The University of Sunderland and The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) today announced plans to launch a MDIS-University of Sunderland Centre for Applied Sustainability Research and Innovation.
As the two institutions mark the 20-year milestone in their transnational education partnership, they are now looking to the future by unveiling a bold new vision for sustainability-driven education.
Plans for the MDIS-University of Sunderland Centre for Applied Sustainability Research and Innovation have been announced at the Innovate for a Green Future event in 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 Centre is a landmark initiative by a private education institution in Singapore in partnership with a UK university. It aims to support Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In addition, the Centre aims to be Asia’s leading hub for applied sustainability innovation, with a focus on development, application, implementation, and workforce development – areas where MDIS and the University of Sunderland bring complementary strengths – the aim would be to create a Centre that serves as a bridge between academic research and real-world practice.
The Centre’s research and innovation blueprint is anchored in Singapore’s industrial strategy through the following strategic pillars:
- Circular Manufacturing and Resilient Supply Chains
- Green Economy and Business Transformation
- Sustainable Tourism and Urban Hospitality
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.”
“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 and SMEs 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 would 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.
The planned Centre aims to be not only a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sunderland-MDIS partnership, but also a forward-looking initiative that reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and global sustainability. Alumni, industry leaders, and educators will play a vital role in shaping the Centre’s direction and ensuring its success in creating a new generation of sustainability-savvy graduates.