Synopsis

Globalisation is irreversible, pervasive and unstoppable. At the economic level, it affects employment and inevitably impinges upon the primary and traditional goals of education. In a knowledge-based economy, human capital and the generation and application of new knowledge are key drivers. To develop human capital fully, it has become imperative for all educational institutions to expose their students to a more diversified cultural and social environment through efforts in internationalising education. Traditionally, universities have a two-pronged approach to internationalisation: boosting the international student population and sending more students abroad. NUS has embarked on providing globalised education for many years, and has been innovative in many respects. The term “globalised education” here refers to an educational framework which incorporates an “enveloping, subterranean” global learning component. In this talk, we will share our NUS experience and emphasise the salient features of focus – the new global curriculum, enriched student experience and enhanced faculty engagement.

About the Speaker

Professor Tan Eng Chye is Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost at the National University of Singapore (NUS). As Deputy President and Provost, he oversees and drives special strategic initiatives of critical importance for NUS. His responsibilities include proposing the budget and resource allocation plan for the academic cluster; overseeing NUS Deans and their Faculties/Schools; providing strategic directions and setting academic policies. He also supervises the development and implementation of new educational programmes and initiatives, and is responsible for educational quality assurance, overseeing admission policies and processes to ensure quality enrolments. Professor Tan is responsible for the appointment, promotion and tenure process, as well as the reward and incentive systems for academic staff.

In 1996, Professor Tan initiated the Special Programme - the precursor of NUS’ Talent Development Programme - which was restructured as the current University Scholars Programme. Professor Tan is a passionate teacher and has won several teaching awards at the University and Faculty level. These include:

• the Innovative Teaching Award 1998 (awarded by the Faculty of Science);
• the Teaching Excellence Award for Innovative Teaching 1998 (awarded by the University);
• the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2004/2005; and
• the University Teaching Excellence Award 2004/2005.