Management Development Institute of Singapore

Management Development Institute of Singapore

Motto	Where lifelong learning begins
Type	Private
Established	1956
President	Dr. Eric Kuan Choon Hock
Location	501 Stirling Road, Singapore
Campus	MDIS Campus & MDIS Dhoby Ghaut
Website	www.mdis.edu.sg

The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), founded in 1956, is Singapore's oldest not-for-profit professional institute for lifelong learning.

MDIS provides well-accredited courses, seminars and management services and opportunities for individuals to develop professionally through academic programmes in Business and Management, Engineering, Fashion Design, Information Technology, Health and Life Sciences, Mass Communications, Psychology and Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management. They are offered in collaboration with universities in Australia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In addition, MDIS also provides preparatory courses for GCE "O" and "A" level examinations, via its subsidiary - MDIS College.

History

1955

In 1955, a group of personnel managers got together to discuss industrial relations problems and issues facing them at the time. It was this coming-together that sparked off the formation the Supervisory and Management Training Association of Singapore (SAMTAS).

Understanding that supervisors were probably the best people to identify and solve any labour problems, training was catered primarily to these supervisors on aspects from job relations to industrial safety. Certified courses, seminars, lectures, film shows and excursions were organised on a regular basis. The main challenges facing SAMTAS at the time were the availability of good lecturers and lecture venues. The first inaugural meeting was held on 29 November 1955 where Mr Loke Wan Tho was named its first President. In April 1956, SAMTAS was formalised.^[1]

1963

In 1963, SAMTAS pioneered the Training-Within-Industries (TWI) courses in Singapore. In line with the Singapore government's plans to promote industrialisation in the country, these were courses on supervisory skills initiated by the then Ministry of Labour.

1984

The plan to upgrade SAMTAS' status to that of a professional Institute was initiated in 1982. The change of name from SAMTAS to MDIS, or the Management Development Institute of Singapore, was made official on 8 February 1984. The purpose of this move was to give a more professional image and to upgrade the individual membership by allowing the use of designatory letters.

SAMTAS, and then MDIS, is the oldest professional institute in Singapore today.

From as early as 1986 to today, MDIS has collaborated with various universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia to offer credible certified courses. Besides its certified courses from Certificate to Master's level, MDIS also conducts seminars, in-house training and consultancy services and offers membership services and privileges.

1995 to 2007

Since 1995, MDIS had explored the feasibility of recruiting students from abroad. This had proven to be worth the while and an International Affairs Department was set up in 1998 to handle the affairs of foreign students studying with MDIS. In March 2001, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore announced that MDIS is a recognised educational institute in China. To date, MDIS has helped almost 3,000 foreign students attain better academic qualifications through its courses.

MDIS was accorded charity status on 23 August 1996 under the Charities Registration Act, 1994. On 19 November 1997, MDIS was awarded the ISO 9001 certification. On 7 November 2000, MDIS received the People Developer Standard certification. The MDIS Education Trust Fund received its Institution of a Public Character and Charity status in 2002. In 2003, MDIS was among the first seven education institutes to receive the Singapore Quality Class award for Private Education Organisations(PEOs).^[2]

MDIS actively takes the lead and involves itself in many community projects. Some of these are cited here:

Scholarships and Bursaries to organisations like the four self-help groups (Yayasan MENDAKI, CDAC, SINDA and The Eurasian Association), NTUC, SAFRA, CDANS and SPANS, and students from the secondary schools, junior colleges, ITEs and Polytechnics have been given out yearly since 1996. From the year 2001, together with the support from generous donors like university partners and other organisations, about a quarter of a million dollars were presented each year.

In 1999, MDIS collaborated with the drama and dance faculty of the Oklahoma City University to present the American Spirit Dance Company's performance from 23 to 25 April, and the Charity Gala Dinner. A total of $272,000 was raised in aid of the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) and the MDIS Education Trust Fund.

