UniSIM earmarked to be Singapore's 6th autonomous university

SIM University (UniSIM) has been earmarked to become the Republic's sixth autonomous university (AU), and will focus on lifelong learning as well as providing applied degree pathways for working adults if and when the move gets greenlit.

This was announced by Acting Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung at the university's convocation ceremony on Wednesday (Oct 12).

The announcement is in line with the objectives of the SkillsFuture movement, according to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in a separate press release.

"The granting of AU status to UniSIM underscores the Government’s commitment to support Singaporeans seeking to upgrade and fulfil their aspirations at different stages of life," said MOE.

All autonomous universities come under the purview of the MOE, and this may lead to changes in its governance structure as UniSIM is currently an entity under the SIM Society.

Mr Ong said MOE has discussed the proposal with the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) Governing Council alongside UniSIM’s Board of Trustees and he added that all parties had agreed that it is a positive move. That said, he pointed out that the proposal to establish UniSIM as an AU needs to be presented at a general meeting of SIM members before a final decision is taken.

"I understand that the SIM Governing Council will be taking the necessary steps to do so," Mr Ong added.

Meanwhile, MOE said it will work with UniSIM and SIM on the restructuring process to become an AU and help with the rebranding of UniSIM in the coming months.

UniSIM will only be recognised as the sixth AU after a Bill is passed in Parliament.