Requirement and Rationale for Government Approval for Hires of Individual Staff by Autonomous Universities

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Education (a) whether Government approval is needed for hires of individual staff by the autonomous universities; (b) if so, what is the rationale for this requirement; and (c) to which categories of potential hires does it apply.

The Autonomous Universities (AUs) have autonomy in human resource matters and make their own hiring decisions. As part of the AUs' due diligence in hiring, candidates are subject to pre-employment checks, such as character reference checks and checks with past employers, whether in the private or public sectors.

For the appointment of senior leaders such as the President and Provost, the AUs' Board of Trustees have to consult the Ministry of Education.