1. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SIM University (UniSIM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct a Master of Science in Urban Transport Management (MSUTM) programme. The programme is jointly developed by the LTA Academy and UniSIM.

2. The programme is the first of its kind in the region and will provide a holistic and rigorous post-graduate training in urban transport for students. The programme will be broad based and will cover the entire spectrum of policy, planning and management in areas such as sustainable land use, transport economics and infrastructure financing. Conducted by respected academics and expert practitioners in the field, the programme is targeted at working professionals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds. As with all UniSIM degree programmes, working professionals will find this programme suitable as it will be conducted on a part-time basis.

Students Gain Hands-on Practical Experience

3. One highlight of the programme is a two-week practical industrial attachment at the LTA or other approved transport-related organisations where the students will gain first-hand experience in the day-to-day management and operations of land transport systems.

4. Another highlight of the MSUTM programme is the practical application of knowledge and skills through independent project work in urban transport. The dissertation requirement will allow students to develop their communication and report writing skills in addition to honing specialised skills and knowledge.

5. For the LTA Academy, this latest MOU marks another key milestone in its vision to become a leading global institution on land transport. Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive of LTA said, "This Master's programme, jointly developed with UniSIM, will help to enhance the professional capacity of LTA staff and local professionals to meet the challenges and demands of delivering the Land Transport Masterplan. It will also provide another platform for LTA Academy to share Singapore's experience and expertise in land transport with overseas participants and contribute to global capacity building in urban transport for sustainable and liveable cities around the world."

6. Commenting on the programme, Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, President of UniSIM, said, "As the only local private university in Singapore dedicated to the upgrading needs of adult learners, we are in a unique position to introduce programmes that meet the needs of industry and cater to the special needs of working adults. In this case, we are glad to be able to play a part in building a core pool of professionals with specialised skills and knowledge to play a lead role in land transport systems here and in cities around the world. This is also in line with the recommendations by the latest Economic Strategies Committee (ESC) report to develop people with T-shaped competencies - possessing deep skills in their area of expertise and broad knowledge in operations and management."

7. The MSUTM programme will feature for the first time this Saturday, 27 February 2010 at the Open House organised by UniSIM. Interested participants can find out more and submit their applications from 15 March 2010 to 7 May 2010 on UniSIM's website www.unisim.edu.sg. The programme commences from July 2010.

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Annex : Details of Programme