IN RESPONSE to queries from The Straits Times, Dr Madeleine Reeve, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), sent a statement excerpted here:

'RMIT University has never had any association or agreement with Brookes Business School for the provision of RMIT programmes in Singapore. In 2007, RMIT also advised both the Singapore Ministry of Education and the Case Trust Secretariat of the representations made by Brookes, and expressed concern for any students affected. RMIT received confirmation from both bodies that the matter would be investigated.

RMIT, through an agent, also lodged a complaint with the Singapore Police Department, but was advised that the Police did not propose to investigate the matter.

RMIT completely rejects the claim made by Brookes that a staff member from RMIT Vietnam authorised an agreement with Brookes for Brookes to deliver RMIT programmes. RMIT has been provided with the name of the staff member allegedly involved, but there are no records of a man with that name being employed at RMIT Vietnam.

RMIT is extremely concerned about any misrepresentation and is currently considering all its legal options in relation to this matter.'

The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case), which acts on complaints against private schools, said it has received more than 10 complaints against Brookes Business School this year. But it said only one student alleged over the phone that the school was offering RMIT degrees.

'The school informed us that they were misled by a supposedly authorised agent of RMIT. The school had in fact conducted its own investigation by visiting the RMIT in Vietnam and Australia and has since submitted a report of its findings to the police for investigation.'

Ministry of Education: Brookes Business School does not have any registered external degree programmes in Singapore. Members of the public can check the list of registered degree programmes at the following website: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/private-schools/edp-list/

This article was first published in The Straits Times.