It hit the headline of Straits Times today that the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is closing down its Singapore campus. Given that it has barely started operating (just a few months thus far), it came as a shock to both students and staff. Some were crying, some were crying - the only common denominator is that no one was happy.

I do not know what caused this decision though it is likely that the change of leadership at the helm triggered it. No matter what the reason is, I feel that this does not only make a dent in Singapore's reputation - even more so, it reflects badly on UNSW. After all, they are the ultimate decision maker who had committed to this project. No one pointed a pistol at them to force them to sign above the dotted line. Lecturers were assigned here and a whole new building is being built. I have one word to describe UNSW - IRRESPONSIBLE.

The new leadership claims that they have already pumped in millions of dollars and it makes no sense to continue escalating this loss. They slapped themselves and did a U-turn just because they have only achieved half their targeted figure for enrollment. Isn't this still too early to tell?

I want to think that it was not some 2 min decision when the former leadership gave the go-ahead for the Singapore campus. So now the ship got a new steering wheel and acted immediately to capsize the boat. I do hope that this is not some personal vendetta against Singapore. We are really quite a nice and friendly country. Treat us right and you will enjoy our friendship. We are not some free and easy travel package that you can put together and dismantle any old how.

Take care UNSW, so when are you closing down your Australian campus? Stay cool. ;-)

Related link: Students shocked by UNSW Singapore campus closure