Restrictions on Political Activity and Discussion at Yale-NUS College

Mr Chen Show Mao asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) (a) what are the restrictions on political activity and discussion at Yale-NUS College; and (b) how do these compare with the six publicly-funded universities in Singapore.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Political issues are commonly discussed as part of academic programmes, research and extra-curricular activities at publicly-funded universities. This helps students develop balanced perspectives and critical thinking.

However, as universities should be neutral places for learning, they generally do not allow activities that will result in them being used as platforms to advance sectarian or partisan political interests.

The same applies to Yale-NUS College.