“Singaporeans First.

- PM Lee Hsien Loong at National Day Rally 2011 -

Another 2000 university places will be added to Singapore's university landscape over the next 4 years, with all going to Singaporean students. Here's what I have to say:

Firstly, I came to Melbourne to study at the University of Melbourne because I was one of many Singaporeans who were squeezed out of the competition in Singapore's university landscape and decided to try something new. Come to think of it, my transition to Melbourne has indeed been a rewarding experience and certainly, I have my parents and family to thank.

So the current increase in university places is a timely move. However, I must throw caution to the wind. Increasing university places must not come at the expense of quality too. The quality of a Singapore university degree must remain competitive & add value when competing with other overseas degree holders in this globalized world.

Another issue the Ministry of Education should note is that it should be attracting foreign students to our shores on the basis of strong university faculties and not by dangling scholarship carrots.

Many Singaporeans are unhappy about the number of scholarships given out by the government and they have reasons to be aggrieved. They believe that the money spent on scholarships should be better used to support lower-income students who have problems servicing university fees/loans.

On that note, I do agree but I'm not calling for a total abolition of awarding scholarships to foreigners. If the foreigners are indeed talented and can contribute to Singapore, I'd say why not? As things stand, it seems like we're not attracting the best of the best but in fact the mediocre foreigners and yet term them 'talent'. Certainly, a stringent review is necessary.

Many polytechnic graduates whom I've spoke to have also often voiced their unhappiness with the university admissions process, claiming that JC students are given more priority over them. As such, maybe the universities can make their selection process more transparent? This can allay the doubts and fears that many students have.

As Singapore grows, the lower income groups and youths especially must be made to feel that have a stake in our country. And where else to start than improving their education? The London riots in the week just past serves as a binding reminder of the potential implications that may arise from youth disillusionment and widening income gap.