The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the higher education sector.
The MoU was signed by, Provost of NUS Aaron Thien, at a brief ceremony held at the NUS campus on 5 May 2025. The signed document was formally handed over to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake, for onward transmission to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka for endorsement.
During the ceremony, Professor Thien noted that the MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for academic cooperation, capacity-building, and research collaboration between NUS and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education. He emphasized that NUS, as a regional University, is pleased to offer Sri Lankan students access to a broad spectrum of academic opportunities, including enrolment in Master’s and Doctoral programmes, supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen human capital.
High Commissioner Dissanayake, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the NUS leadership for their commitment in facilitating this timely partnership. He stated that the MoU will play a vital role in advancing Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda. Underscoring education as a key pillar of the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Singapore, he reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to further strengthening institutional ties between the two countries.
Under the terms of the MoU, a management committee comprising representatives from both parties is to be established to manage and oversee the collaborative activities outlined in this MoU.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the NUS Graduate School Jessica Pan, Deputy Dean of the NUS Graduate School Wong Lim Soon, Director of the Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL) Suranga Nanayakkara and Vice Dean for Outreach and Admissions Carolyn Lee. Minister and Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee and Minister Priyanga Nanayakkara, also joined the event, representing the High Commission.