Business China and SIM University (UniSIM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) 12 June 2011, to launch the UniSIM – Business China Sponsorship. This sponsorship willcover up to 80% of total course fees for non-degree holders who apply for Chinese-related undergraduate programmes at UniSIM. With the heavy subsidy, these programmes are more affordable, hence, motivating more Singaporeans to upkeep their Chinese language skill and to strengthen their cultural knowledge.

This is the first time Business China is collaborating with an education institution to award sponsorships. In partnering with UniSIM, Business China hopes to advocate lifelong learning and to nurture a bilingual and bi-cultural workforce amongst young
Singaporeans. 5 sponsorship places will be offered to Business China members and staff. This includes general members and employees of corporate members. (Annex 1:Business China Corporate members’ list)

The MOU was signed by Ms Low Yen Ling, CEO, Business China and Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, President, UniSIM.

Ms Low said, “Business China encourages the continual spirit of learning – be it the
Chinese language, culture or ways of business. UniSIM’s strong tradition in lifelong
learning makes our partnership a perfect match. These inaugural sponsorships will not only equip Business China members with the relevant skills and knowledge, but also spur them on to expand their bilingual and bi-cultural world.”

Professor Cheong said, "As Singapore's only university dedicated to the needs of adult learners, UniSIM aims to provide wider access to educational opportunities. This is through a variety of programmes and an array of study sponsorships. Since 2006, we have provided about $1.3 million in scholarships, sponsorships and study awards to more than 480 UniSIM students.

In partnering Business China, UniSIM can contribute to our national agenda of engaging and leveraging China. UniSIM’s seven programmes related to the Chinese language, culture or applications offer an unprecedented range to our students. Coupled with our industry-relevant focus, we can provide timely support to Business China’s aim to build a corps of professionals who are both bilingual and bicultural.”

The ceremony was witnessed by Minister-of-State for Trade and Industry & National
Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan. He is also a board director for Business China.

More information on the sponsorship collaboration can be found on the factsheet
attached. (Annex 2: About the UniSim-Business China Sponsorship)

Annex 1 : Business China Corporate Members

• AnnAik Limited
• BreadTalk Group Limited
• CapitaLand Limited
• Creative Technology Ltd
• EnGro Corporation Limited
• Freight Links Express Holdings Limited
• Fullerton Financial Holdings (International) Pte Ltd
• Hi-P International Limited
• Ho Bee Investment Ltd
• Hoe Leong Corporation Ltd
• Interlocal EXIM Pte Ltd
• Keppel Corporation Limited
• Keppel Land International Limited
• Kim Ann Engineering Pte Ltd
• Lee Foundation
• Lian Keng Enterprise Pte Ltd
• Pacific International Lines (Pte) Limited
• Pan-United Corporation Ltd
• Singapore Press Holdings Limited
• Singapore Technologies Engineering Limited
• SingBridge International Singapore Pte Limited
• Sing Lun Holdings Limited
• Sinomem Technology Limited
• Tat Hong Holdings Ltd
• Teckwah Industrial Corporation Ltd
• The Ascott Group
• Tong Teik Pte Ltd
• WBL Corporation Limited
• Wilmar International Limited
• Yanlord Land Group Limited

Annex 2: About the UniSIM-Business China Sponsorship

As the only local tertiary institution dedicated to working adults, SIM University (UniSIM) activelygives out scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries to deserving or needy  students. Scholarships and sponsorships cover 100% and up to 80% of course fees respectively. Besides Business China, UniSIM provides sponsorships to members of NTUC, SAFRA, HomeTeamNS, Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute and the Singapore Teachers’ Union.

The UniSIM-Business China Sponsorship scheme aims to nurture a bilingual and bicultural workforce that is more China-savvy.

Eligibility
Application for the UniSIM-Business China Sponsorship is open to all Business China members and staff. The applicant must have good academic and co-curricular activities records, strong language skills and demonstrable leadership qualities. The applicant must also not already be a degree holder.

Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for the applied course of study at UniSIM. Applicants must separately seek admission to the programme and must be accepted for admission before being awarded the sponsorship.

Programmes
The UniSIM-Business China Sponsorship is applicable to the following UniSIM programmes:

BA Chinese Language and Literature (Chinese programme)
BA Chinese Language Education (Chinese programme)
BA Translation and Interpretation (English/Chinese programme)
Bachelor of Chinese Communication (English/Chinese programme)
Bachelor of Early Childhood and Chinese Language Education (Chinese programme)

Tenure of Sponsorship
The sponsorship is awarded for the period required to complete the full course of study, as stipulated by the programme.

Value of Sponsorship
The value of the sponsorship is as follows:

• For Singapore Citizens who are eligible for government subsidy, the sponsorship will cover up to 80% of the total course fee (inclusive of government subsidy of 55%).
• For Singapore Permanent Residents who are eligible for government subsidy, the sponsorship will cover up to 60% of the total course fee (inclusive of government subsidy of 20%).
• For students who are not eligible for government subsidy, the sponsorship will cover up to 50% of the total course fee.

There is no bond attached to the sponsorship.

Estimated Course Fee
The estimated full course fee for the above degree programmes is S$28,500 (inclusive of 7%
GST)

Application Period
Application for sponsorship for January 2012 Semester will open from 18 August to 30
September 2011.

For more information, please visit http://www.unisim.edu.sg/PublicPortalWeb/Public.portal?functionName=/WLP%20Repository/Menu/Public/Admissions/Sponsorship/UniSIMBizChinaSponsorship