Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University Professor Sandra Harding has paid tribute to Dr Anderson for his very many positive contributions during his time as DVC and Head of JCU’s Singapore campus.

Dr Anderson commenced in the role in August 2006 and will have completed more than 12 years’ service on his retirement.

Professor Harding said Dr Anderson has made a very significant difference to James Cook University in Singapore and to the broader Singapore community through his prodigious efforts.

“Dale has been at the helm, leading a strong team, during a time of significant growth and achievement for JCU in Singapore.”

During his time, JCU’s Singapore campus:

• grew from 400 to almost 4000 students,
• became a fully-fledged part of James Cook University when the University bought out the then minority shareholder,
• was the first Australian university to achieve Singapore Quality Class Star,
• Moved to a modern campus on Sims Road, with room to grow,
• Was awarded for community service, with one such award being presented by Prime Minister Lee,
• achieved and sustained the highest quality rating EduTrust Star,
• widened the range of programs on offer, including offering Research Higher degrees, including the PhD, in Singapore,
• achieved recognition of JCU graduates with the Ministry of Education in China,
• and built a keen focus on alumni, demonstrated through the substantial growth of JCU Singapore’s Alumni Association.

James Cook University featured in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Singapore and Australia, signed by both nations’ Prime Ministers in 2017, in which James Cook University was recognised with University status, the only Australian University operating in Singapore to enjoy this status.

Dale Anderson’s contribution was not limited to the Singapore campus. His efforts on behalf of education more broadly extended across the private education community, notably through his involvement in Singapore Association of Private Education, including as Vice-President for two terms, as a member of the ASEAN sub-committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, and as an active participant in and supporter of AustCham and the Australian Singapore Alumni Association.

“We will miss having Dale at the helm and wish him, Robyn and family all the very best for a long and satisfying retirement, knowing that he has left JCU Singapore in a strong position, well set up for the future,” Professor Harding said.