Building Excellence in Higher Education

Authored by Arnoud De Meyer, this book examines Singapore's successful higher education system, exploring key decision-makers' insights and strategies that contributed to its development, offering valuable lessons for emerging and established nations.

Building Excellence in Higher Education, authored by Arnoud De Meyer, delves into Singapore's remarkable journey in establishing a world-class higher education system. Recognized as a leading figure in management education, De Meyer, along with Jovina Ang, provides a comprehensive case study that explores the strategies and decisions that have shaped Singapore's educational landscape over the past three decades.

The book investigates the factors contributing to Singapore's success, raising questions about whether this achievement was the result of careful planning or simply fortunate circumstances. Through a series of interviews with key decision-makers—including ministers, university leaders, and education officials—the authors reveal insights into the clarity of purpose that has driven Singapore's educational policies. They discuss the commitment to substantial funding, a robust governance framework, and the adaptive learning from international collaborations that have all played pivotal roles in creating a dynamic and diversified university system.

In its concluding chapters, the book contemplates the future of higher education in Singapore, considering necessary adjustments in response to both local and global changes. This insightful work is particularly valuable for educational specialists and policymakers in developing nations aiming to establish effective higher education systems, as well as for those in developed countries seeking to revitalize their own educational frameworks. It also appeals to strategists focused on building dynamic capabilities and philanthropists interested in leveraging education to promote social equality.