I was elated to read that SIM University (UniSIM) is on track to become Singapore's next autonomous university ("UniSIM set to be sixth autonomous university"; Oct 13).

I have been a contract teacher in private schools and have seen UniSIM provide a smooth continuation for private students who may not qualify for the other autonomous universities here.

The popularity of private university courses here shows that Singaporeans want to get a degree.

Diploma to degree pathways are available to students at polytechnics, and I hope more such paths to a degree will be available at polytechnics, especially degrees at local universities.

Colin Ong Tau Shien