Image via WikipediaTHIS year marks the 40th anniversary of James Cook University (JCU), an Australian institution ranked among the top 5 per cent of international universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Institute of Higher Education.
Established in 1970 in Queensland, Australia, JCU set up its Singapore campus in 2003. According to Professor Sandra Harding, vice chancellor and president of JCU, Singapore was a natural choice for the university, given the latter's focus on the tropics.
"JCU is committed to working on issues associated with the tropical world, such as issues of ecology, conservation, health and disease, earth and environmental science, and indigenous people and cultures. Being advanced economies in the tropics, both Singapore and Australia have important leadership roles to play in these issues."
Hence, JCU is able to differentiate itself from other Australian degree providers in Singapore by offering a full university experience, centred around its involvement in the tropical world.
Said Prof Harding: "Anywhere in the world, to be a proper university, you not only teach, you also do research. Our research productivity at the JCU Singapore campus is increasing every month. JCU Singapore's students and staff have also been very committed to playing a positive role in their community."
The university's psychology staff and students work with preschools and childcare centres for disadvantaged children, providing practical support and organising fund-raising activities. In addition, their on-campus psychology clinic offers assessment services to several schools. It is also open to the public six days a week.
For Prof Harding, JCU's engagement with local and neighbouring communities is a key component of its agenda to improve life in the tropics.
"I feel that Australia and Singapore do have responsibilities to liberate our own science, knowledge and enterprise to assist other nations in the tropical zone. Here we are, along with 50 per cent of the world's population, 80 per cent of the world's biodiversity and some of the most critical issues of our time," she said.
"My aspiration is for JCU to be seen as a leading scientific asset, focused on issues of the tropical world and delivering a brighter future for life in the tropics worldwide." Melody Tan
From TODAYOnline.com, Tuesday, 23-Mar-2010----------
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