Ngee Ann Academy looks to new world-class partnership to deepen emerging skillsets; Newcastle University aims to deliver unique cross-disciplinary Master’s programme
SINGAPORE, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ngee Ann Academy (NAA) – the private education arm of the Ngee Ann Kongsi – and the UK’s Newcastle University will unveil a new partnership to expand access to quality tertiary education in energy management, a discipline of growing importance across the region.
This new partnership will mark several significant firsts:
Built on a cross-disciplinary foundation, the programme equips students with specialised skills in emerging fields like AI-driven energy management — aligning directly with future industry demands,
This world-class collaboration aims to cultivate experts capable of driving transformative change in energy management in Singapore and across the region, and
For the first time, Ngee Ann Academy will welcome regional applicants, while Newcastle University will deliver the programme through its full-time academic faculty based in Singapore — ensuring academic rigour, combined with expertise tailored to needs and perspectives from the region and continuing to work closely with industry.
Both Ngee Ann Academy and UK’s Newcastle University expect to finalise the collaboration on 16 October 2025.
“Rooted in a rich legacy of educational excellence, The Ngee Ann Kongsi has long shaped Singapore’s learning journey — from foundational schooling to tertiary advancement. In recent years, we have built reputation for delivering high-quality tertiary private higher education, aimed at developing talent in areas that are consistent and relevant to Singapore’s future needs,” said Ngee Ann Academy CEO Kelly Koh.
“In collaborating with a top-tier tertiary institution like Newcastle University, we expect to nurture talent in areas like renewable energy that will become increasingly relevant to a region that aims to deliver on greater eco-sustainability in the future,” he said.
Professor Jonathan Galloway, CEO and Provost, Newcastle University in Singapore, said: “Newcastle University wanted to launch Master”s programmes working with a very well regarded local partner that has a strong focus on the quality of education and delivering exceptional student services.
“The programme takes inspiration from our outstanding MSc programmes being offered in the UK, and is delivered in Singapore by Newcastle University local faculty who have regional insights, perspectives and strong industry connections. The energy sector insight offered by the programme provides an outstanding platform for our Master”s students to deepen their employability skills and enhance their professional networks and opportunities.” he said.
“The partnership will offer exciting and industry-relevant education and training opportunities in Singapore,” he added.
Journey of Ngee Ann Academy
In 1998, the Ngee Ann Kongsi set up Ngee Ann Education Holdings with the goal of providing best-in-class tertiary education. By 2018, it marked a significant milestone by partnering with King’s College London to offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honours (Top-up) — driven by its recognition that professional nursing talent is central to Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem, especially in community care, home-based services and aged care.
“Since the programme’s launch, graduates were highly sought after for their skills in patient care, medication administration and other clinical competencies,” said Mr Koh.
Building on its experience in developing nursing talent, NAA believes that growing expertise in eco-sustainability and renewable energy is mission-critical for the future of economies and communities, he added. In looking for a best-in-class partnership, identified Newcastle as the most suitable partner.
Similarly, Newcastle University was seeking to launch Master’s programmes in partnership with a local partner that prioritises educational quality and exceptional student services. “NAA partners with a selected group of leading universities — including members of the research intensive UK Russell Group and the Australian Go8 — and the collaboration reflects the high standards and strong reputations of both institutions”, said Prof Galloway.
MSc in Energy Management (Renewable Enterprise)
The first Master’s programme launched as part of the collaboration is a one year programme expected to enroll its first two cohorts in September 2026 and January 2027 respectively. As this is a Master’s programme, applicants must hold a good undergraduate degree from a recognised university. The undergraduate degree may be from different disciplines including those that are not engineering or science based, for example in business, management, geography or planning.
Carefully curated to meet evolving industry needs, the programme comprises three distinct elements: discourses on climate change and sustainability within the regional context; practical modules on achieving efficient energy management; and enhanced understanding of compliance and regulation.
In short, the programme equips students with the technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills essential for a career in energy, renewable technology and sustainability.
APPENDIX A: MSc Energy Management (Renewable Enterprise) Modules
Module Title
Programme Objective
Energy Principles
This module includes key energy concepts, for example types of energy, measurements, technology and distribution. Students are also introduced to energy economics and the regulatory and policy environment at the national and international levels. Key issues relating to sustainability and renewables are discussed.
Impact Analytics and Compliance
In this module students learn the methodology of energy assessments, reporting and compliances at the organisational level. They are equipped with advanced skills to conduct energy impact assessments, analytics, policy development and corporate reporting. The module provides the techniques and tools that a Sustainability Manager would require.
Renewable Energy Enterprise
In this module, students learn about different types of renewable sources, technologies, innovations, scalability as well as the business models and commercial context. The impact of renewables on energy supplies at national and international levels, will also be considered.
Sustainable Futures
Sustainable Futures focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation and value creation in the energy sector. It considers the economic, policy and social context and the drivers for sustainability and innovation in energy. Students learn about energy enterprise and how to operate as energy innovators and leaders.
Energy Management and Sustainability
This module is about how users practically manage energy, for example in buildings, transport and manufacturing. It includes learning how to conduct energy audits and assess energy efficiency in organisations. There are also topics on energy sustainability and compliances.
AI Applications for Energy
Students learn about the use of AI in energy demand forecasting, managing energy load, integration of renewable sources, as well as operating smart and localised grids. They also learn about the role of AI in sustainable, resilient and efficient energy systems.
Enterprise Project
This is an industry-based project that students undertake throughout their programme. It includes learning project management and research skills and their use in real energy projects. Students will get the chance to network with industry and mentors. The practical application of project work in this module will enable students to become networked and confident energy practitioners.
