Proportion of international researchers in AUs

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Leong Mun Wai, Non-constituency Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education what is the proportion of international researchers in our local universities who are (i) masters research students (ii) PhD research students (iii) post-doctoral research fellows and (iv) assistant professor and above, respectively.

Response

1. In 2019, around one third of Masters by Research students and two thirds of PhD students and Post-doctoral Research Fellows (“Post-docs”) in the Autonomous Universities (AUs) were non-Residents i.e. non-Singaporeans and non-Permanent Residents. As for research-active faculty (Assistant Professors and above), around 40% were non-Residents.

2. Like universities everywhere around the world, our AUs seek to attract and retain international academic talent, so as to pursue excellence in research and education for the benefit of Singapore and Singaporeans. At the same time, our AUs are continuing to build up the local academic and research manpower pipeline. MOE also works with the AUs to provide support to local academics at different stages of their studies and careers. Through the Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent scheme (START), we support young Singaporean undergraduates and postgraduates keen on pursuing an academic career at the AUs via scholarships and mentorship opportunities.