spirit of Sharing
Sharing in the spirit of lifelong learning, MDIS awarded scholarships and disbursed bursaries worth approximately S$500,000 to about 600 recipients at the 15th Scholarship and Bursary Awards 2010 Ceremony. The Scholarships and Bursaries provided the recipients the fuel for their learning journeys and aspirations towards successful and rewarding careers.
Reaching out to the community with a heart through the MDIS-Jalan Kayu Heart String Programme, MDIS donated S$30,000 worth of groceries and vouchers on 13 June 2010, bringing cheer to some 150 needy families of the Jalan Kayu constituency.
In upholding the spirit of caring, some 20 MDIS students and staff participated in the Home Nursing Foundation’s Annual Charity Walk in November 2010 for a noble and charitable cause.
A sum of S$10,000 was donated to Raffles Institution for the Raffles Institution Gryphon Award Gala Dinner, which was organised to honour Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. MDIS also donated another S$10,000 to the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) for SINDA’s Project Give 2010.
Word of Thanks
On behalf of the Governing Council, I welcome onboard a new Council Member, Mr Vivakanandan Sinniah, whose experience and expertise will undoubtedly serve MDIS well. I wish to record my appreciation to Dr Thirumalai Chandroo who has stepped down from the Governing Council after 11 years of sterling service.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Patron, Trustees, Senate Members and the Academic Advisory Board members for their invaluable insights, guidance and contributions in steering the institute to greater success. In addition, I thank MDIS staff, lecturers, university partners, students and other stakeholders for their contributions and support to the success of MDIS.
Moving Ahead
Though it has been a challenging year, MDIS is proud to have remained resolute in maintaining its position as a reputable institute of learning in Asia. As we embark on our regional expansion plans, MDIS is poised for greater growth in 2011.
Dr Eric Kuan
MDIS President
