Singapore [18 June 2025] – TUM Asia, the overseas campus of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), will serve as the home of the newly established “Bavarian University and Innovation Center Asia-Pacific” (BayAP). The initiative was officially inaugurated by Bavarian Science Minister Markus Blume and TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann at the university’s new office space on the premises of TUM’s flagship partner, the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
For over 22 years, TUM has maintained a strong presence in Singapore. With its recent relocation, TUM Asia is now strategically positioned at two locations, on the campus of NTU as well as on the new campus of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Beyond its academic offerings, TUM Asia also encompasses TUMCREATE, a multidisciplinary research platform located at the Singapore Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise. Together with partner universities, public institutions, and industry partners, TUMCREATE is driving cutting-edge research in areas such as protein science, sustainability, medical diagnostics, mobility, and energy.
The mission of BayAP is to promote international academic collaboration by supporting Bavarian universities and researchers in expanding their global partnerships. As a central hub, it aims to foster synergies between Bavarian and Singaporean institutions of higher learning, as well as their respective start-up and innovation ecosystems – particularly in the fields of deep tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann emphasized: “The expansion of TUM into Singapore has marked a significant milestone in the internationalization strategy of our university. It has become both a role model and one of our key success factors. In today’s interconnected world, international cooperation is vital to addressing the grand challenges humanity is facing. Therefore, we further strengthened our engagement in Singapore by entering into a flagship partnership with NTU last year.”
At the opening ceremony, Bavaria’s Science Minister Blume emphasized: “Bavaria and Singapore share a strong culture of innovation, high quality of life, and economic success. We are intensifying our cooperation, and both sides are benefiting. For us, Singapore is the gateway to the Asia-Pacific innovation space. With our university and innovation center, we position ourselves as a high-tech European location and premium research partner. BayAP is the first German state presence in the higher education sector in Singapore. This is a strategic milestone in the internationalization of our universities.”
Dr. Markus Wächter, Managing Director of TUM Asia, added: “TUM Asia’s relocation to NTU underscores our long-term commitment to growth and deeper academic integration within Singapore’s dynamic educational landscape. This new location not only reinforces the flagship partnership between TUM and NTU, but also houses the regional support office for the Bavarian University and Innovation Center Asia-Pacific. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyze cross-border research collaborations and foster academic mobility between Singapore and Bavaria.”
Since its founding in 2002, TUM Asia has graduated over 3,000 students from more than 45 countries, offering doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs, alongside an extensive portfolio of lifelong learning opportunities. Students enrolled in TUM Asia’s degree programs receive diplomas directly from TUM, while participants in joint programs earn degrees conferred jointly by TUM and its partner universities in Singapore.
Further Information:
- TUM Asia offers Master’s programs and Bachelor’s programs in disciplines including Aerospace, Chemistry, Electronics, Logistics, Urban Transport, and Sustainable Food. Several of these programs are jointly delivered with leading Singaporean universities such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Its lifelong learning courses enable professionals to pursue qualifications and certifications, with pathways progressing toward graduate diplomas and ultimately master’s degrees.
- Established in 2010, TUMCREATE facilitates collaborative research between Singapore and TUM.
Contact to this article:
Valerie Lim
Communications, TUM Asia
valerie.lim@tum-asia.edu.sg
