The
Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) and the
University of Sunderland have unveiled plans for a joint Centre for Applied Sustainability Research and Innovation, marking a significant milestone in their 20-year internnational education partnership.
The announcement was made during the
Innovate for a Green Future event held earlier this month, where a delegation from the University of Sunderland, led by Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell, joined MDIS President Dr Eric Kuan to launch the initiative.
The centre represents ‘a bold step forward for sustainability-driven education in Asia, positioning MDIS as the first private education institution in Singapore to establish such a facility in collaboration with a UK university’. Designed to support Singapore’s
Green Plan 2030 and its ‘net zero’ ambitions for 2050, the centre will focus on bridging academic research with real-world application. It aims to become a regional hub for applied sustainability innovation, targeting key areas such as circular manufacturing, resilient supply chains, green business transformation, and sustainable tourism.
Sir David Bell 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.”
Sustainability research and innovation“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 the 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.”
Dr Eric Kuan said: “As Singapore's first private education institution to establish the MDIS–Sunderland Centre for Applied Sustainability Research and Innovation, dedicated to advancing sustainability research and application, MDIS is taking the lead in setting the trend for how private education institutions and industry can work together to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
“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 builds on the strong foundation of the MDIS partnership with the University of Sunderland, which has expanded to include campuses in Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Tajikistan, delivering Sunderland-accredited programmes to thousands of students across Asia. With alumni, industry leaders, and educators expected to play a key role in shaping its direction, the new centre is poised to become a catalyst for sustainability innovation and workforce transformation across the region.