The University of Northampton (UON) is celebrating the success of its growing partnership with Raffles College of Higher Education in Singapore, as the first cohort of students studying University of Northampton degrees attend their graduation ceremonies.
Interim Vice Chancellor Becky Bradshaw was in Singapore for the celebrations, marking an important milestone in the partnership, which was formalised in September 2025.
The ceremony comes after a successful first year of collaboration, during which students studying University of Northampton programmes have already demonstrated the creativity, innovation and industry-focused learning that are central to the University’s approach to education by winning awards and commercial opportunities with leading brands, department stores and client.
Interim Vice Chancellor Becky Bradshaw said: “Watching University of Northampton graduates walk across the stage in Singapore is both a privilege and reminder of our global reach and influence.
“The impact these students are already having through projects with high-profile brands is a demonstration of what can be achieved when two institutions share a commitment to innovation, creativity and industry-focused education.
“The rich connections and opportunities this partnership brings to our community here in Northamptonshire are growing exponentially and I look forward to building on our success in the years ahead.”
The courses delivered through the University of Northampton have got off to a flying start with students already working closely with major brands and employers in Singapore. Major successes include:
- Students on the Fashion Marketing and Promotion programme successfully designed and delivered the ‘Slide Into Summer’ campaign for Singapore’s largest department store, Takashimaya.
- Students from the MSc International Business Management programme have partnered with Singapore’s National Health Group to reimagine what healthcare uniforms could look like in 2036.
- Fashion, Textiles, Footwear and Accessories graduate, Wong Bingrong has been named the recipient of the prestigious Laurastar ‘Most Promising Fashion Design Award 2026.’ Their award-winning collection will feature in promotional campaigns and pop-up exhibitions at Takashimaya and TANGS department stores and retailed at the Design Orchard Retail Store (DORS), a premier shopping destination.
The achievements closely mirror the innovation and industry collaboration celebrated at the University of Northampton’s Degree Show 2026, where students across fashion, textiles, design and creative industries presented work developed throughout their third-year of study.
The success of the partnership extends beyond teaching and learning. Earlier this month, Raffles Singapore was awarded the ‘Company of Good – 2 Hearts’ accreditation by Singapore’s National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), recognising the institution’s commitment to creating positive social impact across people, society, governance, the environment and the economy.
The partnership between the University of Northampton and Raffles College of Higher Education was established to expand opportunities for students across Southeast Asia to benefit from the University’s practice-led, employer-informed education, while strengthening international collaboration in teaching, research and industry engagement.
As the first cohort celebrates graduation, both institutions are looking ahead to further opportunities to develop programmes, deepen industry partnerships and support the next generation of creative and business professionals.