Debated in Parliament on 12 Nov 2012.
Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the source of funds for the $700 million that the Nanyang Technological University is spending to transform its campus to create a "mini city"; (b) how will the $700 million be spent; (c) how will this expenditure produce higher quality graduates; and (d) whether this expenditure will result in an increase in university fees for the students.
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The $700 million will come from both Government funding and NTU's own funds. This will cover the construction of new learning facilities and residential halls to cater to NTU's increasing enrolment over the years.
The new learning facilities will encourage students from diverse backgrounds to interact with and collaborate with each other. The new residential halls will provide more students with the opportunity to participate in residential learning programmes. This is part of NTU's continual efforts to improve the learning environment for its students in order to better equip them for work in a globalised economy.
The Universities review tuition fees each year in consultation with MOE. Any fee increase is considered carefully, taking into consideration the cost of delivering quality university education and prevailing economic conditions. With regard to infrastructure development, the Government provides a significant subsidy, with the remaining cost spread across the enrolment at universities and amortised over the economic lifespan of facilities. We do not expect this new project to have a significant impact on fees.
The Government remains committed to ensuring the affordability of post-Secondary education and reviews the expenditure of the Universities annually. We will also continue to provide financial assistance for students from low-income families.
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