ENROLMENT INFORMATION ON OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES (Setting up of special unit)

Mr Ang Mong Seng asked the Minister for Education whether his Ministry has any plans to set up a special unit to (a) provide enrolment information on overseas universities to students who are unable to gain entry into the local universities and wish to pursue their education overseas; and (b) establish contacts with our overseas students, letting them know of job opportunities available at home, thereby encouraging their return.

The Minister for Education (RAdm Teo Chee Hean): Sir, Singapore offers students a range of higher education opportunities. About 20% of each cohort qualify to enter our two universities each year and about 40% of each cohort qualify for entry into polytechnics. And this means that about 60% of each cohort qualify for higher qualification in either our universities or polytechnics. This is one of the highest percentages in the world.

Singaporeans may also choose to study overseas for various reasons. It would not be appropriate for the Ministry of Education to provide information on foreign universities as we are not in a position to verify or vouch for the information on these institutions. These institutions are not under our supervision. There are already many sources of information on overseas universities. It is therefore not necessary for the Ministry of Education to provide information on such universities. Those wishing to find out about foreign universities can do so at career and university exhibitions, as well as the National Library and agencies like the United States Education Information Centre, the British Council, and the Australian Education Centre.

With regard to Singaporeans studying overseas, the eight "Contact Singapore" Centres of the Ministry of Manpower keep in touch with Singaporeans overseas, including the students studying overseas. There are also more than 70 Overseas Singapore Clubs (OSC) that are co-ordinated by the Singapore International Foundation. The "Contact Singapore" Centres provide information on what is happening in Singapore and also advice on the jobs available. Activities are also organised to raise our students' awareness of national issues and help them maintain their Singapore identity.

One example of what Contact Singapore does is Contact Singapore runs SEARCH (or Singapore Employment Advisory and Recruitment Channel). This is a programme to help match students and professionals' skills with employers' manpower needs. SEARCH aims to reach out to students, professionals and companies by offering a variety of services, and they have their own website at http://www.contactsingapore.com.sg.

Dr Lee Tsao Yuan: May I ask the Minister whether the Government keeps track of the number of students who study in overseas universities, in order to know the total pool of university graduates?

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, we do not have complete information of this because Singaporeans going overseas to study are not required to register with us.

Dr Lily Neo (Kreta Ayer-Tanglin): May I ask the Minister whether the Ministry would be more lenient with our students who have borderline results to enter our tertiary institutions?

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, wherever we draw the line, there will always be borderline cases.