ONCE it was possibly the greatest centre of learning in the world, but these days, Cambridge University faces far more competition.

Top American universities have caught up, and institutions in China and India are on the rise as well.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave his take last night on his alma mater's changing status in the world as he reflected on the British university's long history.

Speaking at Cambridge University's 800th anniversary gala dinner, he said its long-held and privileged status as one of the world's few top academic institutions is no more.

'Cambridge remains a great university, but it now shares top placing not with one or two others, but perhaps half a dozen, mainly in North America,' he said.

He added: 'The best United States universities - Harvard, Stanford, Yale, MIT - have become outstanding centres of teaching and research. Top Ivy League universities are at least on a par with Cambridge.'

jeremyau@sph.com.sg

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.