Here's how the University of Sunderland is creating a greener more sustainable future in Asia
The city’s university has announced a partnership with The Management Development Institute of Singapore to help create a more sustainable and greener future.
To mark the University of Sunderland’s 20 year partnership with the MDIS, a new Centre for Applied Sustainability Research and Innovation has been set up to “unveil a bold new vision for sustainability-driven education”.
The plans for the new centre were announced at the Innovate for a Green Future event held in Singapore, with a delegation of leaders from the University of Sunderland, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Sir David Bell, travelling to the country.
The partnership aims to support Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and their national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The centre aims to become Asia’s leading hub for applied sustainability, “bridging the gap between academic research and real-world practice”.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: “The launch of this Centre is a landmark moment for the University of Sunderland. It represents the first time we are extending cross-border research cooperation in sustainability to Singapore and the wider Asian region, extending the reach and impact of our work well beyond the UK.
“By partnering with MDIS, we are not only sharing our expertise but also shaping practical solutions that address the urgent demands of businesses and communities in this part of the world.
“This collaboration puts University of Sunderland firmly on the global map as a leading institution in sustainability research and innovation, and reflects our commitment to creating knowledge that changes lives on an international scale.”
Dr Eric Kuan, President of MDIS, added: “As Singapore’s first private education institution to establish the MDIS–Sunderland Centre for Applied Sustainability Research and Innovation, dedicated to advancing sustainability research and application, MDIS is taking the lead in setting the trend for how private education institutions and industry can work together to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
“Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses that want to remain competitive and resilient.
“Through this Centre, we aim to pioneer applied research and practical solutions that will enable enterprises to transform with confidence, while equipping the workforce with the green skills needed for the future economy. This is about more than education; it is about creating real-world impact for Singapore and beyond.”
The Centre will build on the strong foundations of the MDIS-University of Sunderland partnership, which has grown to include campuses in Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Tajikistan, delivering Sunderland-accredited programmes to thousands of students across Asia.