In 2001, MDIS worked jointly with the ITE to collect cans in aid of the Community Chest and ITE. The "I Can Do It", project brought in almost 450,000 cans and a total of about $120,000.^[3]

2008 to the Present

MDIS set up it first overseas campus in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, built in 2008 at a cost of US$20 million. It was announced on 28 June 2010 that MDIS would be setting up an S$130 million overseas 30-acre (120,000 m²) campus in Iskandar Malaysia which is expected to start work at the end of 2011.^[4] MDIS Malaysia is expected to be five times as big as the MDIS Campus in Singapore.

University Partners

• Grenoble Graduate School of Business, France

• Oklahoma City University, USA

• Northumbria University, UK

• University of Sunderland, UK

• University of the West of England, UK

• Nottingham Trent University, UK

• University of South Wales, UK

• Bangor University, UK

• University of Bradford, UK

• Southern Cross University, Australia, CRICOS Provider: 01241G

MDIS also has affiliations with over 30 other universities around the world.^[5]

Campuses

MDIS has two campuses in Singapore: MDIS Campus at Stirling Road and MDIS Dhoby Ghaut at Orchard Road.

MDIS Campus

MDIS has a history of providing training and educational services to the community and the nation. The S$35 million MDIS Campus at Stirling Road occupies a three-hectare land area. It has well-equipped classrooms, life sciences and computer laboratories, a hospitality training centre, a mass communications studio, engineering laboratory and workshops, as well as a fashion studio. The Campus also has an amphitheatre to house art performances and other events, as well as fully equipped sports facilities such as a gymnasium and badminton courts.

The Campus is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing students access to the World Wide Web anywhere on campus. In addition, MDIS enhances students’ learning experience with the Blackboard Learning System and Video Streaming Technology which allow online access to lecture notes, learning resources and recorded lessons anytime, anywhere.

Facilities

• Amphitheatre

• Auditorium

• Blackboard Learning System

• Badminton courts

• Bookshop (Brainwaves)

• Cafeteria

• Classrooms

• Computer laboratories

• Convenience store

• Dance studio

• Engineering laboratory and workshops

• Fashion studio

• Food Court

• Fully equipped gymnasium (Energy HUB)

• Hospitality training centre (Tropical Breeze)

• On-campus hostel

• Lecture theatres

• Life sciences laboratories

• Library (Resource HUB)

• Mass Communications studio (Media HUB)

• Multi-purpose hall (SAMTAS HALL)

• Student communal area

• Video streaming technology

• Wi-Fi enabled campus

MDIS Dhoby Ghaut

At Orchard Road, near Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, it is a location of convenience for part-time students attending classes after work.

Faculties

MDIS offers academic programmes in 8 main disciplines:

MDIS Business School

The MDIS Business School (MBS) is the largest and most established school within the Management Development Institute of Singapore. MBS offers an industry-relevant and a multi-disciplinary approach to education, preparing students for career commencement and advancement, for today’s complex business environment.

To meet global challenges, MBS offers a plethora of business programmes ranging from professional certificates to doctoral degrees, from its 5 renowned university partners in France, Australia and the United Kingdom, namely: Bangor University (UK), Grenoble Graduate School of Business (France), Southern Cross University (Australia), the University of Sunderland (UK) and the University of Bradford (UK). The university partners – with reputable rankings – are carefully chosen to provide students with a rigorous and thorough knowledge of the field of discipline.

The key academic programmes offered in MBS include business management, marketing, international business, accounting, banking and finance.

MBS is staffed with a pool of highly qualified lecturers and experienced professionals. To provide students with that extra edge in an increasingly competitive economy, MBS organises seminars, industry talks, company visits and networking opportunities, available even to alumni.

