University celebrates 20 years of international success

Published on 30, September, 2025

The University of Sunderland is celebrating one of its longest international partnerships.

For the last 20 years, the University has worked in partnership with the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), a friendship that spans almost 7,000 miles.

Now, the two organisations are commemorating their longstanding transnational education (TNE) partnership – and looking to the future.

Starting in 2005, the MDIS partnership has gone from strength to strength, expanding to include new campuses like MDIS Tashkent (Uzbekistan), MDIS Malaysia and MDIS Dushanbe (Tajikistan), which deliver a range of courses to students overseas.

As part of the celebration, Senior figures from MDIS visited the University’s Sunderland campuses, including MDIS President Dr Eric Kuan, Senior Director Mr Alex Loh Chang-Ti, Secretary-General Mr Shareef Bin Abdul Jaffar, and Dean Dr Darwin Joesph.

Delegates from MDIS had the chance to see the University’s facilities and meet with staff from across the faculties and the international office to strengthen and celebrate this longstanding partnership.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Over the past 20 years, thousands of students in Singapore and elsewhere have benefited from the strong partnership between MDIS and the University of Sunderland.

“We have provided excellent academic opportunities and an outstanding student experience. In doing so, we have contributed immensely to the continuing growth and prosperity of one of south-east Asia’s most distinguished nations.

“I am looking forward very much to visiting MDIS in early November to celebrate two decades of success, at the same time as recommitting to our relationship, which I am confident will last for many years to come.”

Ian Moody, Director of the International Office at the University, said: "We have now worked with MDIS for 20 years, and our partnership continues to go from strength to strength.

“Together, we are constantly developing new opportunities and programmes. Through MDIS, we have expanded our global reach, teaching and supporting students in Malaysia, Singapore, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan."

In November, both Sir David and Ian will attend an anniversary event in Singapore to celebrate 20 years of collaboration, where they will meet graduates who have studied at MDIS.

The MDIS transnational education partnership is one of many across the world initiated across the world by the University of Sunderland.

Such arrangements allow students to study for a University of Sunderland-accredited qualification while being taught in a partner institution in their own country.

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