FOREIGN UNIVERSITY DEGREES (Report of Public Service Commission on recognition)

Tuesday, 3rd March, 1959

Mr A. R. Lazarous asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government has received a report from the Public Service Commission Standing Committee on recognition of foreign University degrees; whether and when the report will be published; and what is the reason for the delay in its publication.

Mr E. B. David: The Government has received three interim reports by the Standing Committee on Foreign University Degrees covering the following subjects:-

(i) American and Indian qualifications held by candidates for entry to the Education Service;

(ii) American and Indian qualifications for entry to the Administrative and Executive Services; and

(iii) Overseas qualifications held by candidates for entry to the Engineering Services.

The substance of the first interim report was published in November last year and is being discussed with representatives of teachers' unions which will be affected by the recommendations in the report. The other two reports, which broadly embody the same principles, are being examined and consultation with the Staff Side of the Singapore Civil Service Joint Council has started. There has been no delay over this matter.

When agreement has been reached with the Staff Side and the unions concerned, suitable provisions will be written into existing Schemes of Service setting out the extent to which overseas qualifications will be recognised for entry into the public service and the appropriate salary points on the recognised salary scales on which selected candidates will be appointed. These new provisions will be published in the Gazette in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Commission Ordinance, 1956.