The 'Singaporean first' myth
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Jul 21, 2011 - ST Forum
IN A recent lecture on higher education at Singapore Management University, Dr Tony Tan pointed out how crucial it is not to impede international talent from coming here.
He essentially voiced his preference for a 'Singaporeans first' policy for higher education, rather than 'Singaporeans only' ('Tony Tan: S'poreans first, but don't shut out talent'; yesterday).
While I agree with Dr Tan's dismissal of a 'Singaporeans only' tertiary landscape, I am befuddled by his perception that Singaporeans are demanding this.
On the contrary, what Singaporeans are infuriated by are government and local university measures that excessively favour foreign 'talent' for admission.
For example, the National University of Singapore (NUS) does not have a clearly defined way of calculating the admissions score for international students.
NUS assesses admission at its own discretion and on the students' past education transcripts.
Polytechnic students, on the other hand, are admitted based on a strictly defined admissions score, comprising 80 per cent polytechnic results and 20 per cent O-level results.
Obviously, polytechnic students who might have excelled in their studies, but who have done less than spectacularly in the O levels, are disadvantaged.
Does NUS consider a polytechnic education less rigorous?
In addition, most needy local students have had to seek financial refuge in loans and bursaries, both of which do not provide complete financial relief.
The less fortunate must juggle part-time work and university studies.
Contrast this situation to that of the foreign students: Financial aid for them does not only come in the shape of exclusive scholarships, but also in Education Ministry tuition grants.
The penalty for most of these students who can already afford the higher costs of overseas education? Working with a Singapore-registered company for three years.
Dr Tan said it is not easy to find the right balance.
For a start, apply greater selectivity for the ministry's tuition grants for foreign students.
Also, a clearly stipulated admissions determinant, which resembles the template imposed on Singaporeans, should be adopted.
While many recognise the advantages of having an international student body, resolutely doing so without selectivity is pointless.
Let those who cannot afford such an education prove their mettle, and those who can, rightfully pay for their fees.
Adam Liew
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this kind of issue same in many places around the world....not just sgp.
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Originally posted by Loor:
this kind of issue same in many places around the world....not just sgp.
Other countries look after their own people first leh.
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Originally posted by charlize:
Other countries look after their own people first leh.
our country looks after their own people first leh.
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Charity begins at home.
LKY has always think highly of foreigners as compared to local Singaporeans. His legacy has and will continue on.
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Interview Singaporean first, then PR, then FT.
Employ who?
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Originally posted by mancha:
Interview Singaporean first, then PR, then FT.
Employ who?
Depends on which one is cheaper.
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Let every Tom, Dick and Harry get a degree, then the degree would be a worthless paper.
If you wan to get into NTU and NUS show me the "A"s. No "A"s, no talk.
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At the end of the day, I think it comes down to the Uni itself and the related parties (e.g. government).
If they genuinely value the welfare of the 'locals', whichever country u wanna talk about, then no matter how much some rich kid wants to pay from overseas, you show them the 'Do Not Enter' sign. Some country does this better than others, but i believe it is widespread in general.
Although the money that comes in from these 'foreigners' does also have benefits for the locals in other ways too - but in terms of university places etc., yes it is not ideal.
Maybe they should have a 'foreigners' wing in NUS/NTU. We take your money, u go fly kite.
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finally someone from pap admit to a double speak after such a long time
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He's befuddled? Me too, I'm quite intrigued as to how this letter can make it into ST forum? haha....now I'm wondering if the letter had been edited down from a much fiery version.
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country 1st or ppl 1st?
chicken n egg issue?
neah , WTH .........money 1st
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Originally posted by lce:
country 1st or ppl 1st?
chicken n egg issue?
neah , WTH .........money 1st
Money in my pocket 1st....
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Originally posted by Aneslayer:
Money in my pocket 1st....
why yr pocket?
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Originally posted by lce:
country 1st or ppl 1st?
chicken n egg issue?
neah , WTH .........money 1st
So smart.
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I like.