Singapore Education Guide 2013

CONTENTS Singapore EDUCATION GUIDE 2013

02

Education System

Getting ahead of the pack in the Lion City 06

The SMU Story

Transforming students into well-rounded individuals 09

Testimonials

Sharing from an administrative staff member, student and alumnus 12

02

09

06

12

Study Tips

Handy hints on adapting to a new life without hassle

Singapore Education Guide 2013 is published by Education Post, South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd in partnership with Singapore Management University.

All rights reserved.

Cover image: iStockphoto Singapore

01

Education System

Getting ahead of the pack in the Lion City Thanks to its use of English and Putonghua, the range of courses and its relative proximity, Singapore has become a popular place for Hong Kong students to pursue higher education. DSE graduates have various options to choose from, leading to diverse and interesting career paths.

Text: Jonathan Chong, Ginn Fung Photos: iStockphoto, SMU

Universities In Singapore universities are classified as either public or private, depending on the source of funding. Five are publicly funded, namely the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Singapore Management University (SMU).

SIM University (UniSIM), on the other hand, is privately funded. There are also the local campuses of overseas-based tertiary-level institutions.

According to the Ministry of Education in Singapore, autonomous universities can “chart their own destiny, differentiate themselves and pursue new heights of excellence in education, research and service, whilst

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receiving substantial government funding”. All of the above mentioned universities are autonomous except SIT, which will soon become autonomous, and UniSIM, which is a private comprehensive university.

DSE graduates can apply directly to individual universities. Admission requirements naturally differ depending on the programme. Table 1 gives general admission requirements for NUS, the oldest university in Singapore, for students applying with the HKDSE qualification. These can be regarded as a useful point of reference for entry requirements at other universities in Singapore. It should be noted that the application period for most of Singapore’s universities ends in April.

Education System Table 1: Admission requirements for NUS for holders of HKDSE

Source: HKEAA

Polytechnics Attending one of the polytechnics in Singapore is another possibility for HKDSE graduates. To date, there are five, namely Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic, providing a more industry-focused education. These institutions offer three-year diploma courses in subjects ranging from digital media and mass communications to engineering, tourism and hospitality management, and biotechnology.

Individuals with a good polytechnic diploma can apply for admission to university. Polytechnic diploma holders can also further their studies at university by taking the appropriate Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level (A-level) examinations. Alternatively, they can go on to advanced diplomas, post - and specialist diplomas, professional or certificate courses at the polytechnics, or other educational or professional institutions. The academic year at polytechnics begins in April.

Table 2: Admission requirements of Temasek Polytechnic for holders of HKDSE

Source: HKEAA

For reference, the general admission requirements at Temasek Polytechnic for holders of the HKDSE are given in Table 2.

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Education System Junior Colleges and Centralised Institute Since admission to Singapore’s universities is very keen, HKDSE graduates may also consider attending one of the Junior Colleges (JCs) or the Centralised Institute (CI), which are categorised as offering “pre-university education” in Singapore. On completing studies at a JC or at the CI, students sit the A-level examination to gain admission to university.

The Junior Colleges offer a two-year pre-university course while Millennia Institute, Singapore’s only Centralised Institute, offers a three-year programme.

Students can choose subjects from different academic areas including humanities and the arts, languages, mathematics and sciences.

International students’ annual tuition fees for academic years 2012 and 2013

*ASEAN refers to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

(Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore)

Government JCs and CI in Singapore

Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore

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Overseas Education Guide

Education System Tuition Grant Scheme The Singaporean government is generous to international students. Under the Tuition Grant Scheme introduced in 1980, non-Singaporean students enrolled in full-time diploma or undergraduate courses in the following institutions in Singapore are also eligible to apply for a subsidy of their tuition fees.

The scheme requires that non-Singaporean students sign a Tuition Grant agreement. Under this agreement, upon graduation, the students will be contractually obliged to work for Singapore-based companies for three years.

Institute of Technical Education For vocational education and training, students can opt for the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Courses there lead to the award of a locally recognised qualification called the National ITE Certificate, if taken in one-year full-time mode, or a Higher National ITE Certificate, if taken as a two-year full-time course. The ITE also provides other part-time courses of varying lengths. Upon completion of the certificates, graduates advance to further qualifications by seeking admission to one of the city’s polytechnics.

However, the ITE does not accept international students holding foreign or private qualifications for its full-time courses.

