Announcing this on Monday night, President SR Nathan said in his opening address to the new session of Parliament that it will partner foreign universities in offering the degree courses.

Together with the fourth university, the two new institutions will enable 30 per cent of Singapore students to be admitted to state-supported universities.

The new university will be set up in close partnership, with one leading university each from the United States and China.

'These two institutions will open up more opportunities for students to upgrade themselves,' said President Nathan, on the need to upgrade education to meet growing aspirations of Singaporeans and train skilled professional and creative manpower.

'Whether it is to promote economic growth, narrow the income gap or bond the next generation, education is key. Education is our best investment in Singapore's future,' he stressed.

Singapore schools will continue to do better by building more peaks of excellence, and establishing new pathways and programmes to cater to students with different aptitudes, interests and learning styles, added Mr Nathan.

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