Principal gains positive feedback on fact-finding tour to the Far East

Principal Dr Ian Graham-Bryce has emphasised the need for the University of Dundee to prove that it is not just a ‘fair weather friend’ on his return from an 18 day visit to the Far East.
The Principal, accompanied by Mr Mike Tooze, senior lecturer (University’s Development Initiatives in the Far East), visited China, Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand, where he met with senior politicians, universities, research institutes, multinational companies and alumni.
The main purpose of the tour was to consolidate the University’s existing links with the Far East - building on the institution’s high reputation in terms of research and teaching quality - to raise the profile of the University overseas, and to launch two alumni associations. The visit - the culmination of over a year of planning - took on extra significance with the tiger economies of the Far East plunging into economic crisis.
Dr Graham-Bryce says: ‘The tour was part of an ongoing long-term relationship with the countries and institutions in the Far East, and we were anxious to tell those we met that we see our relationship as long-term and we are not just fair weather friends. We have a number of established links with colleges and schools there and want to maintain and strengthen these.’
‘The economic difficulties are bound to have an impact on Dundee but we will just have to work harder at recruitment in those countries to capitalise on the opportunities which do remain as well as make it clear that we do have a long-term interest in the relationship.’
One approach the university is keen to explore is split research degrees and other linked courses where studies and costs could be shared beteween Dundee and the Far East institutions.
The tour began with a visit to the British Council Exhibition in the World Trade Centre in Beijing, run by the British Council, where the Principal was involved in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the exhibition opening. The exhibition was visited by 32,000 people in two days.
Dr Graham-Bryce reveals: ‘We were continuously under pressure at the stand shared by the University of Dundee and Dundee College, with a throng of people five or six deep queuing for information. British higher education is highly regarded over there and Scottish higher education is known and respected for its great tradition.’
The Principal of Dundee College, Mr Iain Ovens, accompanied the Principal and Mr Tooze on the China part of the itinerary to explain about further education access courses into higher education.
The Principal and Mr Tooze then visited Ningbo and Hainan in China to develop existing links with institutions there.
In Singapore and Malaysia, the Principal was guest of honour at two alumni dinners.
‘We were greatly impressed with the respect and affection which alumni have for the University of Dundee. They have tremendous loyalty to the University and are great ambassadors for both the University and Dundee. We had four alumni who helped us on the stand at the British Council Exhibition.’
While in Malaysia they also visited the International Medical College in Kuala Lumpur and the Petronas Oil Company, which has links with the University’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum & Mineral Law & Policy.
In Thailand the delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Higher Education, and visited the Chulabhorn Research Institute, which is a major institute for cancer research headed by the King of Thailand’s youngest daughter, her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.

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