NUS President calls for change
President Tan explaining the 3 factors of change
MEETING STORY by Tan Keng Hoong
15 October 2011
Setting the university apart from its competitors was one of the key messages from NUS President Tan Chorh Chuan during his 2011 State of University Address on Friday.
Speaking to a crowd of over 300 at the University Cultural Centre, he emphasized students should focus on improving their communication skills, clarity of thought, and building stronger networks across different cultures.
“Students should not try to compete based on hours of study time clocked”, he said. “Our students must develop qualities and skills that will differentiate them.”
This message comes in the wake of increasing competition from global universities, with many offering opportunities for students to study abroad for their degree. And with increasing pressure from developing universities in Asia, Professor Tan said it is essential for NUS to set itself apart from the rest.
The opening of University Town was one of the first major steps the university has taken towards providing a holistic education that encourages students to appreciate arts, culture and sports while blurring the lines of learning inside and outside the classroom. And with two additional residential apartments in the works, at least one-fifth of the student population will get to experience it.
Professor Tan also announced a long-term plan to develop a new ‘Campus Core’. Designed to help further develop the arts, it will comprise the University Cultural Centre, Conservatory of Music and Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This will be supported by Raffles Hall which will provide students an integrated area to live, study and socialize.
Among the other changes, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will be getting new teaching and student facilities, offices and research spaces to promote a better learning environment and make it more attractive to talented students.
The announcement was met favorably by students from different faculties, especially with the shift in its education focus.
Arts student Kenneth Poon said: “While this does not come as much of a surprise, it is good NUS is finally giving a greater importance to the arts”.
Engineering student Govin Dass Naidu agreed. He said: "I have always felt we needed a more holistic approach to education. I'm glad it is almost here ".
In his speech, the NUS President also talked about the growing need to focus on established research fields in the university and promoting more avenues for entrepreneurial tie-ups with other countries.