Framework for Evaluating Speakers at Campus Events to Ensure Preservation of Academic Freedom

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has advised autonomous universities (AUs) on implementing any administrative formalities assessment framework for evaluating speakers at campus events; (b) if so, how does the Ministry ensure such frameworks do not undermine academic freedom, including in politically sensitive contexts; and (c) whether these frameworks align with global academic freedom standards.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: Autonomous Universities (AUs) have the right and responsibility to implement an assessment framework for evaluating speakers at campus events.

As stated in Ministry of Education's reply to a Parliamentary Question on 9 January 2024, AUs manage their own events, including deciding on invited speakers. [Please refer to "Incidents of Disinvitation of Speakers and Cancellations of Events at Autonomous Universities", Official Report, 9 January 2024, Vol 95, Issue 118, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]

As common spaces for learning, AUs are aware that while they should promote critical thinking and appreciation of diverse viewpoints, they must also respect Singapore's wider social norms, help students to appreciate our national interests, protect our hard-earned harmony and not ride roughshod over the sensitivities of others. Neither should AUs be used by organisations or individuals to further their agenda at our expense or in the name of academic freedom. Where necessary, the Ministry will advise the AUs to uphold these principles.