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SINGAPORE: Singapore will set up a new institute to offer a more direct route for polytechnic graduates to get degrees. The institute will partner foreign universities that offer degree courses.
President S R Nathan said this in his opening address to the new session of Parliament on Monday.
Singapore will also set up a new university, in close partnership with one leading university each from the US and China.
"These two new institutions will open up more opportunities for students to upgrade themselves," said Mr Nathan when he touched on the need to strengthen Singapore's higher education to meet growing aspirations and to train the skilled professional and creative manpower the country will need.
He said: "Our aim is to have 30% of our students admitted to state-supported universities."
"Whether it is to promote economic growth, narrow the income gap or bond the next generation, education is key. Education is our best investment in Singapore's future.
"Our education system is designed to give each and every child the best opportunity to stretch his abilities. All our schools maintain high standards, and prepare our young to seize their own opportunities in a complex, dynamic and uncertain world.
"We will do better, by building more peaks of excellence, and establishing new pathways and programmes to cater to students with different aptitudes, interests and learning styles."
Meanwhile, Senior Minister of State for National Development & Education, Grace Fu, said: "It will be a very unique proposition for our students. I think it will be a great opportunity because in the future, I think it will be a combination of technology from the US plus the exposure to China that will be a very attractive proposition for students who are thinking of being exposed to the world."
Other Members of Parliament added that President Nathan's speech raised concerns that were timely with the current economic and social climate in Singapore.
They agree with Mr Nathan on issues such as education enhancements, economic restructuring and leadership renewal.
MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, Inderjit Singh, said: "This does signal that we may change some of the things that we do. In my mind, one of the things that can change is the size of GRCs. Perhaps it's time we reduce the GRCs. This is what the public like to see done."
MP for Hong Kah GRC, Zaqy Mohamad, said: "This downturn has also showed how we are dependent on the US economy. So going forward do we still go ahead with the same strategy? I think it's a good call for us to relook the way we develop our economy and in our policies in that sense."
You can view the transcript of the President's speech here.
- CNA/ir
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