Singapore govt to partner with AP schools

HYDERABAD: Government of Singapore is considering an idea of partnering with some schools in the public and private sectors in Andhra Pradesh in terms of exchange of syllabi, curriculum, etc., through tie-ups and exchange programmes and business partnerships.

Disclosing this at a get-together organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Monday, Minister for Education of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam said this partnership could take off well as the medium of instruction was English even in Singapore. The structure of education, however, did not resemble that of the British. More ingredients were adopted from Japan, North European countries and the US, he said.

Stating that Singapore had achieved an expertise in polytechnics and vocational training, Mr. Shanmugaratnam said that the Government of Singapore was keen on partnering with such institutions in India to make youths employable with high quality technical skills.

He showcased Singapore as a hub between the East and the West and said that Singapore law could be adopted as a neutral law for arbitration. While partners of global companies were traditionally approaching law firms in the US and the UK for arbitration, Singapore recognised the need for Asian law to become globally acceptable, he observed.

Students from across India were seeking admission in SPJ School of Business in Singapore, located on Hyderabad Road in the city, and were recreating the deep link of historical relations between the nations, he said. The road was named after Hyderabad, as the Nizam had property there long ago.

Chairman of Satyam Computer Services and NASSCOM B. Ramalinga Raju said collaboration of strengths and opportunities by India and Singapore would enhance the synergy levels.