3. The wide representation on the Committee will allow the Committee to
consider the issue from all relevant angles. Members from industry represent a wide range
of business sectors which employ highly trained manpower and come from both multi-national
companies and local enterprises. The inputs from employers and industry will be
instrumental in drawing up a blueprint for training degree-level manpower that directly
meets the needs of the economy.
SCOPE OF STUDY
4. The Committee's tasks include establishing the level of provision of degree-level
education opportunities in view of Singapore's manpower needs in the New Economy, and the
necessity to maximise our intellectual capital and develop our people's potential to the
fullest. The Committee will study all options including the desirability of establishing a
new university to undertake these functions.
5. The Terms of Reference of the Committee are
a. To establish the level of provision of pre- and in-employment degree-level education
opportunities to meet manpower needs and develop citizens' potential;
b. To study the experiences of other countries for relevant lessons to be adapted in
Singapore;
c. Subject to (5a), to propose, if necessary, a feasible model for delivering
additional education opportunities at the university level, in terms of institutional
structure, curriculum and pedagogy, interfaces with other levels of education, partnership
with other institutions, and linkages with industry.
6. The Committee will hold focus groups discussions with a wide range of individuals,
including current and former polytechnic students, industry and employer groups, and
professional bodies to gather feedback. It will also interview successful entrepreneurs
and key opinion leaders from industry for their views on upgrading opportunities at the
degree level.
7. The Committee will also study the recommendations by the International Academic
Advisory Panel (IAAP) on setting up a 4th university-level institution. At its recent
meeting in Singapore, the IAAP supported the establishment of a fourth university which is
technologically-inclined, focusing on teaching and service to industry and the community,
as well as providing continuing professional development and training to the workforce
across different age groups.
8. The Committee is targeted to complete its study in the second half of 2001 and will
submit its recommendations to the Government for consideration.
9. For more information on the review, please refer to the official website at: http://www1.moe.edu.sg/mhed2. Members of the
public are invited to give their feedback and suggestions through this website for the
Committee's deliberation.
