In most advanced economies including Singapore, citizens are encouraged to pursue at least 10 years of education.
For him, good-quality, skills-based higher education is the basis for full economic and civic participation.But the civil engineer, who held leadership roles in the National University of Singapore before taking over the helm in SIT, is quick to add:"It need not be a degree route, and it need not be frontloaded.
Q You say we should think hard about whether the minimum in education should be raised to 15 or 16 years. Who should pay for it? A In reality today, almost all students are already receiving generous subsidies for 12 to 13 years, and for those going from ITE to poly, 16 years of education. We put them in an environment where they can infuse their talents and knowledge with real work experience.
Q You have close to 500 companies that partner SIT to offer IWSP places now. What is in it for the companies? A Since we embarked on IWSP in 2015, more than 2,200 students from 16 degree programmes have completed their IWSP, with another 1,100 students out in the industry for their IWSP in the current academic year.The companies can impart, and students can simultaneously gain, practical job and career skills.