NTU rises to top 10 ranking of young universities

SINGAPORE - Nanyang Technological University (NTU) joins three other Asian universities that made it to the world's top 10 universities that are under 50 years old.

In Times Higher Education's second annual 100 under 50 rankings, NTU made it to the eighth spot, up from 16th last year.

This comes after last week's announcement that the university had broken through the top 10 Asian universities according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings.

South Korea's Pohang University of Science and Technology, or Postech, topped the list, followed closely by its rival university, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in third - up from its fifth ranking last year.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology dropped one spot to fourth.

The rankings are based on the same 13 performance indicators that cover teaching, research, interaction with industry and internationalisation that THE's university rankings use.

The first 10 photos show the THE top 10 universities under 50 years old, while the remaining photos show the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) top 10 Asian universities.
Courtesy : AsiaOne

101,000 Singapore millionaires in 2012

By Rachael Boon

THE share market rally sharply increased the ranks of Singapore's wealthy last year.

New figures out yesterday show that there were 101,000 millionaires by the end of 2012, a jump of 10.3 per cent over 2011.

Their total wealth went through the roof as well and was estimated to have hit US$489 billion (S$615 billion), up 11.5 per cent on the 2011 level.

The report by Capgemini and RBC Wealth Management defines a millionaire as someone with US$1 million or more in investable assets.

Mr Barend Janssens, the head of emerging markets at RBC, said yesterday: "Singapore's prowess as a financial centre is without doubt, very, very strong.

"We see interest out of the region for people to invest here or invest that money through Singapore."

Yet while the numbers of Singapore's wealthy and the value of their assets is growing fast, the expansion rate is still behind Hong Kong's.

The number of Hong Kong millionaires soared by 35.7 per cent to 114,000 last year from 2011, while their total wealth grew at 37.2 per cent to US$560 billion.

The jump was high due to Hong Kong coming from a "much poorer performance on the stock exchange in 2011", said Mr Janssens.

He also noted that Indonesia and Thailand were doing well, with double-digit growth in the number of millionaires, although full figures for the region are not in yet.

Credit Suisse economist Michael Wan said Singapore's growth rates may seem lower than other countries, but factors such as the size of population have to be considered.

He added: "In broad terms, Singapore is still quite well-positioned as a financial centre and a wealth management hub. We have several advantages over Hong Kong, barring the haze right now."

The report found that the number of Asian-Pacific millionaires grew 9.4 per cent to 3.68 million last year, while North America added 11.5 per cent to 3.73 million.

The report included results from a survey of more than 4,400 millionaires across 21 countries.

It found that their main focus was preserving wealth while increasing it was a secondary concern.

RBC's Mr Janssens added that Singapore's millionaires tend to be more conservative in their investment choices, which is why the growth in millionaire numbers and wealth levels are not as high as in Hong Kong.

Yet Singapore's numbers speak for themselves, he added, noting: "The average wealth per individual for Singapore and Hong Kong would roughly be the same.

"If you have 100,000 wealthy individuals, with a total of almost US$500 billion in assets here, those are very significant numbers."

Courtesy: The Straits Times

Which MBA to Study in Singapore?

With every passing day the number of students enrolling for the various MBA in Singapore programs is increasing. As Singapore has become a hub of MBA education in the Asia Pacific region so there are a large number of master programs Singapore for the choice of the students.

For hard-pressed business people enrolling for a part-time MBA, combining work, study and a personal life is a tough balancing act. Today, an MBA is the most prestigious qualification in the world. It offers the potential for talented young professionals to place themselves in the shop window for the most prestigious and highest paying recruiters in the world; companies like Accenture, Bain, McKinsey & Co., Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley treat the MBA qualification as essential for career changers seeking to join their firms.
Singapore as an Aspiring Global Education School hub offers a suite of highly reputable MBA programs.

One of the hallmarks of these MBA programs is the access to world class faculty and exclusive business network opportunities. Classes are highly interactive classes with group exercises predominating and subject areas are integrated in a way that best represents the real world.
MBA is a major career decision as it is after all a large expenditure that you will incur in order to enroll to any of business school Singapore. So there are a few key considerations that you need to review before making the final decision, here are some of them:
Objectives: You have to decide upon your personal as well as professional objectives before getting into an executive master programs. There is a lot of money at stake so make sure you get similar return on investment. Also decide how necessary the MBA in Singapore course is for you.

Study Environment: The institute should have good faculties as this the telling factor in you learning the lessons with ease. Another thing is the amount of help you can get from library in the institution. There should be relevant books on all the aspects being covered in the course. Also make sure that the infrastructure of the business school Singapore is well maintained.

