RECOGNITION OF NANYANG UNIVERSITY DEGREES

Mr Teo Hock Guan asked the Minister for Education when the Government intends to recognise the degrees of Nanyang University.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Mr Speaker, the Government has already given con ditional recognition to the graduates of Nanyang University, subject to interview and approval by the Public Service Commission. Such graduates, whether in Government service or Government aided schools, are given salaries at par with Pass graduates of the University of Malaya and other recognised universities.

This conditional recognition of Nanyang University degrees pending re organisation in accordance with the general principles of the Nanyang University Review Committee's Report was announced in my policy statement on 10th February, 1960, vide Hansard Vol. 12, No. 3, column 143.

Mr Teo Hock Guan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government is willing to recognise the degrees of Nanyang University. Is it because its academic standard is lower than that of the University of Malaya?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: The Government gave conditional recognition to Nanyang University degrees despite the fact that its academic standards were not considered satisfactory. That is why the Government feels that before it is prepared to give financial aid, Nanyang University should be reorganised in accordance with the principles enunciated in the Nanyang University Review Committee's Report.