Doctorate

Doctor of Business Administration - Awarded by Southern Cross University, (Australia), CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Masters

Master of Business Administration – Awarded by the University of Sunderland (UK)

Master of Business Administration – Awarded by Southern Cross University (Australia), CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Master of Business Administration in Banking and Finance – Awarded by Bangor University (UK)

Master of Business Administration in International Marketing – Awarded by Bangor University (UK)

Master in International Business - Awarded by Grenoble Graduate School of Business (France)

Master of Science in Finance – Awarded by Grenoble Graduate School of Business (France)

Master of Business Administration – Awarded by the University of Bradford (UK)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marketing - Awarded by the University of Bradford (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business and Management Studies - Awarded by the University of Bradford (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Business and Management - Awarded by the University of Bradford (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Accounting and Finance - Awarded by the University of Bradford (UK)

Bachelor of Business Administration (Top-up) - Awarded by Southern Cross University (Australia), CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Banking and Finance - Awarded by Bangor University (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Business Studies and Finance - Awarded by Bangor University (UK)

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business and Marketing (Top-up) - Awarded by the University of Sunderland (UK)

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management (Top-up) - Awarded by the University of Sunderland (UK)

Graduate Diploma

Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management – Awarded by MDIS

Graduate Diploma in Business and Finance – Awarded by MDIS

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Business Management - Awarded by MDIS

Advanced Diploma in Business Administration (International Business) - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma

Diploma in Business Management - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma in Business Administration (International Business) - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma in Marketing - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma in Accounting - Awarded by MDIS

Certificate

Professional Certificate in Business Management - Awarded by MDIS.

School of Engineering

The MDIS School of Engineering is established to nurture engineering professionals in diverse disciplines through delivering quality education, teaching excellence and providing opportunity for leadership development.

To meet global challenges, the School is offering engineering programmes in the areas of electrical and electronic, mechanical and product design engineering as well as project management. These are offered in partnership with the reputable Northumbria University (UK). The university is ranked 44th in the University Subject Tables for Electrical & Electronic Engineering and 43rd in the University Subject Tables for Mechanical Engineering by the Complete University Guide 2015 respectively.

The engineering programmes at MDIS aim to prepare its graduates proficiently for challenging but rewarding careers in all facets of engineering, ranging from R&D, product design to development and manufacturing.

MDIS offers a clear progression path for engineering students. From a Diploma in Engineering, students are able to progress to the undergraduate degree programmes and subsequently, the postgraduate degree programmes.

Students will be taught and guided by highly qualified academics and experienced professionals from the industry. They will also have the opportunity to make use of the School’s engineering workshops and laboratories that are equipped with electronic development kits, measurement and instrumentation devices, microprocessors, control systems, engineering software, and various apparatus and machines in the areas of heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and manufacturing.

Relevant industry visits, seminars and workshops are also organised for students to stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Masters

Master of Science Engineering Management – Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Master of Science Project Management – Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Degree

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electronic Design Engineering (Top-up) - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical Design Engineering (Top-up) - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering - Awarded by University of Bradford, Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Product Design Engineering - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Diploma

Diploma in Engineering - Awarded by MDIS

School of Fashion and Design

The School of Fashion and Design was established to nurture a new generation of creative professionals in the fields of Fashion Design, Marketing and Branding, through teaching excellence.

To remain relevant and tuned to the global fashion industry’s demands, MDIS has been partnering the reputable Nottingham Trent University (UK) to offer specialised undergraduate programmes.

Nottingham Trent University is accredited by the Privy Council and recognised as one of the top ten Post-92 universities for student experience in England and Wales; and has an excellent graduate employment rate with 91% of our graduates in employment or further study within six months. The University is ranked 10th in The Guardian University Guide 2015: League Table for Fashion and Textiles, and ranked 27th in The Complete University Guide 2015: University Subject Tables for Art and Design.

Students in the School of Fashion and Design undergo a 100% coursework curriculum based on project and studio practice to be familiarised with real-world assignments. They also have opportunities to collaborate with local and global brands and participate in fashion shows such as Singapore Fashion Week, Jakarta Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week in Malaysia.

Students’ learning experiences are also enhanced through an optimum student-lecturer ratio, classes with an international teaching faculty, in addition to modern facilities housed within an in-campus Fashion Studio.

Upon successful completion of the programmes, graduates can find career opportunities ranging from designing, manufacturing, retailing, marketing, to branding and media.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion Design - Awarded by Nottingham Trent University (UK)

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Marketing and Branding - Awarded by Nottingham Trent University (UK)

Diploma

Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Communication - Awarded by MDIS

School of Health and Life Sciences

The MDIS School of Health and Life Sciences was the first of its kind among Private Education Institutions in Singapore. It opened doors to students who have the passion to excel in this immense and fascinating field.