Ranking: There are many rankings that claim to demonstrate which the best business schools are. Every ranking contains weaknesses. More importantly, each ranking uses criteria that may be vastly different from the needs and interests of the individual reader. When I chose to attend The Wharton School, I rejected offers from schools that were more highly ranked at that time, in the late 1980s. Instead, I focused on the strength of the school in the fields of entrepreneurship and finance.

Accreditation: Currently there is no single source of reference for recognition or accreditation of MBA and Master Programs across the world. However business schools that are affiliated and accredited by one of the 5 leading premier accreditation bodies in US, Europe and UK are often seen as the benchmark of a quality and recognized graduate education.

Correspondence or Regular Classes: This is an important consideration. Online master programs Singapore can be cheap but aren’t always of the highest quality. The course material in such courses is not as high as the regular ones.
Academic Quality: Relevance of the course delivered should be a major deciding factor for the course chosen. Check out for the range of courses that are on offer, educational level of the faculties, total class hours, total study hours, quality of the study materials provided.

Affordability: MBA in Singapore from the top business school Singapore costs in the range of $20,000 to S$40000. Though there are many loans or financial schemes available yet affordability should be high on your priority.

Employment Scope: Professional courses are done for giving your career a lift in the job market. So you should inquire well about the job prospects that the institution will provide you with. There are MBA in Singapore institutions that offer training and apprenticeship scopes which help in getting good jobs.

Course Duration: There are both full time and part time master programs Singapore. Then there are some other courses that will last longer so take into consideration that you will have to spend before you get the certification.

Apart from these key considerations you might also want ask yourself the following questions:

Would the MBA in Singapore course your lifestyle positively?
Is this a reputed business school Singapore?
Would it fulfill all your life aspiration?
Are you comfortable with the course objectives, delivery structure?
Is this the “right” business network that you are striving to build?
If you can keep these points in mind, we are sure you will be able to make a more informed decision of the MBA of your choice in Singapore.

For more details or admission kindly contact us at admin@edusingapore.sg or visit our website at www.edusingapore.sg

Still admissions window open for Aug-2013 intake and avail early bird offer!!! One way AIR TICKET for Indian & Sri Lankan students who register before July 05!!! *conditions apply

Singapore MBA

Study in Singapore! Dear students...It's not too late for April-13 intake!!!

Singapore NTU now 10th-best university in Asia

THE Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has climbed seven spots to break into the Top 10 list in the latest global ranking of Asian universities to be released today.

In the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings: Asia, the university takes 10th position, together with Japan's Kyoto University.

It is the NTU's highest position since the first edition of the annual rankings was published in 2009.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) maintained its spot as the second-best university in Asia, sharing the position with the University of Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the top spot for the third year running went to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The ranking exercise by London-based education and career consultancy QS lists Asia's top 300 universities based on criteria such as academic reputation, number of papers per faculty and ratio of students to faculty.

QS head of research Ben Sowter said: "Singapore's universities are embracing the new possibilities of today's globalised higher-education landscape in innovative ways, and
are now clearly established as international centres of excellence.

"The influx of international campuses, tech start-ups and multinational investors means Singapore is well placed to become Asia's Silicon Valley."

NTU president Bertil Andersson said in a statement: "NTU has become a talent magnet, attracting more top students and some of the world's best professors."

He said that the university saw an increase of 60 per cent of top A-level students enrolling this year, over 2011.

NTU also performed well in another QS ranking of international universities under 50 years old - it came in at No. 2, after Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, NUS also ranked first in Asia for employer reputation and second in Asia for academic reputation.

The provost and deputy president of academic affairs at NUS, Professor Tan Eng Chye, said: "This is firm recognition of the high-quality education and research work by our faculty, staff and students.

"We will continue our pursuit of transformative advances in education and research to bring about a lasting impact in Singapore, Asia and the world."

By Victoria Barker, My Paper

Singapore NTU professor is world's best in business teaching

Poon Chian Hui | The Straits Times | Mon Mar 18 2013

AN INFORMATION systems expert from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has been named the world's best business educator.

Professor Vijay Sethi, 52, beat three other finalists in a "teach-off" two days ago in London for the top prize, given out by the business research group, the Economist Intelligence Unit.

He was judged to have delivered the best lecture in 35 minutes to a live classroom audience comprising undergraduate and graduate business students who later voted him the winner.

The other finalists were from Canadian universities HEC Montreal and the University of British Columbia, and the Insead school from France.

They were picked from a pool of 222 professors from 31 countries by a panel of judges helmed by The Economist's business education editor William Ridgers. The professors were nominated by students and members of school alumni.

Prof Sethi walked away with the title of Business Professor of the Year and prize money of US$100,000 ($125,000). Said NTU president Bertil Andersson: "Vijay took on some of the best teachers in the world and came out tops. He has done both NTU and Singapore proud."

