Fourth University Coming Up

During the recently concluded National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong suggested that Singapore would have a fourth public-funded university, and it may not only stop at four. This university will have its own unique strengths and character. PM Lee pointed out that the three existing public universities were already large enough and should not be expanded any further. Although universities have increased the number of places, people are still fretting over admissions as there are also more applicants, as seen in the recent intake. The rising demand for tertiary education and the fact that more polytechnic graduates want to pursue degrees show the necessity for the new university. Statistics show that already 15% of polytechinic graduates move on to the National University of Singapore and many more go overseas. The government's response to the present and projected needs will prevent an outflow of local talents because most of these overseas students choose not to return to Singapore to work. Today, 23% of each batch of primary 1 students make it into either one of the three universities. By 2015, the government aims to increase the proportion to 30%, some 2400 more places each year. Again, this shows the necessity for the new university as we cannot keep expanding the existing ones. In his speech, PM Lee also stated that the aim of the government is to provide every child with a top-rate education. Lessons have also become more interesting after the implementation of "Teach Less, Learn More". Being a student myself, I too hope for the best education I can recieve so that I will be able to build a better future for myself. The "Teach Less, Learn More" scheme encourages students to explore furthur on their own and to expand their creativty and understanding, and I am experiencing it now. It also allows Principles and teachers to experiment new areas and methods. Personally I feel that this helps to broaden a student's mindset, it allows him to think outside of the box. Instead of just applying what he learns from textbooks, he is now unlimited in breadth and depth. This will teach students to be independent learners and to continue the learning process beyond their school years. Now schools are planning to implement IT learning, or using the notebook to teach lessons. I feel that this scheme will help to boost the interest of the students. It also has a wider range of information thus making learning a easier process.