Shanghai Jiao Tong University Asia-Pacific Graduate Institute unveiled in Singapore

(Photo: VCG)

SINGAPORE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Asia-Pacific Graduate Institute (SJTU-APGI) was unveiled here Thursday, and Singapore Education Minister Ong Ye Kung sent a congratulatory letter on the occasion in hopes of enhancing cooperation between the two countries on the education front.

Held at the CREATE Tower, the unveiling ceremony was officiated by Hong Xiaoyong, Chinese ambassador to Singapore. Hong and SJTU Party Secretary and Chairman of University Council Jiang Sixian jointly inaugurated the new institute.

Ong said in his speech that SJTU is one of the first universities to bring its programs outside of China, benefiting nearly 600 graduates in Singapore.

SJTU-APGI is a strong indication of SJTU's commitment of nurturing business and research talents in Singapore, he added.

The education minister expressed hopes that the new institute will spark more collaboration, promote exchanges between Singapore and China.

Hong said in his speech the institute will provide a new platform for the exchanges between SJTU and Singapore and inject new blood into the cooperation between Chinese higher learning institutions and their Singapore counterparts.

In his keynote speech, Jiang reviewed the history of SJTU and looked forward to the future of SJTU-APGI, which he believes marks a new phase of international education of SJTU and friendship between Singapore and China.

Vice Dean of SJTU-APGI Dong Ming, said the institute positions itself as an extension of SJTU's education and research efforts, as well as a platform for overseas resource integration and internationalization. The overall goal of SJTU-APGI is to promote the innovation of systems and integration of resources, and in turn, open up new global prospects in the fields of education and research, according to him.

The main operational body of SJTU-APGI includes the General Affairs Office and four other centers - Antai Asia-Pacific Center, Urban Governance Research Centre, CREATE Program Management Center, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Southeast Asia Affairs Center, Dong said.