The head of the judging panel, Mr Ridgers, said Prof Sethi was "clearly a very worthy winner".

"He took some complicated ideas and made them accessible and engaging to the audience."

The winning lecture was on digital networks and the dynamics of network-based industries.

The win comes on the back of a local teaching award given to him on Tuesday, NTU's Nanyang Award for Excellence. At NTU, he teaches e-business and technological entrepreneurship to master's students, and information technology management to undergraduates.

Nanyang Business School interim dean Gillian Yeo described Prof Sethi as "an inspiration to students". His classes are said to be popular, with group discussions that stimulate creative thinking.

Prof Sethi, a Singapore permanent resident from India who holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, said his primary aim is to help students become knowledgeable about the field.

"Ultimately, I want them to be passionate about learning and knowing whatever field they want to go into," he said. "If they feel we are passionate about our field, they will be about theirs."

His specialisation includes strategic information systems planning and information technology productivity. He also does research.

Said Prof Sethi: "Through teaching, we improve peoples' minds - the greatest gift we have. We are all what we are today because someone taught us."

"Teaching is my way of giving back," he added.

Singapore to remain ‘most competitive Asian city’ in 2025

SINGAPORE — The Republic will continue its reign as Asia’s most competitive city in terms of attracting capital, business, talent and visitors by the middle of the next decade, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The report, titled Hot Spots 2025: Benchmarking the Future Competitiveness of Cities, also puts Singapore in third place globally behind New York and London, with factors such as robust infrastructure and effective governance being major advantages.

Citi commissioned the report to improve its understanding of market competitiveness and to identify where growth, opportunity and talent are likely to be found in the decade ahead.

Singapore scored particularly well on indicators such as physical capital, financial maturity, the environment and natural hazards, as well as global appeal.

“None of this is surprising given the city’s efficient transport system, lean bureaucracy, safe and clean environment, and its increasingly high international reputation,” the report said.

On the downside, Singapore’s demographics weigh on its competitiveness.

“Its working-age population is projected to be stagnant at 3.6 million between 2012 and 2025, highlighting the need to ensure that the city remains a hub open to the flow of people, ideas, capital, and goods and services,” the report said.

The report forecast the competitiveness of 120 cities in 2025 based on their projected ability to attract capital, business, talent and tourists.

While there is much concern in the West about the lingering impacts of the financial crises that have slowed plans for urban renewal, this has not reduced the competitiveness of the United States, Canada and Europe, which accounted for 21 of the top 30 cities in the global table.

In Asia, Hong Kong and Tokyo ranked second and third, respectively.WONG WEI HAN

ST Jobs Career & Development 2013 - Students don't miss it!!!

STJobs Career & Development 2013 is STJobs' second career fair. The career fair aims to be one of Singapore's biggest and most exciting congregations of job seekers, employers and training providers in a singular venue.

We have brought together a slew of industry leading companies to headline our fair. They occupy a sizeable portion of close to 200 exhibitors from over 30 sectors offering thousands of recruitment or training opportunities and programmes. STJobs Career & Development 2013 provides the perfect grounds on where job seekers can hunt for their next prey – the ultimate snare of a dream job!

STJobs Career & Development 2013 may be a career fair but it's no ordinary job fair. 

Admission is Free on both days*.

*Singaporeans and PRs are allowed admission on 13 & 14 July. Foreigners with valid work passes or student passes from local institutions are allowed admission on 14 July only.

Why should you pre-register?

• One of the largest job fairs with close to 200 exhibitors and employers
• Meet representatives from Singapore’s biggest companies (some of the participating companies are SMRT Corporation, Keppel Offshore & Marine, Singapore Airlines, AIA Singapore and more)
• Reputable training providers with the best of educational programmes to offer
• Carnival-like fair with 4 zonal activities (Upload resumes and record video resumes, makeover and photoshoot, image consultancy and tarot card & numerology readings, free seminars)
• Pre-register for the fair to sign up for free activities such as visume (video resume) recording , makeover and photoshoot and seminars as there are limited slots available
Collect two or more zonal stamps in your admission card to be eligible for daily lucky draws

Pre-Register NOW at http://www.stjobs.sg/Fair/expresslogin

Why Study in Singapore? Some Facts and Rankings!!!

Singapore has many accolades pegged to its brand, bolstering the Republic’s reputation as a key regional and global hub for companies to do business. Discover key facts and rankings about Singapore today.

No. 1 city with the best investment potential

Singapore now outranks the world as an investment destination, after coming in second for 16 consecutive years.

In its BERI Report 2011-II (August 2011), US-based research institute Business Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI) ranked Singapore first out of 50 major investment destinations in a ranking that assesses operations, politics and foreign exchange. With no restrictions on the repatriation of profits and the import of capital, along with the most favourable operating conditions and strong diplomatic ties, Singapore’s stable political and economic climate creates an ideal environment to invest in.

