INSEAD’s Asia Campus milestone reflects the growing influence of Asian markets in shaping global business education and leadership development. The 25-year journey from a pioneering dual-campus experiment to a strategic hub demonstrates how forward-thinking institutions adapt to meet evolving regional demands.

**Key Points**

• INSEAD became the first global business school to adopt a dual-campus model when it established its Singapore location in 2000
• The Asia Campus now serves over 1,300 students and 3,500 executives annually, supported by 55 faculty members
• More than 13,000 alumni across Asia, including 4,000+ in Singapore, lead businesses and drive regional transformation
• Three strategic pillars guide future growth: leadership development, academic innovation, and community engagement
• Anniversary celebrations integrate with Singapore’s innovation ecosystem through partnerships with SWITCH

How is INSEAD celebrating 25 years of business education leadership in Asia?

INSEAD, The Business School for the World, marks a quarter-century milestone for its Asia Campus in Singapore. This anniversary celebrates pioneering business education achievements while establishing foundations for the next chapter in global leadership development.

Twenty-five years ago, INSEAD made a bold strategic decision to establish a second full-fledged campus in Singapore. Consequently, INSEAD became the first global business school to adopt the dual-campus model that now defines its international presence.

Why did INSEAD choose Asia for global expansion?

Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, emphasizes the region’s transformative potential: “Much of the world’s growth and transformation over the past decades has taken place in this region–and its potential is still unfolding. At a time when the world is becoming increasingly fragmented, the need for dialogue and collaboration has never been greater.”

The school’s Asian roots extend back to 1980 with the founding of the pioneering Euro-Asia Centre. This initiative laid crucial groundwork for understanding Asian business systems and fostering collaboration between Europe and Asia decades before the campus launch.

Singapore as the strategic foundation

In 2000, the Asia Campus was officially inaugurated by the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, founding father of modern Singapore. The first MBA cohort welcomed 53 students, establishing the foundation for what would become a regional powerhouse in executive education and leadership development.

What impact has the Asia Campus achieved over 25 years?

The campus has evolved into a strategic hub for leadership development, innovation, and transformation. Each year, more than 1,300 students and 3,500 executives study at the Singapore location, supported by comprehensive degree and executive education programs.

The INSEAD community in Asia now includes over 13,000 alumni, with more than 4,000 based in Singapore alone. These graduates lead businesses globally while the school’s partnerships with governments, academia, and industry continue expanding throughout the region.

Faculty excellence and research impact

The Asia Campus houses 55 faculty members from diverse disciplines whose research and teaching deepen the school’s regional relevance. Through rigorous academic work, they equip leaders to navigate Asia’s complexity and contribute to sustainable global growth.

Sameer Hasija, Dean of Asia Campus and Dean of Executive Education, reflects on this achievement: “The success of our faculty and alumni, whose impact is felt across businesses and sectors in this region, is a strong testament to the school’s vision set 25 years ago.”

The stakes for business education in Asia have never been higher.

How is INSEAD positioning itself for the next 25 years?

The anniversary celebrations and the campus’s future vision center on three strategic pillars that will guide continued growth and innovation:

1. A Launchpad for the Future of Business and Leadership – Leveraging its deep foundations in Asia, INSEAD shapes future-ready global leaders through transformative Degree Programmes, including MBA, MIM, MIF, TIEMBA and GEMBA Asia. The school’s Executive Education portfolio, including over 60 Open Programmes and a wide range of Custom Programmes, further strengthens its commitment to developing leaders who can anticipate emerging trends and navigate strategic shifts across the region.
2. A Strategic Hub for Academic Knowledge and Innovation – The Asia Campus serves both as a base for cutting-edge research in the region and a global access point to recognized academic work, including Nobel-awarded pioneering research by Professor Philippe Aghion on sustainable growth through creative destruction. Beyond research, it continues to drive learning innovation, entrepreneurial excellence and digital transformation.
3. A Lifelong Community of Learning, Networks and Engagement – INSEAD’s greatest strength lies in its people. The Asia Campus fosters a strong sense of belonging through shared experiences and values. Alumni and student impact stories continue to inspire and connect the community across the region and the world.

Integration with Singapore’s innovation ecosystem

The anniversary week features a series of events, including partnerships with the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH). These collaborations connect INSEAD with the city’s vibrant innovation ecosystem through thought leadership forums, alumni reunions, and celebrations.

Notably, celebrations will continue throughout the academic year with ongoing events and activities. Key initiatives such as the annual Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) launch, the Learning Summit, and the INSEAD for Impact Programme reinforce the school’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and thought leadership.

Bottom Line

INSEAD’s 25-year journey in Asia demonstrates how strategic vision and adaptability create lasting educational impact. The transformation from a pioneering experiment to a regional powerhouse reflects both the school’s commitment and Asia’s emergence as a global business center.

As the school charts its course for the next quarter-century, the three strategic pillars position INSEAD to address evolving leadership challenges while maintaining its role as a bridge between cultures and markets. The continued integration with Singapore’s innovation ecosystem and expanded alumni network suggest sustainable growth potential in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.

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