Scene and Heard
SMU School of Accountancy Ranked First in the World in Citation Rankings
SMU’s School of Accountancy has again achieved excellent ratings according to the latest Brigham Young University Research Rankings 2022 (released in February 2023). For the second consecutive year, the School is ranked first in the world for Citation Rankings, Archival Research (All Topics) and Archival Research (Financial Accounting). It is also first in Asia for All Areas and Discipline Research and climbed up one spot to sixth in the world this year.
The rankings place the School of Accountancy in the league of top universities in the world. The BYU Accounting Research Rankings are based on award-winning research and on classifications of peer-reviewed articles in 12 accounting journals since 1990, which in turn determines university ranking based on the author’s affiliation.
NTU Launches First Scholarship to Nurture Students’ Non-Academic Talent
NTU is launching its first scholarship that focuses on non-academic achievements, moving away from an emphasis on grades to take on a broader, more inclusive definition of meritocracy. The scholarship will be awarded to undergraduates who are outstanding in their own field and have made a significant societal impact representing NTU Singapore or the country.
This includes but is not limited to artistic individuals such as musicians, filmmakers, and writers; sporting professionals, leaders, and community builders, which could include entrepreneurs, healthcare advocates, and active volunteers.
The scholarship will provide a grant of up to $5,000 that recipients can apply for and use to further develop their talent, be it through participating in competitions, or coming up with a social initiative that will benefit the community. Recipients will also get full coverage of subsidised tuition fees, a living allowance every academic year as well as an accommodation allowance for those who stay on campus.
Those offered the full-term scholarship will also receive a one-off computer allowance.
NTU Acting President, Deputy President and Provost Professor Ling San said: “In 2019, NTU introduced a broader admissions process to gradually move towards a more holistic education that goes beyond grades by progressively extending aptitude-based admissions to at least half of our intake each year. Under the education pillar of the NTU2025, the University’s five-year strategic plan, we have also been going beyond a focus on grades to broaden our range of learning programmes outside the classroom and offer students experiential learning and unique learning opportunities. The NTU Talent Scholarship complements these efforts by developing and celebrating our students’ passions, interests, and strengths, and recognising them through meritorious yardsticks that go beyond success in academic achievements.”
The NTU Talent Scholarship is open to students of all qualifications. The mid-term scholarship will be offered in January 2024 while the full-term option will be available from August 2024.
NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute to Advance Data-Driven Research and Development Frameworks in Sustainability Measurement
The Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN), a research institute established by NUS with the support of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong on 20 April 2023.
SGFIN, established with the purpose of fostering expertise and research in green finance and sustainability, aims to provide thought leadership and shape sustainability outcomes and policy formulation across the real economy and financial sectors. With a strong commitment to advancing the sustainability sector, SGFIN focuses on four key areas: Education, Data-driven Sustainable Finance Research, Impact Measurement, and Outreach.
NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye said, “SGFIN will play an important rolein helping Singapore develop strong capabilities in green finance and in strengthening Singapore’s position as a global financial hub. The Institute’s emphasis on education and data-driven approach to research will drive the development of innovative and progressive financial solutions for sustainable development in Asia and the world. We thank our partners and collaborators who are working together with us to shape financial services for a more sustainable future.”
SGFIN, which began operations in December 2021, collaborates with industry on research initiatives to support the development of frameworks for more transparent and standardised measurement of companies’ environmental and social performance, and for benchmarking to best practices across industries.
It is also addressing the need for talent and leadership in sustainable financing in Singapore and beyond through its Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable and Green Finance programme. This is the first MSc programme in Asia that focuses on sustainable and green finance. The programme which is offered in collaboration with NUS Business School, is designed to enhance students’ impact on investment and business decisions through experiential learning and exposure to the financial and corporate sectors in the region.
To meet the increasing demand and expand the talent pool in the field of sustainable and green finance, SGFIN has unveiled a new scholarship programme. The scholarships will enable students to pursue the MSc in Sustainable and Green Finance, with up to four scholarships to be awarded for the upcoming intake in August 2023. Additional scholarships will be made available in the subsequent years.
Empowering Wellness: A Physiotherapist’s Journey
In line with the Ministry of Health’s Healthier SG master plan, preventing chronic diseases has been a key focus of healthcare providers.
This new emphasis on preventive care resonated strongly with Javier Luo, a Physiotherapist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, who studied at Curtin University as a recipient of the Healthcare Merit Award. When offered the opportunity to chair the hospital’s Physiotherapy Day committee, Javier did not hesitate to accept.
“Physiotherapy Day is a fantastic opportunity for community outreach, and I wanted to engage residents in the Central region of Singapore to share strategies on nipping emerging diseases in the bud,” said Javier.
His team of 15, alongside students from Eunoia Junior College and SIT, as well as community partners, planned and executed PhysioFest 2022. The result was a one-day event at Bishan Community Centre, where hundreds of residents learnt about wellness, including strengthening and flexibility exercises. They also received fitness assessments and advice on diet management and mental wellness from healthcare professionals. Some even took part in an amazing race and enjoyed a performance by Team Strong Silvers, comprising older adults who showcased incredible feats of strength!
Besides work, Javier is passionate about education. He regularly doubles up as a Clinical Educator, mentoring students and junior clinicians.
He advises aspiring Physiotherapists to “Go for it!” stating, “It is a tough journey, but nothing is quite as satisfying as knowing you have made a lasting, positive impact in someone’s healthcare journey.”
