Annual Report 2016

Group Corporate Services

Supporting an Effective and Efficient Ecosystem

The SIM ecosystem with its multiple touch points with different segments of learners is our unique differentiator. Supporting the working of this ecosystem is the SIM Group Corporate Services. We continually strive to provide a high level of service by investing in our people, infrastructure and systems. We maintain a conducive and inspiring campus and get everything running smoothly so that our learners can focus on their learning.

Needless to say, being always ready to define new and better ways to do things is not an option. It’s our commitment.

Empowering Staff to Excel

SIM staff strength grew 6.5% from 968 in 2015 to 1,035 in 2016. Recognising that it is our people who will make the difference in everything we do and not just our systems and processes. We invested $1.89m in training to help them achieve their potential. The majority of our staff achieved an average of 52 hours of training, an increase from 40 hours previously. Staff attended both public and customised courses to improve their technical competencies and personal effectiveness. For example, support services staff were put through training to improve their project management skills.

To provide a supportive workplace and improve motivation and productivity, we also introduced Flexible Work Arrangements such as staggered work hours and working off-site to help staff achieve work-life balance. Some staff benefits were also enhanced such as the extension of exam leave to non-sponsored staff.

In recognition of our efforts, SIM obtained the People Developer status for Commendable Performance in People Excellence for an additional three years from 2016 to 2019.

Enhanced Campus Facilities and Services

We completed several energy conservation initiatives including the installation of motion sensors to achieve savings of more than $1 million per year. Construction of the covered linkway is progressing well. When completed by 2017, the linkway will connect the different blocks, the bus-stop and the new overhead bridge to be built by the Land Transport Authority together with the widening of Clementi Road.

In recognition of our efforts to promote workplace safety and health, SIM received the inaugural BizSafe Level 3 certification by Workplace Safety and Health Council. SIM campus development phase 2 project for Blk C and D was given the Building Excellence Award by Building Construction Authority for high standards of management, technical expertise and workmanship.

As part of our ongoing review to achieve better efficiency and introduce better services, we deployed a printing pool service for staff. This led to a 30% reduction in the number of printing equipment and also added convenience as staff are able to collect their printouts or scan document from any printing equipment that is nearest and available, minimising waiting time.

We launched a Service Desk e-Portal, a one-stop website through which students and other users can report problems, seek help and track their requests on campus facilities, IT and other services.

SIM attained the ISO 22301 certification for Business Continuity Management for the third time. The certification demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable high quality service on campus and shows that we have resources and processes in place to protect our stakeholders from potential service disruption during a crisis.

Enhancing the Campus with Art

Art was introduced on campus to help to create a vibrant backdrop and inspire creativity.

Two wall murals Symbiosis in Motion and Rhapsody in Unison designed by local sculptor, Dr Elsie Yu, were installed at the Performing Arts Theatre. A third one named Parade of Phenomena II was added to Block A by American street-artist Jonathan Matas, who is also artist-in-residence at Facebook Singapore. A sculpture titled Wings by famed sculptor, Yeo Chee Kiong, was installed at the entrance of the Tay Eng Soon Library.

Symbiosis in Motion – a wall art at SIM Performing Arts Theatre - aims to capture the diversity of student life @ SIM

Riot of colors wall painting - Parade of Phenomina II - to inspire creativity on campus

Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, President of UniSIM, unveiling the Wings sculpture to inspire lifelong learning

Defining a Better Community

At SIM, we strongly believe that giving is an equally important part of the learning journey. We encourage the SIM community to define positive changes in society through individual and collective contributions.

Our SIM-UOL Student Representative Council in conjunction with community partners continued their yearly commitment to refurbish the houses of needy families through donations collected from about 32,000 units at Redhill and Tiong Bahru. The proceeds were then used to refurbish homes at Yishun and Mountbatten. The SIM-RMIT Student Council and the SIM-University of Wollongong Student Council in collaboration with SIM iCare, also organised two blood donation drives on campus supported by Singapore Red Cross.

This year, a total of 39 scholarships were given to deserving students. These scholars chosen from over 600 applications, received the UniSIM and SIM GE scholarships. The total value of the bond-free scholarships amounted to close to $1 million, the highest SIM has awarded in recent years.

We continued our sponsorship of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra President's Young Performers Concert for the 16th year. The prestigious annual concert provides a platform for young Singaporeans to showcase their musical talents, in line with SIM's philosophy of nurturing the young and supporting holistic development.

UniSIM established an endowment fund through its School of Human Development and Social Services. This endowment fund will support deserving graduates and undergraduates with non-bonded scholarships and awards in areas such as social work, early childhood, human resource management, gerontology and non-profit management.

SIM GE and its partner university, University of Stirling, launched two bond-free scholarships for local athletes taking the SIM-Stirling’s programme in Sports Studies and Marketing.

SIM scholars with senior management from SIM, SIM GE and UniSIM

SIM staff at the annual retreat - a team that plays together stays together

Guests-of-Honour President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife gracing the Singapore Symphony Orchestra President's Young Performers Concert