The School’s up-to-date and rigorous programmes, offered in partnership with Northumbria University (UK), aim to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to stay abreast of the exciting developments in Health and Life Sciences. In addition to developing subject-based expertise and skills, the content of the courses are made relevant to an international community of students.

Northumbria University (UK) is one of the UK’s best universities with a global reputation for academic excellence. It is ranked 36th in The Guardian University Guide 2014: League Table for Biosciences.

Students also gain practical experience in the School’s well-equipped laboratories and have the opportunity to work on in-house as well as commercial research projects. The School has implemented the Occupational Health and Safety Management system and the laboratories are OHSAS 18001:2007-certified, another first among private educational laboratories in Singapore.

With specialisations in biomedical sciences, biotechnology and health sciences (management), graduates can look forward to pursuing an enormous diversity of careers in research and in clinical laboratories, as well as in the burgeoning biomedical, pharmaceutical, biologics, biotechnological and healthcare industries.

The School also prepares students for employment by developing transferable skills, including: self-management and reflective practice, independence, communication, IT, numeracy, data analysis, interpersonal and teamwork, alongside current issues within the taught programme.

Masters

Master of Science in Biotechnology - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Master of Science in Health Sciences (Management) - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Diploma

Diploma in Biomedical Sciences - Awarded by MDIS

School of Media and Communications

The MDIS School of Media and Communications is the pioneer in the mass communications programme field in Singapore. It is also the first institution in Singapore to offer mass communications programmes from an American university - Oklahoma City University (OCU).

The OCU mass communications degree programme is taught by OCU faculty in Singapore. The programmes are industry-focused, relevant and of high quality. MDIS has its very own fully equipped TV and Radio studios as well as Audio and Video edit suites. It is the first PEI (Private Education Institution) to have such facilities for practical training. Students have the opportunity to practise what they learn within their academic curriculum. They are trained to master essential skills such as handling radio and television equipment, content producing, directing, scripting and video editing. In mastering these techniques, they are exposed to a wide range of roles including television and radio presenting.

To gain more experience, students can also join the Media and Communications Club, where they get to run their own campus radio and TV station and polish their journalistic skills.

Students from the School are also very active in the area of internship attachments, and are well received by media and communications companies. These practical aspects ensure that our graduates are well-prepared for the real world environment.

With the government's intention to turn Singapore into a media hub with its Media 21 blueprint, the School has plans to build on its success by introducing more industry-relevant media programmes and ensure that our students are able to prove their mettle and make their mark in Singapore as well as on the global stage.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (in Liberal Studies with concentration in Mass Communications) - Awarded by Oklahoma City University (USA)

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Mass Communications - Awarded by MDIS and Validated by Oklahoma City University (USA)

Diploma

Diploma in Mass Communications - Awarded by MDIS and Validated by Oklahoma City University (USA)

Certificate

Professional Certificate in Marketing and Communications Management - Awarded by MDIS and Validated by Oklahoma City University (USA)

School of Psychology

Psychology is becoming increasingly recognised as a source of information and understanding that is relevant to educational, social and family policies. There is a growing demand for practitioners with strong insights and initiative, to research and inform on prevailing issues inherent to the society.

The MDIS School of Psychology is committed to increasing and enhancing professionalism in the area of psychology. Partnering with Oklahoma City University (USA), the School offers programmes of distinct quality that provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Oklahoma City University is ranked Top 25 in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report Ranking of Best Regional Universities (West). It is also fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a recognition criteria used by the United States Government.

MDIS offers a complete progression pathway from a Foundation Certificate to a bachelor's degree, in Counselling and Psychology. Industry visits to children’s and elderly homes and, heritage galleries and charity centres are also organised for on-ground experiences.

