Under the banner of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Australian Government and the Government of Singapore will undertake a range of initiatives to broaden and deepen cooperation – including on education and innovation.

Deeper engagement with Singapore is a priority for Australian universities and a closer relationship between our governments and nations will bolster our already significant ties.

Australia and Singapore are long-term education partners. According to the Australian Alumni Singapore, more than 130,000 Singaporeans have graduated from Australian universities, including His Excellency Dr Tony Tan, President of the Republic of Singapore.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson welcomed the growth in the number of Australian qualifications recognised by Singapore.

“We look forward to continuing to expand this list, in recognition of the depth and breadth of excellence in all Australia’s universities,” she said.

“A new process to allow Australian universities to make a case to use the term ‘university’ in Singapore is particularly pleasing and will enhance recognition of Australia’s high quality institutions.”

The further work on mutual recognition of professional engineers and accountants will facilitate greater workforce mobility and promote stronger ties.

Australia and Singapore are also establishing a professional services framework to support mutual recognition of professional qualifications into the future.

The new Memorandum of Understanding on innovation and science engagement between Australia and Singapore will build stronger links and support learning and economic growth in both countries.

The announcement of Singapore as the location of the final ‘landing pad’ for market-ready start-ups completes this exciting initiative, joining Shanghai, Berlin, San Francisco and Tel-Aviv.

“Australian universities are developing the next generation of entrepreneurs and these landing pads will help them to identify partners, customers and investors, and find opportunities to reach global markets.”