SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 October 2026 - An international university education no longer has to begin with a move to the United Kingdom, Australia or the United States. Qualifications delivered in Singapore now sit alongside local universities and traditional overseas study.
Global Education No Longer Means Studying Halfway Around the World
Choosing a college can be a challenging decision for prospective students and their parents. A university name and destination tell only part of the story; parents also need to examine the awarding institution, programme structure, cost, student support and possible routes after graduation.
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) provides one such regional route. It offers more than 140 full- and part-time programmes, with university partners including institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. Students can obtain qualifications from these overseas universities while studying on SIM's Singapore campus.
The Regional Advantage: Why Pursue Global Degrees at SIM in Singapore
For Asian families considering overseas education, Singapore offers access to international qualifications within the region. SIM GE's full-time student body is also international: approximately 41% are international students from around 50 countries.
International students in Singapore can also receive all-round support at SIM. SIM's International Student Office provides onboarding information, Student's Pass application guidance, accommodation information, a buddy programme and orientation activities.
Support continues after arrival. SIM's Learning Development department provides resources, workshops and consultations on academic writing, essay structure, referencing and presentation skills, while Student Care and wellness services offer further assistance.
Career preparation is another part of the offer. Career Connect services include workshops, résumé reviews, mock interviews, career guidance, internship and job listings, employer events and CareerSense.
International students should confirm their eligibility for any Singapore-based internship or employment opportunity with SIM and the relevant authorities. Access to career services does not itself confer permission to work in Singapore.
Exploring UK, Australian and US Qualifications at SIM
SIM GE's university-partner model covers different academic systems and programme structures.
UK options include programmes from the University of London and the University of Birmingham. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Finance, for example, is awarded by the University of London, with academic direction from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Australian partners include RMIT University and the University of Wollongong. Examples include Bachelor of Business and the Bachelor of Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. Programme length and entry routes vary, and some applicants may receive exemptions or advanced standing for prior qualifications.
For students considering a US qualification, SIM works with the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Current options include programmes such as the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Communication, as well as selected double-major and double-degree combinations. These qualifications are awarded by the University at Buffalo and delivered at the SIM campus in Singapore.
How Parents Can Guide Their Child in Choosing the Right International Qualification
1. Match the Programme to Your Child's Strengths and Future Goals
The first question should be academic: what does the student want to study, and what type of curriculum suits their strengths?
Parents can compare compulsory modules, electives, assessment methods and specialisations, as well as whether the qualification provides an appropriate basis for further study. A programme in business, computing or communication from different university systems may vary significantly in curriculum and assessment even when the degree titles appear similar.
2. Compare Programme Structure, Entry Requirements and Study Pathways
Entry routes deserve the same scrutiny. SIM advises applicants to meet the relevant academic and English-language requirements by the application closing date; requirements vary by programme and prior qualification.
Some programmes accept students into a standard three-year route, while others offer exemptions, advanced entry or top-up structures for applicants with relevant prior study.
3. Assess the Full Cost, Scholarships and Financial Commitment
Tuition is only one part of the financial calculation. Families should also account for accommodation, living expenses, insurance, travel, application costs and other programme-specific fees.
Scholarships should be treated as potential financial assistance. SIM's Diploma Scholarships, for example, are open to eligible new international diploma students. Other awards have separate eligibility rules, so applicants should check current terms before incorporating scholarship funding into a financial plan.
4. Review Student Support, Career Preparation and Long-Term Opportunities
Finally, parents should consider what happens beyond lectures and examinations. Academic support, international-student onboarding, career guidance, internships, student activities and access to alumni networks can all contribute to the overall university experience.
The same caution applies to exchange, transfer, placement and further-study opportunities. Eligibility may depend on academic performance, nationality, student status, capacity, regulation and separate applications. An option available in one programme should not be assumed to apply across SIM GE.
For families comparing universities across several countries, the central question is therefore not simply whether to study locally or overseas. The better test is whether a particular qualification offers the right academic structure, cost and support environment for the student's goals, and whether its conditions are clearly understood.
Parents who want to explore these considerations in greater detail can find further guidance on choosing the right degree pathway from SIM.
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #GlobalDegrees #StudyInSingapore
https://www.sim.edu.sg
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About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor's and master's degree programmes with some of the world's most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE's cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries. SIM GE's holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world. For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg.
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- Medical cost growth is projected to slow for a second consecutive year, but continue to significantly outpace general inflation
- Cardiovascular disease, ENT/lung disorder and cancer remain the leading drivers of medical claims
- Material opportunities to beat average trend for organisations applying design, operational and technological innovation
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 October 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report, which projects that medical costs in Asia Pacific will increase by 9.7% in 2027, compared with 11.3% in 2026.
The projected medical trend rate remains substantially above the forecast for APAC general inflation rate of 2.5%. After accounting for inflation, the net medical trend rate is expected to decline from 8.9% in 2026 to 7.2% in 2027. Globally, the medical trend rate for 2027 is projected to decrease from 9.8% in 2026 to 9.0% in 2027.