The School augments the development of professionals in psychology with a Learning Lab and counselling room. Students engage in collaborative learning to understand the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge, through a meaningful and gratifying learning journey in the service of humanity.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (in Behavioral Studies with concentration in Psychology) - Awarded by Oklahoma City University (USA)

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Psychology - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma

Diploma in Psychology - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma in Counselling – Awarded by MDIS

Certificate

Foundation Certificate in Psychology - Awarded by MDIS

School of Technology and E-Learning

The MDIS School of Technology and E-Learning (STEL) aims to help students who are keen in Information Technology (IT), gain a broad-based and holistic education in the industry by providing a comprehensive suite of programmes from a diploma to a master's degree.

The postgraduate and undergraduate programmes are awarded by well-accredited and reputable UK universities, such as the University of South Wales, University of the West of England and Northumbria University.

The School offers varied and niche programmes in Computer and Network Technology, Computer Security, Computer Forensics, Information Technology, Digital Media and Business IT to meet the needs of the world’s fastest growing e-Business, Digital Media and IT industries. Needless to say, the programmes are practical oriented and is highly sought after by any industry that needs IT savvy staff.

The STEL works closely with employers and universities to ensure that its programmes are relevant, rigorous and of high quality. The curricula are regularly reviewed and kept up-to-date with current developments in the IT industry, so that students are equipped with practical skills and knowledge highly desired by employers when they graduate. Students are also taught by lecturers who have a wealth of corporate and training experience.

True to its aim of providing a technology-driven education, STEL’s students were the first to embark on MDIS’ Blackboard Learning Management System – an e-learning and community platform, where students can access lecturers’ notes, correspond with their lecturers, participate in online discussions and even view video-recorded classes for revision purposes.

The School is also a member of the student chapter of the Singapore Computer Society (SCS) and a member of the Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF).

Masters

Master of Science in Computer Forensics - Awarded by the University of South Wales (UK)

Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems - Awarded by the University of South Wales (UK)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Computer Security - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Computer and Network Technology - Awarded by Northumbria University (UK)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Digital Media - Awarded by the University of the West of England (UK)

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma in Information Technology - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma

Diploma in Information Technology - Awarded by MDIS

School of Tourism & Hospitality

The MDIS School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) prides itself on training today’s intern, for tomorrow’s professional. Partnering the University of Sunderland (UK) and the Southern Cross University (Australia), STH offers programme specialisations in tourism, hospitality and events management delivered by an experienced and qualified teaching faculty.

A firm believer in grooming leading professionals of the future through practicum, MDIS invested in a hospitality training centre – Tropical Breeze – to equip students with the professional knowledge and skills to work in the various industries. Occupying a floor area of 1,400sqf in campus, Tropical Breeze offers students the opportunity to learn and practise front office, service and hospitality operations with the latest Opera Fidelio Property Management System, well-equipped bar counter facilities and a mock-up guest room. Part of practical training happens at the institution-owned café, Brew & Bites, managed by the students.

Apart from a strong academic foundation, students are also required to complete a 6-month internship at leading hotels, resorts, and attractions locally or overseas, as part of the curriculum, to gain a real-world understanding of the complexities and demands in the hospitality sector. Over and above these, STH also organises regular industry visits to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Its academic rigor, strong practicum training and internship placements indubitably build extensive industry knowledge and critical professional competencies in positioning its graduates for long-term success.

Masters

Master of International Tourism and Hotel Management - Awarded by Southern Cross University (Australia), CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Master of Science Tourism and Hospitality – Awarded by the University of Sunderland (UK)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management (Top-up) - Awarded by University of Sunderland (UK)

Bachelor of Business in International Hospitality Management - Awarded by Southern Cross University (Australia), CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Bachelor of Business in Convention and Management - Awarded by Southern Cross University (Australia), CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Specialist/Advanced Diploma

Specialist Diploma in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management - Awarded by MDIS

Advanced Diploma in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management - Awarded by MDIS

Diploma

Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management - Awarded by MDIS

MDIS College

MDIS College, an established private school in Singapore that offers Preparatory Courses for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) and (Advanced Level) Examination Programmes, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS). MDIS College is also registered with the Council for Private Education (CPE).

They are located at level 4 of MDIS Residence building (within the same campus as MDIS)

See also

• List of universities in Singapore
• EduTrust

External links

• Official website

References