SIT to move to main campus in Dover by 2014

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) will move into its main campus by 2014.

It will occupy the current Institute of Technical Education’s headquarters in Dover.

When it becomes autonomous, Singapore’s fifth university will offer its own degrees and even dual degrees with its overseas partners.

SIT currently offers degrees from partnering foreign universities. Once it goes autonomous in about two years, this will not change.

The university’s president designate, Professor Tan Thiam Soon, said: "The possibility of a joint degree, dual degree comes in. We are also looking at the possibility of students taking modules across different partners."

SIT will also offer a unique ’Cooperative Education’ programme, which will see an integration of study and paid work attachments.

This will be done over and above SIT’s undergraduate programme which could be extended by up to a year, from the current two years.

SIT’s student intake is expected to go up to 3,000 a year by 2020.

Professor Tan added that the university will primarily target polytechnic students.

SIT is already in talks for possible tie—ups with some public sector agencies and industries in the marine, aerospace and early childhoood education sectors.

Professor Tan said: "(Employers) are taking in so many (polytechnic) graduates each year. Do (they) face a problem with higher (skilled) manpower? Can we work together? Why don’t we work out a work—study programme?"

A—level students will not be left out. Professor Tan said courses will be opened to them but such students may to have to undergo some foundational first—year courses.

Even though its graduates are trained to be work—ready, Professor Tan said an education at SIT is just a phase, in a life—long journey of learning.

"If right at the beginning, through the kind of education you’ve received, learning on the job, the habit of viewing education as a lifelong journey becomes a DNA in you, then I think we’ve provided a real differentiated pathway for the kids," he said.

SIT is adopting a novel model, by having five satellite campuses in each of Singapore’s polytechnics.

The facilities on each campus will depend on the courses being offered and will complement the main campus when ready.

— CNA/cc