"While medical trend growth is slowing, it remains more than three times the rate of inflation," said Tim Dwyer, Head, Human Capital, Asia Pacific, Aon. "Employers need to manage rising costs while protecting the value of employee benefits. To outperform average medical trend rates, organisations should use workforce and claims data to evaluate plan design, provider networks and financing strategies that can help improve long-term outcomes."
Medical Cost Trends Vary Across APAC Markets
The outlook varies considerably across markets. The decline in the regional trend rate is driven largely by China and India, which are projected to see medical trend rates decrease by 1.8 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively. Medical trend rates are also expected to moderate in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, although five of those markets are still projected to record double-digit trend rates in 2027.
These declines are partly offset by higher projected trend rates in Singapore and Taiwan, while Hong Kong is expected to remain flat at 9%. Across the region, ageing populations and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions continue to influence healthcare utilisation and costs.
"The moderation in the region's medical costs should not be interpreted as uniform relief for employers," said Alan Oates, Head, Global Benefits, Asia Pacific, Aon. "Medical trend varies significantly across markets, reflecting different healthcare systems, supply and demand factors, demographic and disease patterns. Employers must analyse their own workforce insights alongside locally relevant data and market benchmarks to make informed decisions about benefits, design and where to invest. Insurers are investing at different rates in new technologies to understand and manage utilisation and employers should ensure they compare the fast-developing capability to deliver value."
| 2026 | 2027 |
| Annual General Inflation Rate (%) | Annual Medical Trend Rates (%) | Annual General Inflation Rate (%) | Annual Medical Trend Rates (%) |
| | Gross | Net | | Gross | Net |
| AsiaPacific | 2.4 | 11.3 | 8.9 | 2.5 | 9.7 | 7.2 |
| Australia | 3.5 | 5.2 | 1.7 | 3.2 | 4.9 | 1.7 |
| Bangladesh | 5.2 | 10 | 4.8 | 6 | 10 | 4 |
| China | 0.6 | 7.8 | 7.2 | 1.5 | 6 | 4.5 |
| Hong Kong | 2.2 | 9 | 6.8 | 1.8 | 9 | 7.2 |
| India | 4.1 | 11.5 | 7.4 | 4 | 10.1 | 6.1 |
| Indonesia | 2.5 | 16.9 | 14.4 | 2.6 | 17.3 | 14.7 |
| Japan | 1.7 | 2.7 | 1 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 0.8 |
| Kazakhstan | 9.4 | 29 | 19.6 | 10.1 | 32 | 21.9 |
| Malaysia | 2.2 | 16 | 13.8 | 2 | 14.7 | 12.7 |
| Mongolia | 9.1 | n/a | n/a | 7.2 | 10 | 2.8 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 18 | 16 | 2.3 | 14 | 11.7 |
| Pakistan | 7.7 | 23.5 | 15.8 | 8.4 | 24.4 | 16 |
| Papua New Guinea | 4.6 | 15 | 10.4 | 4.4 | 5 | 0.6 |
| Philippines | 2.9 | 14 | 11.1 | 3.2 | 11 | 7.8 |
| Singapore | 1.5 | 13 | 11.5 | 1.9 | 14.7 | 12.8 |
| South Korea | 1.8 | 11.5 | 9.7 | 1.9 | 10.5 | 8.6 |
| Sri Lanka | n/a | 6.5 | n/a | n/a | 14.3 | n/a |
| Taiwan | 1.6 | 8 | 6.4 | 1.6 | 10 | 8.4 |
| Thailand | 0.9 | 14.8 | 13.9 | 1 | 11.7 | 10.7 |
| Vietnam | 2.5 | 12.2 | 9.7 | 4.6 | 9.9 | 5.3 |
* Projections as of October 12, 2026
Chronic Conditions Continue to Drive Claims
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading condition driving medical claims in the region, followed by ENT/lung and respiratory diseases, and cancer or tumor growth. Hospitalisation, clinics and laboratories remain the most costly elements of medical plan costs, while prescription medication has moved into third place compared to last year. Gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and back conditions are also becoming more prevalent in the region.
In APAC, the principal risk factors contributing to future claims are high blood pressure, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, while high cholesterol and blood glucose are also increasing in prevalence.
Wellness initiatives remain the most widely expected approach to managing rising medical plan costs in the region, retaining the top rank for the third consecutive year with 95% of employers expected to use this approach. Plan design changes ranked second at 70%, followed by cost containment and financing strategies at 65%. Fifty five percent of employers are expected to undertake access and delivery restrictions and flexible benefit plans to curb medical cost escalation and promote a healthy workforce. While both increased slightly over the past year, the prevalence of flexible benefit plans has risen by 10 percentage points over the past two years, indicating the emphasis that employers are placing on flexible benefits on managing overall costs.
About the 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report
The 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report is based on insights from over 100 Aon offices that broker, administer or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans. The findings reflect the expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers across the region. Medical trend represents the anticipated annual percentage increase in the cost of treating patients and providing healthcare services. A lower trend rate means that healthcare costs are increasing more slowly, not that total costs are decreasing.
Hashtag: #Aon #MedicalTrendRates #APAC
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About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
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