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Nurturing Creative and Entrepreneurial Leaders
Academic and Classroom Learning
In conjunction with the efforts to transform NTU into a research-intensive University is our continuous endeavour to improve the quality of education. Our graduates are highly sought after by the industry, as affirmed by the Graduate Employment Survey 2006. The Class of 2006 was hired faster and paid more than their predecessors. About 90% took up permanent employment within four months of graduation, commanding an average monthly salary of $2,700. Many graduates received one or more job offers even before graduation.

The University provides graduates with excellent networking opportunities in the industry. The employability of our graduates is as much a reflection of the buoyant economy as it is a testimony of the quality of our programmes. Our educational programmes take into account the diverse interests of students and industry. Many new multi-disciplinary programmes were introduced to meet the demands of the global marketplace. For example, the double-degree programme in Business and Computing, and the double-major in Economics and Mathematics were launched in AY06.

This year saw the pioneer batch of students enrolling in our multi-disciplinary Bachelor of Engineering in Information and Media programme, which marries the expertise of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the School of Art, Design and Media, and the School of Computer Engineering. Top students keen to venture beyond what is normally required of a first degree, can take up the integrated fast-track Bachelor of Engineering/Master of Science programmes created in collaboration with Georgia Institute of Technology.

The C N Yang Scholars Programme continues to attract the cream of the crop. The programme provides top students with a deep foundation in science modelled on the core curriculum of the California Institute of Technology, the most demanding science and engineering undergraduate curriculum in the world. They can take degrees in many branches of science and engineering. Taking significant part in undergraduate research, they are groomed to go for PhD programmes to become leading scientists and engineers. Scholars will have the opportunity to interact with top brains in science including visiting Nobel Laureates.

An important attribute that a graduate must have in an open economy like Singapore is a global mindset. Currently covering five countries – the US, China, India, Switzerland and France – the Global Immersion Programme (GIP) will be offering another destination, Vietnam, in 2008. For shorter stints, the Global Summer Studies (GSS) was launched in August 2006. This scheme provides students with short-term overseas study opportunities during the May to August university vacation. Students can choose from a wide range of universities in America, Asia and Europe, and pursue courses ranging from engineering to science to humanities and social sciences. Integrating all the NTU global programmes is our annual fair, iGlobal–Take the Leap!. This fair showcases the GIP, International Student Exchange Programme (INSTEP), GSS, and Global Leadership Exposure. iGlobal 2007 drew 5,300 participants. Combining the best of research and global experience, students were given the flexibility to complete their Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA) projects with eminent scientists at overseas institutions.

Even as we enrich and enhance our educational programmes within the existing undergraduate framework, the University is undertaking a strategic review in the light of our Vision and Mission. I have established a Blue Ribbon Commission to thoroughly review our undergraduate education. Chaired by Prof Haresh Shah, Emeritus Professor, Stanford University, and NTU Board of Trustees Member, the Commission will conduct a bottom-up, no-holds-barred review of our undergraduate education philosophy, to develop guiding principles for the revamp of undergraduate curriculum and future programmes.

Equally important to the software aspects of education are state-of-the-art facilities to support quality teaching. The Art, Media and Design (ADM) Library was completed at the end of 2006 and opened to users in January 2007 with an initial collection of 1,000 audio-visual items. The design brief for the renovation and expansion of our Lee Wee Nam Library has been completed and the construction will be commencing soon. We are planning for a new library complex to house the Business, Communication, Chinese, and Humanities & Social Sciences collections and services. While the buildings for the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, and for the School of Art, Media and Design were completed in 2006, the one for the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences is currently under construction. The level of construction activity in the NTU campus mirrors the intense work that is being carried out on the teaching front.
 
 
Residential Education Experience
The University believes in creating a total educational experience for students. We develop a close-knit community of students and faculty on campus, in an environment and setting rich in academic, intellectual, cultural and social pursuits and activities. We are building more halls of residence to allow more students to stay on campus and strengthen the residential character of the University. Apart from in-campus accommodation, an off-campus accommodation system assists students in their housing needs. In addition, a campus centre is being planned with an exciting range of shops, amenities and facilities. It will be a place for students, faculty and staff to congregate, mingle and interact. The Board has set up a Campus Planning Committee to develop a master plan taking into account all the diverse requirements.

Students organise activities all year round, resulting in a strong sense of camaraderie and enduring bonds. A signature event was the Hall Olympiad, a large-scale series of fun-filled tournaments involving the sixteen halls of residence. It comprised the Inter-Hall Games and the Inter-Hall Recreation Games, and featured an Inter-Hall Dance Competition. The highlight of the event was an Inter-Hall Cheerleading cum Mascot Competition. The closing ceremony of the games was rounded off with a special-effects laser show. Apart from managing halls of residence, students are also given space to manage welfare services and many of them seize the initiative to organise nation-wide activities. Such experiences develop their leadership skills and civic-mindedness. Some of the noteworthy events include:
   
CAC Impresario 07, a Singapore talent search competition in music and dance organised by the Cultural Activities Club. The finals were held on 3 March 2007 at the Suntec City Rock Auditorium to a sell-out crowd of 1,400;
   
The Chinese Calligraphy Competition 2007, organised by the Chinese Society on 11 February 2007 in campus which attracted 300 participants from primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and the public.