Strategies for academic and research excellence for a young university: perspectives from Singapore

As countries worldwide have become increasingly interconnected due to globalisation, universities have likewise undergone significant changes. To achieve and maintain academic and research excellence in today’s fast-paced knowledge economy, it is critical for international universities to transcend traditional education. With the blurring of boundaries and rise of Asia, universities worldwide have increased collaborative efforts. Several Asian universities have acquired top academic rankings and achieved international recognition in parity with many western iconic counterparts. These rankings have galvanised the world of higher education, resulting in a virtuous circle impact on universities’ drive for academic and research excellence. Since the emergence of global rankings, universities have been compared on a national and international basis and this has affected the way they operate. The rankings — used as a tool to maintain and build institutional position and reputation — have also resulted in an increasing trend of policy makers utilising the ranking results to make decisions on resource allocation or structure of higher education systems. The Singapore universities, which are crucial for elevating Singapore’s society towards the future knowledge economy, have transformed rapidly from teaching institutions into top international research-intensive universities. This article examines how Nanyang Technological University (NTU) strategises its progress and establishes platforms for the creation of greater scientific knowledge and research innovation, which impact on higher education rankings and vice versa. Some of the issues covered include institutional management structure, talent retention/attraction, research competitiveness, and international and industry collaborations.