Influential Singapore business leaders back University of Birmingham

Influential business leaders in Singapore have joined forces to help the University of Birmingham develop new research opportunities and business partnerships across South East Asia.

Members of the Singapore Advisory Group met for the first time to offer their regional guidance and insight. The advisory group is comprised of a network of alumni and friends of the University and chaired by Lim Ming Yan – University alumnus and Group Chief Executive Officer of CapitaLand Limited.

Today’s (13 May) first meeting coincided with University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood’s visit to Singapore.  Sir David hosted a special reception to mark the launch of the group and allow Singapore’s wider alumni community to meet University representatives – including the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International, Professor Robin Mason.

Sir David, centre, is pictured above with, from left, British Council Singapore Director Roland Davies, Singapore Advisory Group Chair Lim Ming Yan, Executive Chairman of PwC Singapore Oon J Yeoh and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International Robin Mason.

He said: “I am delighted that a group of such influential leaders have agreed to share the considerable benefit of their expertise and regional knowledge to help the University of Birmingham strengthen its position in Singapore.

“The foundation of this advisory group reflects the strategic importance that Singapore plays in our drive to continue building the University’s reputation as an institution with global impact.”

The group includes University of Birmingham alumni Doreen Lui and Professor KK Phua, Co-Founders and President of World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd; Oon J Yeoh, Executive Chairman of PwC Singapore; and Francis Keng Siang Koh, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Koh Brothers Group Ltd.

 Singapore Advisory Group Chair Lim Ming Yan said: “As alumni and supporters of University of Birmingham, the Singapore Advisory Group is looking forward to helping the University strengthen existing relationships with key regional partners and foster new ones to enhance its global reach and relevance.”

The advisory group will meet annually, with the University of Birmingham represented at each meeting by a Pro-Vice-Chancellor and other senior colleagues from the University.

Group members will use their local knowledge, influence, and networks to help the University identify opportunities to engage with new business partners, government and industry.

They will help us to engage with individuals and organisations in Singapore and the wider region who are interested in developing and funding new research opportunities.The Group will also support student recruitment and opportunities for professional development, as well as helping to strengthen the University’s alumni network in the region.

Ends

Notes to editors

• The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries.
• Lim Ming Yan graduated from the University of Birmingham in 1985, gaining a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and Economics. He is President & Group Chief Executive Officer of CapitaLand Limited, as well as Chairman of CapitaLand China Holdings Pte Ltd, the Ascott Limited, and numerous CapitaLand subsidiaries and trusts. He is also the Director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the Group's philanthropic arm.

For more information or interviews, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or  +44 (0)782 783 2312 or t.moran@bham.ac.uk