State of Higher Learning in Asia

This is a very general article from the Times that mentions rankings and DL.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/31/world/asia/educators-survey-state-of-higher-learning-in-asia.html?ref=education

 

I live in Singapore and I can tell you, higher learning here is very 'tunnel minded'
The country's higher education system is split into 2 fractions.

1. Public University(s) which are government funded. There's 5 of them in the whole country. Competition to enter these 5 local Unis are intensively competitive. There's only 2 medical schools in the country. Same for law. Entry (to be considered for interview) into these programs are normally 4 As at GCE A levels.

2. Private courses providers who sign agreements with foreign Universities to offer their degree programs in Singapore. (Locals call them private degrees). Some of the private degree's offered here are from UoL, Warwick, U of Sunderland, there's many more, but in short - the universities are reputable and accredited from their own government. Graduates from their programs are given the same degree as on campus students. (Entry into private degree programs are less strict compared to public universities)

For employment in Civil Service - The government highly favors public universities. Private degrees don't get a look in. Civil service are the highest employers in the country, as such, people who take on 'private degrees' have a difficult time finding employment when they graduate.

No University in Singapore offers Online classes/courses.
No University in Singapore has adult education programs. (If you are 40 and decide you want to get a degree, you have to go through the private route)
Taking a gap year in-between anything in this country and people have the impression you are incapable and you're slacking off.

But here's the catch - If you studied overseas at a reputable University, you'll be treated like a king when you come back. The impression in this country is, foreign degrees done at their home countries are 'better'.

So a ridicules example would be - Graduate A from UoL, studied in UK. Graduate B from Local U, Graduate C from UoL done in Singapore. (assuming all grades/majors are the same)

All applies for a civil service job. Graduate A will get it hands down. :smokin:

I've seen countless of my friends have this happen to them. Now most of them pack up and move to Australia, since the government there needs more foreigners in certain fields.

P.S I'm not against the government, but I really am, just not in this post. I'm just listing down what I have observed during my time here.