Singaporeans first, not Singaporeans only
Higher education: Don't close door to foreigners, says Tony Tan
by Tan Weizhen
04:45 AM Jul 20, 2011
SINGAPORE - Presidential hopeful Tony Tan - who is synonymous with the growth of the Republic's university sector - has come out to make clear his stance on the universities' recruitment of foreign students, which has been a subject of discussion as the Presidential race heats up.
Speaking at a Singapore Management University (SMU) lecture yesterday, Dr Tan said: "I have been asked more than once in recent weeks whether I favour a 'Singaporeans first' policy in higher education. I do.
"But 'Singaporeans first' is different from saying 'Singaporeans only'. Singapore is an international city and it would be a grave mistake to close our doors."
Dr Tan, who was a former Deputy Prime Minister, spent seven out of his 19 years in the Cabinet helming the education portfolio. He was also the Minister-in-charge of the university sector for more than two decades.
Dr Tan's involvement in the higher education sector - in particular, his push for the globalisation of the universities - has been discussed online in various forums as well as on his Facebook page. One Facebook user, for instance, criticised Dr Tan's "pro-foreign talent policy" which he instituted at the universities.
Dr Tan said yesterday: "I understand that some people believe that our higher education sector should only educate Singaporeans. In addition to the inherent problems of protectionism, closing our doors would limit the talented individuals who presently contribute much to Singapore."
He added: "Closing our doors would also restrict our ability to engage in the kind of collaborative research that has put Singapore universities in the very top ranks of universities in the world."
Dr Tan stressed that the country's primary responsibility is to Singaporeans.
The Government should "continue to monitor carefully the proportion of foreign students in our educational institutions to ensure that the proportion matches the present and future needs of the country, and that Singaporeans are the main beneficiaries of our education policy", he said.
In the 1980s, Dr Tan, who was the Education Minister then, had spoken out against the graduate mothers' scheme, which gives priority to children of graduate mothers during school registration. The unpopular scheme was ultimately scrapped.
Speaking to reporters after the SMU event, Dr Tan explained his stance: "I looked at the reasons why it was launched, and I felt it was not fulfilling its purpose. It was disadvantaging unfairly certain segments of our children … that was why I decided to change course."
On hindsight, Dr Tan said the decision to scrap the scheme was right. But he urged people to move on.
"The point is one looks at the issue when one has the authority to do something about it. The important thing is that when you have the authority, you should exercise it wisely."
And whether or not he is elected as President, Dr Tan's involvement with the education sector looks set to continue.
During the Q&A session after his lecture, Dr Tan - who chairs the International Academic Advisory Panel - was asked what the President can do for education in Singapore.
Dr Tan replied that the President can make an impact in schools through his patronage and interaction with principals, teachers and students.
He added: "While the President doesn't have executive authority, through his influence, through the areas he concentrates on, through the causes he champions, he can make a great impact in the area of education."
