Singapore’s universities have seen significant growth and success under the leadership of outgoing prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. Over his 20-year tenure, the number of public universities in the country has doubled, and Singapore’s top institutions have been ranked among the best in Asia. This period has been marked by a transition from a mass to a universal higher education system, with government-funded undergraduate education participation increasing from 22% in 2004 to 50% in 2023.
One of the key achievements under Mr. Lee’s leadership has been the increased accessibility of education in Singapore. More universities have been established, and a greater number of students have been given the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees. This has been made possible through generous government subsidies, making education more accessible to a wider range of students.
In addition to increasing accessibility, Mr. Lee has also emphasized the importance of differentiation in Singapore’s higher education system. This has led to a wider range of pathways available to students, with public institutions being granted more autonomy to experiment and offer interdisciplinary options. As a result, students now have a broader choice of fields to study, including creative arts, fashion, design, and sports management, aligning with the country’s wider economic plans to prepare students for a rapidly changing world of work.
However, alongside these successes, Singapore’s universities have faced challenges in terms of academic freedom and internationalization. The country ranks low on the Academic Freedom Index, raising concerns about the level of autonomy universities have. Additionally, internationalization efforts, such as the Global Schoolhouse Project, have had mixed results, with challenges in attracting and retaining international students and establishing successful branch campuses and collaborations.
Despite the gains made in domestic higher education, there are concerns in Singaporean society about ensuring that all individuals have access to education and opportunities for lifelong learning. Mr. Lee’s government has increasingly focused on lifelong learning, shifting the focus from front-loading education to emphasizing learning throughout one’s adult years. This shift towards building a society of second chances aims to ensure that an individual’s life path is not solely determined by academic credentials achieved at a young age.
Looking ahead, Singapore’s universities will be expected to continue evolving to support the government’s new vision of meritocracy and lifelong learning. Mr. Lee’s legacy lies in the philosophy of serving the country and its people, rather than solely focusing on global rankings. As Singapore transitions to a new era, the challenge for Mr. Lee’s successor will be to navigate this path while ensuring that the country’s universities continue to play a key role in shaping the future of education in Singapore.