• Institute of Technical Education • LASALLE College of the Arts • Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts • Nanyang Polytechnic • Nanyang Technological University • National University of Singapore • Ngee Ann Polytechnic • Republic Polytechnic • Singapore Institute of Technology • Singapore Management University • Singapore Polytechnic • Singapore University of Technology and Design • Temasek Polytechnic

Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore Singapore

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The SMU Story Text: John Brennan Photos: SMU

Transforming students into well-rounded individuals The Premium University With good options at home and abroad, an increasing number of Hong Kong’s suitably qualified school leavers are ready to pick up their passports, along with their exam certificates, and head overseas to study for an undergraduate degree.

One prime destination for those with an eye on a career in the world of business is Singapore Management University (SMU), a premier public university established in 2000. “Currently, we have more than 7,000 undergraduate students spread across our six schools — the School of Accountancy, the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, the School of Economics, the School of Information Systems, the School of Law, and the School of Social Sciences,” says Christina Leong, from the SMU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Christina points out that SMU offers many advantages.

“The university is a pioneer for seminar-style, interactive and technologically-enabled pedagogy in small-sized classes. This remains SMU’s unique hallmark,” she says. “Our broad-based and innovative undergraduate curriculum is designed with an international focus. It equips our students with a total skill set comprising not only hard knowledge, but also the soft, people skills and the ‘heart’ skills. In other words, it transforms them into well-rounded individuals.

“The SMU-style of interactive learning has gained widespread acceptance by students, parents and employers. Our classes are not taught in the traditional

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lecture and tutorial format in big lecture theatres. They are taught in small MBA-style seminar rooms, where you don’t just listen but are encouraged to speak up and present your arguments in a clear and convincing manner.

“Because every student must participate, discussions and debates in class become lively and enjoyable, and while you learn from others, others also learn from you.

In this way, you sharpen your critical thinking abilities, as well as your communication and presentation skills, therefore honing crucial competencies needed in the corporate world.

“Our learning environment is designed to be intellectually challenging and stimulating, bringing out the best in you and preparing you to be a step ahead of the competition when you graduate. You will emerge a well-rounded person, capable of adapting and thriving in a fast-changing world.”

Hong Kong students with strong grades in their high school examinations, such as the HKDSE, UK A-level, Hong Kong A-level and IB Diploma are welcome to apply for admission to SMU’s undergraduate programmes. SAT is also required for consideration.

The SMU Story Flexibility SMU also offers students an unparalleled flexibility, enabling them to pursue either a double degree or a second major within a single degree. “This multi-disciplinary approach develops versatility and the ability to seek careers in a wide range of industries,” Christina says. “You can choose a double degree combining any of two disciplines, thereby offering a total of 15 possible combinations. You will receive two degree certificates upon successful completion of this programme. If you enrol for a single degree, you can also select from 21 second majors. Upon successful completion of this type of programme, you receive one degree certificate and the second major is indicated in the result transcript.”

“

Our classes are not taught in the traditional lecture and tutorial format in big lecture theatres. They are taught in small MBA-style seminar rooms, where you don’t just listen but are encouraged to speak up and present your arguments in a clear and convincing manner.

”

- Christina Leong Overseas exchange programmes Through its overseas contacts and collaborations, SMU enables students to gain considerable international exposure. “Our students are encouraged to expand their horizons by going overseas and immersing themselves in different learning environments,”

Christina says. “Such opportunities are provided through exchange programmes which allow students to choose from 200 universities around the world. They can also go overseas for summer programmes, study missions, internships and community service projects.

SMU aims to provide an equal opportunity for every student to take part in a global exposure programme.

More than 80 per cent of our students have completed at least one such programme.”

Career services “SMU graduates are known to be bold, confident and articulate. They enjoy strong employability in a variety of careers, in both the public and private sectors,” says Christina. “We continue to do well in the annual Graduate Employment Survey (GES), with a high proportion of our students securing jobs within six months of graduation and drawing healthy starting salaries.

“The learning outcomes of our interactive pedagogy and multi-disciplinary approach to learning help produce this strong performance. Our students are trained to take the initiative, think outside the box, and take responsibility for what they do. They combine hard knowledge with people skills and a strong sense of ethical and social responsibility. They learn to be resilient, adaptable and versatile. Attributes such as these are highly valued by employers.

“Helping our students secure the right job is a top priority. That is why we are committed to making SMU the place where employers come to recruit graduates.

Both on-site and online recruitment services are available for prospective employers. The SMU OnTRAC II system is an online and user-friendly database of internship and job listings that allows employers to search for SMU talent.”

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The SMU Story

Internship opportunities Nothing is better than actual experience when it comes to preparing for the world of work, so internships are compulsory.

