Some question if S'pore is ready for free debate at proposed liberal arts college
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 30 June 2008 2207 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore may see its first liberal arts college soon, but with its emphasis on freedom of debate, some have questioned if Singapore's society is ready for the challenge.

The point was raised during feedback-gathering sessions by the committee overseeing the expansion of the university sector.

A report by the Ministry of Education (MOE) made clear that while there was a need for one, it said that more time is needed to sort out how it will be funded and if it should be a college within the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The report also cited public feedback, which felt that society was not "politically mature" to accommodate the views expressed by students and faculty of the new college.

Professor Kirpal Singh, Director, Wee Kim Wee Centre, Singapore Management University, said: "A liberal arts environment cannot survive within the rooms and the walls of the university itself. The students need to be able to interact, exchange ideas with their parents, community leaders and with parliamentarians.

"My sense is that 70 per cent, we are ready. But there is that significant 30 per cent of people who still think that the job of young people is not to question."

However, Professor Singh said the government cannot afford to wait, or Singapore will lag behind in its ability to innovate.

Citing a recent encounter with noted academic Professor Tata Coste of the University of Southern Maine, Professor Singh asked her why a liberal arts education was highly prized in the United States, and she replied that liberal arts colleges were where they taught students how to think.

Feedback sessions by the MOE committee also threw up worries that graduates would not be able to find ‘financially viable’ jobs. In addition, some felt that Singapore needed to get away from the examination-based system before a liberal arts education could realistically take root here.

There's been some concern that the liberal arts college, being a relatively new concept, would end up competing for top students more used to the traditional routes of professional degrees.

While others feel that without a foreign branded institution attached to it, even those who do subscribe to the system would choose to go overseas instead. In turn, NUS said it is exploring possible tie-ups with established colleges from the United States.

Talks cover the kind of educational programmes to be offered.

Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, President-Designate, National University of Singapore, said: "We'll not just take what we have now and import it over. What we want to do is design it new and this is where the engagement with the overseas partners will be very critical."

NUS said its proposed liberal arts college will be autonomous from the rest of the university. Faculty members and students will also be separate from the rest of the university body. But students may be able to do double-majors or joint degrees with the main university.

The new college could also leverage on existing facilities at NUS, such as research laboratories and libraries. It is expected to take in 200 to 300 students each year. - CNA/vm