Engineering departments at polytechnics are facing the problem
of declining student numbers.
Educators warn this might be a dangerous trend as Singapore might
not be producing enough quality engineers for an economy where
engineering continues to be a core pillar.
Once one of the most coveted courses, engineering is now plagued by
lack of interest.
"Engineering is not as glamourous as the other business or info
tech," said one student.
"Government is promoting life sciences and not so much of
engineering, that's why engineering is having a drop in
enrollment," said another.
Polytechnics say the number of students choosing engineering as
their first choice has fallen by half over the last six
years.
Millions of dollars have already been invested in infrastructure
used to teach engineering so a fall in enrollment numbers mean that
these resources will be under-utilised.
To address the problem, the 5 polytechnics have set up a joint
committee to promote the engineering discipline.
Over the next few months, they will be spending $300,000 on media
campaigns, talks and exhibitions to attract more students.
Professor Low Teck Seng, Chairman, Engineering Joint Committee,
Principal, Republic Polytechnic, said: "If we don't draw these
young people into our engineering courses, we will not be able to
supply industry with the right quality people to support the growth
of the high technology industries. There has been a lot of talk of
growing new areas, but it should not be at the expense of an
industry which continues to underpin the growth and development of
Singapore, that is engineering."
The Nanyang Technological University, long established for its
engineering faculty, says it does not face the same problems as the
polytechnics.
This is because the faculty continually reinvents itself,
incorporating life sciences, and even high-tech design elements
into its curriculum.
Dr Simon Yu, Vice Dean of Admissions, Nanyang Technological
University, said: "We have broadened the curriculum significantly
and in particular, we have this global immersion programme for them
to participate and they can work up to one year in China or United
States."
In keeping with the multidisciplinary approach, NTU will be
announcing the launch of a new School of Chemical and Biomedical
Engineering this year. - CNA
