Singapore ceremony recognises Stirling’s newest graduates

More than 60 students from the University of Stirling celebrated their achievements at the Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE) graduation ceremony.

The University’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Gerry McCormac, conferred degrees on 63 graduates from the BA (Hons) Retail Marketing and BA (Hons) Sports Studies and Marketing courses.

Both courses are taught at SIM GE by lecturers from Stirling Management School, together with Sports Business Management and Sustainable Events Management – which were added to the portfolio in 2016.

Professor McCormac said: "Congratulations to all our graduates on their hard-earned success. I wish them all the best in their future careers shaping the retail and sports industries.

“Our partnership with the Singapore Institute of Management Global Education continues to go from strength to strength and is a key part of Stirling’s global outlook.”

They received their degrees alongside Chief Executive Officer of SIM Global Education, Dr Lee Kwok Cheong, who was awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the IT industry and education sector in Singapore.

He enjoyed a successful career in IT leadership spanning 27 years, and is renowned for his remarkable achievements in transforming Singapore, from the 1980s onwards, into the IT-efficient nation it is today.

He moved into the education sector in 2005, and has been instrumental in the successful operation of the University of Stirling degree programmes in Singapore since 2011, when the partnership with SIM GE began.

Dr Lee said: “I feel most undeserving to receive Stirling’s Honorary Doctor Degree as I have not specifically worked for it. I have been most fortunate to have had so many opportunities to pursue my careers, from Hong Kong to Singapore, and from IT to education.

"To all graduates, my only piece of advice for you is this:  be open to unexpected opportunities, even if they may not be in sync with what you plan today. Trust your heart as much as your head.”

University of Stirling Awards were also presented to Kelly Pang Jia Hui as the best overall student in Retail Marketing, and for the best dissertation, and to Kenneth Chang Wei Ze as the best overall student in Sports Studies and Marketing.

In addition, Kelly and Kenneth were given gold SIM GE Awards, while a silver award was given to Mak Mei Xin for Retail Marketing and to Madeleine Ong Xue Li for Sports Studies and Marketing.

Go to our Singapore Graduation photo gallery to view more from the day.