NUS launches new school to promote lifelong learning opportunities

Students at the self-study area at National University of Singapore. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - Singapore's education system is increasingly expanding the pathways in its Institutes of Higher Learning for people to develop mastery in diverse areas of interest, said Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung on Friday (June 17).

All five autonomous universities will be setting up centres dedicated to lifelong learning, said Mr Ong, who was speaking at the launch of the new School for Continuing and Lifelong Education at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

NUS is the first of the five universities to establish a new school to strengthen lifelong learning.

"Many individuals are looking beyond the traditional areas of focus to explore new pathways, and we must provide more skills-based learning opportunities to make Singaporeans future-ready," said Mr Ong.

At the event he viewed a flipped classroom demonstration and spoke to adult learners about their industry-related projects at the university.

He said: "Just as learning does not stop after school, the universities' role in education does not stop after graduation."

The new NUS school, a $12 million educational venture by the university, aims to to promote lifelong learning opportunities by providing working adults with pathways to acquire new skills and qualifications. It will also work closely with government agencies, industries and firms to design professional courses.

NUS president Tan Chorh Chuan said: "This is an important new direction for NUS which will also actively support the national SkillsFuture movement."

Prof Tan added that the school will also help local firms and industries stay competitive with industry-relevant development and support national manpower needs.

The school will offer undergraduate certificate and graduate diploma courses, bachelor's and master's degree programmes as well as short courses and executive programmes.

The curricula will be delivered through blended teaching and pedagogy that taps on technology. Part of the course content and instruction will be delivered online, with face-to-face discussions to reinforce students' learning.

Admission into the school will consider work experience and prior learning, and will not be based solely on academic background.

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