Polytechnics anchor of tertiary education, says PM Lee
By Imelda Saad, Correspondent
SINGAPORE'S Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave a positive report
card of the country's polytechnics on Tuesday as he officially
opened the fifth and newest institution - Republic Polytechnic
(RP).
Noting that 40 per cent of students here take the poly route, Mr
Lee said polytechnics are close to the industry and respond to
changing needs to 'solve real world problems'.
Recognising the role polytechnics can play in supporting the
industry, Mr Lee noted how SPRING Singapore has partnered polys to
set up Centres of Innovation (COIs).
These COIs form the backbone of reasearch and innovation
efforts.
Progress has also been made in attempts to link up with foreign
instituitions to enable polys to offer specialised degree
programmes to its students.
Giving an update on the latest effort, Mr Lee revealed Ngee Ann
Polytechnic's tie-up with Wheelock College in the US and RTRC Asia,
the training arm of NTUC Childcare Group.
The programme, which offers a degree in early Childhood Education
admitted its first batch of 61 students in June.
Mr Lee said, 'More tie-ups are being explored in specific applied
disciplines. For example food technology, culinary arts, optometry,
naval architecture and resort management. These will provide
alternative degree upgrading opportunities for our polytechnic
graduates.'
He added polytechnics are also giving students more international
exposure and opportunities to go on overseas trips.
'Next year, at least 30 per cent of our polytechnics students can
look forward to participating in an overseas programme,' he
said.
Republic Polytechnic arts and cultural hub
As the newest polytechnic, Mr Lee said RP has continued the
tradition of applied learning and innovation.
He noted how RP, located in Woodlands, is aiming to be the arts and
cultural hub of the Northern region.
'The Republic Polytechnic Cultural centre will liven up the arts
and culture scene and be a focal point for such activities,' he
said.
The centre is focused on Ethnic Arts and aims to bring the arts
into the heartlands.
Physically, the new campus was also designed to integrate as much
as the community as possible.
Instead of gates and fences, the open layout of the campus invites
the Woodlands community onto its grounds with facilities like the
'campus in a park' open for public use.