“SMU's mandatory internships give our students many benefits – exposure to real work, new personal perspectives, insights about possible career choices, and the chance to start building a valuable network of business contacts. All our students complete a minimum 10-week internship, and these can be undertaken in Singapore or overseas.

“More than half of our students have done between two and six internships, attesting to the value of these experiences. As interns, they don't just learn, but can also add value in those positions by putting forward innovative ideas and solutions. Many are talent-spotted and offered jobs by the companies offering internships even before they graduate. Opportunities are also available for one-on-one career counselling on résumé writing and job search techniques,” Christina says.

Social work At a time when ever more businesses see corporate social responsibility initiatives as an integral part of strategic planning - as opposed to optional PR exercises - SMU’s programmes acknowledge the need to make students aware of their responsibilities to society and the communities in which they will work.

“Right from the outset, we recognised the importance of inculcating ‘heart’ skills and the need for students to give back to society,” Christina says. “So, starting with our first cohort in 2000, we introduced the requirement

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for everyone to do at least 80 hours of community service, either in Singapore or overseas. Such involvement develops the values and sense of responsibility of civic-minded citizens.

“Our students have travelled to more than 20 countries to help others in a variety of community service projects. This gives them the opportunity to impart their knowledge and skills to less privileged people.”

Extra-curricular activities “Co-curricular activities, both recreational and competitive, are mainly supported by student clubs,” Christina says. “Customised excellence programmes whether in the arts or sports - are pursued with the support of the Office of Student Life (OSL). Special interests such as debating, animal welfare advocacy and community service broaden students' interests and allow them to play a bigger role in society.

“Under the banner of community leadership, OSL works closely with student groups to organise university-wide events such as Convocation, Freshmen Team-building Camps, Patron's Day and an Arts Festival. Another part of the community leadership platform is the Building Communities programme, where students are empowered to initiate projects working with overseas communities to address social and environmental concerns.

“Opportunities abound for a rich and fulfilling time at SMU,” Christina says. “Our students learn the fine art of balancing time spent on studies with their co-curricular activities. Student life at SMU is indeed exciting, vibrant and diverse.”

Testimonials Text: Ginn Fung Photos: SMU

students learn about various “ SMU industries and what the firms in these industries have to offer. ” Sim Cher Young Director Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre

Q: Which notable achievements of SMU students or alumni can you point to?

A: Wang Chao from the class of 2011 graduated with a BSc in information systems management, joining Morgan Stanley after completing a summer internship with the firm in the summer before his final year. His performance as an intern was stellar, leading to an invitation to continue on a part-time basis during the following term. He was offered a full-time job as an IT analyst before he graduated.

Q: As a university focusing on business and management, what chances do your students have to meet leaders in different sectors?

A: SMU students learn about various industries and what the firms in these industries have to offer. They can also build personal networks through events such as career and recruitment talks, enrichment workshops giving industry overviews, and any number of networking opportunities and fairs organised on campus by our Career Centre. Students also come into contact with business leaders through internships, job shadowing and mentorship programmes.

Q: What kind of support and services are available to help students find the right career?

A: Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre (DKMCC) initially engages incoming students as part of the freshmen orientation programme when they join SMU. They learn how the centre can support them as they explore different career options and we introduce the myriad programmes and resources available to them.

Incoming students are also assigned a career counsellor who will offer support throughout their time at SMU. To help students assimilate and learn more about themselves, they are taught about personality profiling tools which they can use for self-discovery as they begin their career journey.

The centre also trains students in various aspects of career management with our distinctive “finishing touch” programme and various enrichment workshops.

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Testimonials Text: Ginn Fung Photos: SMU

may come across as a very competitive “ Itenvironment, but I believe this helps you grow and pushes you to perform your very best. ” Melody Chau Tsz-kwun Student Lee Kong Chian School of Business

Q: Where are you from and what are you studying?

A: I am currently a business student at SMU majoring in marketing, and I will start my third year this coming semester. My parents are from Hong Kong, but I was actually born in Singapore and have been living here ever since.

Q: Why did you choose SMU? A: I chose SMU because it is indeed “a different U”. I like the lessons conducted in lecture style and the many opportunities the school offers through co-curricular activities (CCAs), community service projects (CSPs), and student exchange programmes. Personally, I think SMU can prepare me better for the realities of the corporate world with its independent style of learning, compulsory internships, and a dedicated careers office.

Q: What is the most enjoyable experience so far?

A: It has to be my trip to Vietnam this summer with my overseas community service project (OCSP) group. I was co-leader of the project and the whole experience was just awesome.

Q: What is most difficult about life in Singapore and how do you cope with it?

A: It may come across as a very competitive environment, but I believe this helps you grow and pushes you to perform your very best. I get great satisfaction from all the hard work and effort I put in when I achieve my goal or do better than expected.

