University of Stirling celebrates Singapore graduates

The University of Stirling has celebrated the graduation of students from its courses delivered at Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).

This year's ceremony marked another significant milestone for the international partnership, with 178 students graduating, the largest cohort in its history.

The event, held today (1 October) at SIM, recognised those graduating from BA (Hons) Digital Media, BA (Hons) Marketing and BA (Hons) Sports Studies and Marketing programmes.

They join a growing community of more than 1,100 alumni from the partnership with SIM, and become part of a global network of more than 115,000 University of Stirling alumni.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Gerry McCormac said: “Our partnership with SIM continues to go from strength to strength, creating opportunities for students to access a world-class education while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“As we approach the University of Stirling's 60th anniversary, this graduation ceremony is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through international partnerships.

“Our longstanding collaboration with SIM has helped hundreds of students realise their ambitions and prepare for successful careers. We are proud of everything our new graduates have accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive difference they will make in their professions and communities.”

University of Stirling and SIM staff with award-winning students

Special academic achievements

Among the successful students recognised were four graduates who received special awards for their academic achievements.

Lee Pei Qi was named Best Overall Student in Digital Media and said: “University has taught me that I should never underestimate where hard work, determination and passion can take you. My experience was made even more meaningful by the support I received from my peers, lecturers and professors. The confidence I gained through the Digital Media programme has enabled me to build a freelance design career and work with businesses.”

Janessa Lim Wan Rong received the Best Overall Student award in Marketing and said: “The most valuable part of my university experience was the people. Through friendships, group projects and a semester in Scotland, I learned from different perspectives, became more independent and gained experiences that have shaped both my personal growth and future career.”

Goh Sze Qi, Germaine was recognised as Best Overall Student in Sports Studies and Marketing and said: “My degree gave me two powerful perspectives: sport taught me about people, teams and performance, while marketing taught me about communication and engagement. Together, they shaped my path into talent acquisition and continue to influence how I approach leadership, strategy and organisational success.”

Chia Wing Chee, Deborah received the Best Dissertation award in Marketing and said: “My time at the University of Stirling gave me so much more than a degree. I built lasting friendships, gained confidence, developed valuable skills and created memories that will stay with me as I take the next step in my journey.”

(l-r) Professor Jorg Bley, Provost, SIM Global Education; Goh Sze Qi, Germaine; Chia Wing Chee, Deborah; Lee Pei Qi; Janessa Lim Wan Rong; Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Gerry McCormac

Successful international partnership

The University of Stirling formed an international partnership with SIM in 2011, with students taught in Singapore by academic staff from Stirling.

The partnership continues to evolve in response to student and industry needs. Growing demand for exchange opportunities has led to an expansion of the programme, with students now able to study at Stirling during both the autumn and spring semesters. This academic year, 18 students will travel to Scotland in the autumn, with a further 16 students travelling in the spring.

The exchange programme provides students with opportunities to experience different cultures, broaden their perspectives and develop international networks, while gaining first-hand experience of studying at Stirling's Scottish campus.

The academic offering has also continued to grow. This year saw the successful relaunch of the Sport Business Management programme, reflecting opportunities within Singapore's expanding sports sector.

From Spring 2026, students across all programmes have benefited from increased industry engagement, with practitioners joining classes to share professional expertise, experience and insights.

Find out more about international partnership courses.

Today's graduates join a growing community of more than 1,100 alumni from the partnership with SIM, and become part of a global network of more than 115,000 University of Stirling alumni.