06202 

2 Jan 2003

RESTRUCTURING THE UNIVERSITY SECTOR - MORE OPPORTUNITIES, BETTER QUALITY 

1.          The Committee to Review the University Sector and Graduate Manpower Planning has released its preliminary findings on the proposed restructuring of the university sector. 

2.          The Committee began work in Feb 2002, when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, announced its establishment to recommend a long-term structure for our university sector that will complement our efforts to transit to a new economic structure. The Committee is chaired by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State (Education and Manpower). Its members are Mr Chiang Chie Foo, Permanent Secretary (Education), Mr Heng Swee Keat, Permanent Secretary (Trade & Industry), Ms Yong Ying-I, Permanent Secretary (Manpower) and Mr Teo Ming Kian, Chairman, Economic Development Board. 

3.          The 4th International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP), which comprises distinguished academic and industry leaders from around the world, will be meeting in Singapore on 13-16 Jan 2003 to deliberate and give inputs to the Committee's preliminary recommendations. The Ministry of Education expects the proposal to be debated in Parliament during the Committee of Supply debate in March 2003. The final proposal will then be submitted to the Government for consideration. 

4.          Please see the executive summary and the full report of the Committee for further details.