Also, I usually study with a group of friends, because of the encouragement I get from them and the peer influence. When I see them studying hard I will do the same.

Q: What is your favourite subject and why?

A: It is consumer behaviour, a marketing module. The course is really interesting because we assess how different marketing strategies affect consumer behaviour and purchasing. One of the projects we did was a real-life experiment observing people’s behaviour as they bought. I had a very good professor who was really encouraging and understands students well.

Q: What hobbies do you have in Singapore?

A: The main one is shopping. I think that is every girl's hobby. Other than that, I like to hang out in cafes with my friends. Sometimes, I head down to the beach at Sentosa and have a sun-tanning session. There are so many types of yummy food in Singapore that it is hard to define a favourite, but if I had to choose one, it would be laksa.

Q: Can you suggest a few must-do things for anyone who wants to study in Singapore?

A: First, get used to Singlish. Second, be prepared for the unpredictable weather and try hawker food – char kway teow, Sambal stingray and so on. Third, visit Sentosa, where you will find Universal Studios, Adventure Cove and the beach. And the final thing I suggest is to party and enjoy the nightlife.

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Testimonials Text: Ginn Fung Photos: SMU

classes and a unique way of “ Smaller teaching mean SMU graduates are more outspoken and are ‘workforce ready’. ” Anna Shin Pui-hun Alumnus SMU

Q: What is your background and what did you study?

A: I was born in Hong Kong and am currently a Singapore permanent resident.

I graduated in 2013 as a bachelor of business management (marketing, corporate communication) and now work as a graduate fellow at the Ogilvy & Mather fellowship programme 2013.

Q: Why did you originally choose SMU? A: It stood out as a university with a student-centred curriculum and I was attracted to apply for several reasons. Firstly, there are plenty of opportunities for overseas exposure. Secondly, you can take double majors from different schools. Smaller classes and a unique way of teaching mean SMU graduates are more outspoken and are “workforce ready”, so the university is well-regarded by employers. There is a holistic selection process, which means all shortlisted candidates go through the interview process – acceptance is not just dependent on A-level grades. And finally, SMU is conveniently located in the city centre.

Q: What was the most memorable aspect of studying in Singapore?

A: There are a lot of opportunities to interact with international students from Asean countries through project work, overseas exchanges, immersion programmes, and general school activities. I had the chance to participate in business and cultural study trips to India and China, and took part in an exchange to China. Overall, SMU provides a well-rounded undergraduate education with an international outlook, the chance for great internships, and mandatory community service work.

Q: What was most difficult about living and studying in Singapore?

A: There is keen competition among the students. Personally, I feel students need to understand it is more valuable to enjoy the process of learning rather than to be fixated on the final grade.

Q: How has SMU made you a better person?

A: By participating in the compulsory project work and presentations for every module, I acquired leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Classes in the corporate communication modules honed those skills and built up my confidence. The training showed me how to think and speak on my feet, something which comes through regular practise in class.

Q: Could you suggest some must-do things for people who study in Singapore?

A: First, I’d suggest taking a walk through the HDB (Housing Development Board) flats in a suburban neighbourhood. Also, view the city’s skyline from Marina Bay Sands to get a better understanding of the urban planning achievements in Singapore. Then there are the people, food and culture.

Try to immerse yourself in the amalgamation of Singlish and other dialects, have a meal in a hawker centre, and explore local designer products along Haji Lane.

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Study Tips

Be prepared...

While embarking on a degree course can be a daunting enough experience on its own, when combined with leaving home for the first time the excitement felt can be mixed with more than a little uncertainty. However, students moving to Singapore from Hong Kong will find a reassuring blend of the new and the familiar, and adjustment shouldn’t be too difficult… with the following tips.

Text: Jonathan Chong, Jie Leung

Cost of living

To work while studying

Taking The Economist’s Big Mac index as a reference, the latest figures in 2013 show equivalent prices for a Big Mac are US$2.12 in Hong Kong and US$3.75 in Singapore. A glance at this year’s worldwide CPI rankings shows the index at 84.37 in Hong Kong and 106.31 in Singapore, so by any quick reckoning, living in Singapore is more expensive.

Climates

Many people may want to get a part-time job while studying in Singapore. According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), any foreigner who is a full-time matriculated or registered student at one of the institutions on their list (e.g. SIM University, National University of Singapore etc) and above 14 years-old does not need to apply for a work pass. However, students can work no more than 16 hours per week during semesters.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the latest employment ordinance because if you are found working in Singapore without a valid work pass, you will be prosecuted. Some students may only intend to focus on their studies, but a part-time job can also provide good experience and another way to explore life overseas and meet more people from different backgrounds.