Top 3 in the world for foreign trade and investment

The nation’s standing in the economic world, ideal geographic location and vibrant lifestyle are among reasons for foreign interest in Singapore.

According to the Globalisation Index 2012, Singapore came in after Hong Kong and Ireland as the country preferred for foreign trade and investment. A number of factors have contributed to this achievement, namely the country’s strategic geographic location, connected networks with the rest of the world, strong legal system and attractive tax system.

The world’s easiest place to do business

The ease of setting up a company in Singapore is a clear advantage when it comes to choosing the best place to do business.

According to the Doing Business 2012 Report by the World Bank, Singapore is the easiest place in the world to conduct business, partly due to the hassle-free way in which administrative matters are handled. Singapore helps simplify the process of setting up by making it simple to incorporate a company and register for taxes by using the same online form. Forms for construction permits, new workplace safety and healthcare regulations can also be submitted online. In addition, Singapore eased property registration by improving on its computerised system.

Top 2 most competitive city in the world

Singapore leads the pack among the rest of the global economies when it comes to maintaining its competitive edge.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012 by the World Economic Forum, Singapore is the best in the world in terms of lack of corruption and high government efficiency. It is also recognised for the strength of its goods and labour markets; leading globally in terms of financial market development. The country’s competitiveness is further reinforced by world-class infrastructure with excellent transportation facilities and a strong focus on education that provides personnel with the skills needed for a rapidly changing global economy.

Best business environment in Asia Pacific and the world

Singapore has the most conducive environment for business as compared to the rest of its neighbours – and the world.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Country Forecasts Report in December 2011, the country was ranked the most attractive as an investment location, both regionally and globally. Factors taken into consideration for ranking purposes were supportive government policies, attractive labour market conditions, a sound infrastructure and financing efficiency.

Asia’s most network-ready country

Singapore enjoys the most seamless connectivity in Asia with one of the widest telecommunications networks in the world.

Based on the Global Information Technology Report 2010 – 2011 as conducted by the World Economic Forum, Singapore has the best network-ready environment in Asia in terms of market, political and regulatory infrastructure for connectivity. There are also high levels of individual, business and government readiness and usage of technology; making the country the most conducive place for business as compared to the rest of the region.

World’s No. 2 and Asia’s No.1 for best intellectual property protection

Singapore recognises intellectual property (IP) as an invaluable asset in shaping a knowledge-based economy.

In its Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012, the World Economic Forum has ranked Singapore as having the best IP protection based on the infrastructure and incentives put in place by the government to encourage innovation by existing and emerging industries.

Asia’s least bureaucratic place to do business

Businesses who plan to invest in Singapore need not worry about the hassle of red tape or the slowing down of operations.

The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook in 2011 has deemed Singapore to be the least bureaucratic country in Asia – making it the perfect place to set up an operations base or business. Rankings were based on government interference, attractive policies, transparency and accountability.

World’s No. 7 and Asia’s No.1 for least corruption in the economy

The Singapore government practises an open and transparent approach when it comes to all business matters.

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook in 2011, Singapore is the least corrupt country in the region where transparency is valued highly; due to clear and strict laws and legislations imposed by the government over business dealings and transactions.

Most transparent country in Asia

Government policies in Singapore are clear and transparent when it comes to business.

The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook in 2011 recognises Singapore as a country with sound political infrastructure and policy-making procedures; leading to its ranking as the most transparent country in Asia that enjoys a stable business environment.

Best labour/employer relations in Asia

The relationship between employee and employer in the average Singapore workplace is the best in the region.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012 by the World Economic Forum, Singapore enjoys better working conditions and higher rates of productivity due to more open communication channels and camaraderie between employee and employer.

Asia’s best country to work in

As voted by its labour force, Singapore is the best country to earn a living in Asia.

Based on the Global Competitiveness Report 2011 – 2012 by the World Economic Forum, besides the city’s standard of living, Singapore’s working conditions are the best in the region as employees are deemed to be better taken care of due to effective labour policies and a general employer mind-set that allows for employees to enjoy a balance in life.

Country with best quality of life in Asia

Singapore has been ranked the best place to live, work and play as compared to its neighbouring countries.

Based on the Quality of Living Worldwide City Rankings in the Mercer Survey 2011, Singapore has the best environment, facilities and infrastructure available for citizens to enjoy a good quality of life due to a stable political climate, world-class transportation and healthcare system as well as entertainment variety.

Business-centric immigration laws for foreign talent

Singapore’s convenient geographic location has made it an ideal hub for foreign talent.

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook in 2011, Singapore has a relatively open labour policy that is business-centric and foreign talent-friendly.