The University of Sunderland has taken ownership of Arden University’s Hong Kong based entity, RDI Ltd.
Sunderland has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with RDI in Hong Kong and Shirley Atkinson, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland is delighted that the strong and enduring partnership has resulted in the acquisition of such a high quality, well established and highly regarded educational provider in the region.
“The University of Sunderland will build on the reputation that RDI has gained over their 15 years of success in Hong Kong. We want to capitalise on the experience and capability that exists within RDI and grow the business locally and across the wider region. Sunderland has had a regional recruitment office in Hong Kong for almost 16 years and the acquisition of RDI from Arden University is a key component in our longer-term strategic ambitions for the region.”
The programmes offered and the teaching and support arrangements for students will continue as normal. The University will work closely with existing partners and employers to ensure continuity and develop a wider programme offer.
Dr Philip Hallam, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Arden University is confident that continuity over the transitional period will be upheld.
“Arden University will work closely with the University of Sunderland during this transitional period to ensure a smooth handover for students and staff, the ongoing continuity of quality assurance, and the regulatory processes and governance”.
Sunderland is recognised as a truly international University with large numbers of international students on campus in Sunderland and London. Almost 9,000 students study University of Sunderland programmes with quality assured transnational partners across the globe. The acquisition of RDI Hong Kong is aligned with a new Strategic Plan which articulates the University’s ambitions up to 2021.