DVC Singapore honoured by business leaders

“The President’s Medal honours Dr Anderson’s outstanding contribution to Australia’s business and cultural relationship with Singapore through his work with James Cook University,” Ian Cummin, President of AustCham Singapore, said. “In Dr Anderson’s 12 years as Head of Campus, JCU Singapore has become recognised as a market leader in the provision of tertiary studies, business excellence, and educational quality,” Mr Cummin said.

“JCU was the first Australian university to achieve Singapore’s Quality Class Star and is the only foreign educational institution operating in Singapore that is authorised to call itself a university.”

Dr Anderson told the ceremony in Singapore that he was humbled by the award, which he accepted as a tribute to the staff, students and supporters who have helped JCU grow its campus, during his term as Head of Campus, from 400 students to the current enrolment of almost 4,000.

“We have seen about 10,000 students graduate in Singapore, and that would not have been possible without the generous support and guidance we have received from local business and community leaders, including many members of AustCham,” he said.

“JCU’s approach to earning our place in Singapore is summed up in our mantra: one university, two countries, three tropical campuses. I’m very grateful to those in business and government here who have helped us achieve our vision.

“Through our inter-campus mobility program, JCU encourages students to experience campus life in both countries. I look forward to seeing that cultural and educational exchange expand as the campus grows.

“Together with our campuses in Cairns and Townsville, JCU Singapore is a hub of tropical expertise which, along with our alumni, will ensure an even brighter future for the Tropics worldwide.”

Dr Anderson joins an honour roll of high-profile Australian and Singaporean business and international trade leaders who have been awarded the AustCham President’s Medal, including: Australian architect Mr Geoffrey Malone, who founded the Singapore International Film Festival; Lee Hsien Yang, former CEO of SingTel; BG George Yeo, Singapore’s Minister for Trade & Industry; the Hon Mark Vaile, Australia’s former Minister for Trade; and Chandra Das, Chairman of NTUC Fairprice.

AustCham is the peak body representing Australian business in Singapore. With over 700 individual and 500 company members, AustCham is one of the largest Australian business chambers in Asia.