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Singapore lies almost on the equator and has a tropical maritime climate. May and June are the hottest months, with December and January the coolest. That said, there is no real winter and average daytime temperatures range between 22°C and 32°C. Monsoon and summer are the two main seasons.

Average humidity is 62 per cent, but it can shoot up to 100 per cent during the rainy season.

Basically, you have to be ready for heat and rain.

Study Tips

Accommodation

Student visa (Student’s pass) All foreigners, other than holders of an Immigration Exemption Order, are required to apply for a student’s pass if they want to pursue full-time studies in an institute of higher learning (IHL). This category includes local universities, polytechnics and offshore institutes with local campuses. (The list of IHLs is available at www.ica.gov.sg/)

Living in a university hall of residence costs around S$155 to S$800 per month, but there is also the option of living in an off-campus apartment if looking for something different. In Singapore, apartments are generally divided into private housing and public housing (HDB). Among the former category, a three-bedroom unit of 600 sq ft to 1,000 sq ft will cost from S$3,000 to S$6,000 per month. It is cheaper to rent public housing, which will cost around S$1,000 to S$4,000 per month and is the best choice if you have friends or classmates who can share the expense.

Alternatively, you can choose to rent a room if no suitable flat-shares are available. Generally speaking, monthly rental in private housing ranges from S$800 to S$1,000, while a room in public housing costs about S$300 to S$600. Of course, this varies depending on location and the proximity to public transport.

Always remember it is best not to sign a contract before seeing the room or apartment. Be sure too whether the place comes furnished or unfurnished.

The latter will mean a lower rent, but you will have to sort out everything from furniture to electrical appliances, the costs of which should be taken into consideration.

Once accepted and offered a place by an IHL as a full-time matriculated or registered student, you will receive a registration acknowledgement notice. This includes login information provided by the school for you to apply through the Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system.

After logging in, you will have to submit the eForm 16, which requires information such as details of your passport or travel document, Singapore address, and a recent passport-sized colour photograph. Upon submission of the eForm 16 through SOLAR, you are required to print a copy of the eForm for submission to the Student’s Pass Unit, ICA, to complete formalities for issuance.

Please note it is a must to submit the application at least one month, and not more than two months, before the start of your course. The processing time is about five to 10 working days. The application entails a S$30 processing fee and another S$60 issuance fee.

In addition, a further S$30 multiple-entry visa fee will be charged for nationals who require an entry visa.

Don’t forget too that July and August are always a peak period, so applications may take longer to process then.

source: www.ica.gov.sg

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Study Tips

Fun and variety

簽證......

Singapore is a country with a vibrant mix of cultures Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Peranakan and, therefore, plenty of variety – and fun. There are all the festivals, celebrations and gala events from Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat holiday to Hari Raya Aidilfitri which marks the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan. The Pongal festival showcases traditional Indian art and rituals and participating in any or all of these events – and many others - will make your stay in Singapore memorable and provide opportunities to know and respect people from different backgrounds and religions.

Food forms a big part of many cultures and in Singapore you can enjoy all kinds of authentic and exotic choices from Laksa and Hainanese chicken rice to char kway teow, wantan mee, Sambal stingray, nasi lemak and satay to name but a few.

Concession pass

Singapore also offers many chances to encounter wildlife and nature. You can head to places such as Singapore Zoo, the Jurong Bird Park, Underwater World, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Bukit Batok Nature Park to learn more about the world around us. And as a complete contrast, you can’t afford to miss out on the annual night-time grand prix and all the spectacle of Formula One cars racing past city landmarks.

Clichéd as it may seem, any stay in Singapore – whether for a few days or a few years - should take in at some point hot spots such as Universal Studios, the Singapore Flyer, Songs of the Sea and Tiger Sky Tower on Sentosa Island, and the Merlion.

You are eligible to apply for a tertiary student concession card, if you are a full-time undergraduate or diploma student from a government or government-aided tertiary institution. Assuming you are not sponsored by or receiving an allowance from any organisation, you can then enjoy concession fares on buses and the local rail networks. It is possible to purchase a monthly concession pass at any TransitLink ticket office or “add value” machine to obtain other travel concessions.

Concession Pass

Benefit

Price

Bus Concession Pass (BCP)

Unlimited travel on standard-fare buses

S$52

Train Concession Pass (TCP)

Make up to 4 train trips per day

S$45

Hybrid Concession Pass (HCP)

Combination of BCP and TCP

S$97

Source: TransitLink

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