Bangkok--7 Nov--Stamford International University
An innovative approach to teaching and learning, which is firmly focused on strong industry collaborations to prepare students for successful global careers, has resulted in a new dynamic and interactive learning environment at Stamford International University. Backed by a 280 million Baht investment, the university has unveiled a brand new campus building, which is set to create new benchmarks in the education sector.
The new building, equipped with new facilities and resources, is part of a vision to deliver real-world and industry-relevant education to 10,000 students by 2018. The striking structure is symbolic of the University’s ongoing commitment to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Comprising 6 floors, providing 9,000 square meters of learning and social space, the new building will serve an additional 1,800 students at Stamford.
The building which was designed by The Beaumont Partnership, a leading design studio in the ASEAN region, is student-centred and boasts many new facilities including labs for the International Hotel Management Program and Communication Art Program, an English Language Learning Centre and Collaborative learning spaces on each floor. Facilities developed for the International Hotel Management Program for instance, include a teaching kitchen and restaurant, mock hotel front desk, mock hotel room — all built according to the standards of Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Australia —No.1 Hotel School in Asia Pacific and Australia. The on-campus facilities allow all students in the hotel management program to gain knowledge and skills that they will need to lead hospitality organizations in the future.
Speaking at the launch of the new building, President of Stamford International University, President, Associate Professor Dr. Boonmark Sirinaovakul said the new building is one of the many building blocks for growth. Another key driver for growth is the consistent external testament to quality. Stamford International University’s Internal Quality Assessment (IQA) scores have been consistently ranked at “Excellent” for 4 consecutive years (from 2009 to 2012).
“This year, the university was ranked number 2 amongst 200 institutions in Thailand. The official External Quality Assessment (EQA) agency rated Stamford with an “Excellent” score of 4.75 out of 5,” he said.
The graduate employability rate — which has consistently stood at 100% within 6 months of graduation for the past 4 years, is another source of pride. This, stressed Dr. Boonmark, is the biggest testament of the University’s credentials and ranking. “As educators, our role is to prepare our students for the global economy. We work closely with the industry to ensure our students are equipped with the relevant skills-set that will help them flourish in their respective careers.”
Close to 30% of Stamford’s student population are international students from over 70 countries, and the new building is part of a long term strategy to provide more international education opportunities for Thai and international students alike. “The Difference is Real” — is seen across every aspect of an education at Stamford, Dr Boonmark stressed.
Stamford is also the first university in Thailand to offer Bilingual Programmes, which are tailor-made to gradually ease Thai students into programmes delivered in English. The bilingual programs are offered in a variety of specializations - Airline Business Management, Finance and Banking Management, International Business Management, Logistics Management, Management, Marketing, Accountancy, Communication Arts, and Advertising. These courses are based on market trends and demand for graduates with such skills, and are delivered by industry experts and professionals.
“The Bilingual Programmes provide a different pathway to a Stamford degree for Thai students who may be unable to commit to a 100% English environment from the start. This programme also augment’s the Government’s efforts to improve the English language skills of Thai people.
Stamford is part of the Laureate International Universities network, which is present in 30 countries around the world, serving 800,000 students across 75 institutions and online.