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SINGAPORE: Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang says Singapore respects the University of New South Wales' decision to close down its campus next month but will continue to bring other providers to build up the education landscape here.
Separately, analysts say it is better for Singapore to attract institutions that offer niche postgraduate education.
Many UNSW students feel betrayed and disappointed as they come to grips with the university's decision to close down its Singapore campus.
Minister Lim says UNSW did a review last year before starting their campus and the government had given them an enhanced support programme, but things changed subsequently.
He says: "This year, having seen their first intake, and looking at the second intake, they have come to the decision that the medium term is not viable, so we'll respect their decision.
"Earlier, they had a plan to build up a campus for between 10,000 and 15,000 students. When they found out those targets were not so attainable, they started to look at something smaller – 2,000 – so we told them to give us their business plan for a smaller campus and EDB would support it accordingly."
Analysts say the global schoolhouse concept is still new to Singapore and urge a look at niche areas instead.
Song Seng Wun, Regional Economist, says: "What we may be seeing is the government trying to flesh out what may work and what may not work in Singapore. Perhaps, going forward, the model to have is not to push all levels of education here, but to have a niche, specialist kind of education."
So has this episode caused a dent in Singapore's vision to be a hub for global education?
Minister Lim says: "Well, we still have that ambitious target. We are nearly halfway there. We will continue to work hard to try to bring other providers here to build up the whole education landscape."
Mr Song says: "We will not get a straight line growth in any area. In any sort of business, some will succeed and some will not. It's useful to have failures for which you are able to evaluate whether the overall concept plan is still applicable and take it beyond that. I don't see this as a setback."
For now, classes are still going on at UNSW, until the term ends next month.
Although the university is offering scholarships to those who wish to transfer to its Australian campus, some students say they have commitments here and are not keen to study overseas.
Others, who have paid some S$13,000 for the first semester, want their money back.
Another option for these students is to enrol in local universities.
The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University say they will make provisions for UNSW students to submit applications by 30 May.
Selection will be based on merit.
- CNA/so
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