孩子的教育不能等….新加坡之大學教育篇～～～

新加坡的學校有非常多的雙聯學程，對於當地的學生來說選擇不少。

大半都是政府和校方一方面掌握資源與對方合作，一方面這樣的合作吸引對方的學生可以來亞洲核心作深入體驗和親臨亞洲崛起的現場。

就以我的部落格之前介紹過的新加坡與麻省理工合作的New University（我在麻省理工學院的友人告訴我們一個鮮為人知的事實。就在這同樣面臨不景氣的年代中，新加坡政府以五億美金做為預算，請卡內基美隆大學和麻省理工學院各自提出計畫來競標，要在新加坡成立一個新的，足以排名全球百大的大學，名為新加坡新大學（New University）。

平常若是在景氣良好的時候，這兩所世界頂尖大學根本不會對這樣的提案動心。

（新加坡本來就跟MIT有過不少合作，像是這個是和MIT合作的遊戲實驗室，因為新加坡政府認定遊戲市場將是未來很重要的一個文創產業領域。https://gambit.mit.edu/ 他的縮寫還剛好就是XMENA裡面金牌手的稱呼呢～～～科科。）

但就是因為金融危機，各校的校務基金大幅縮水，各校急需額外的開源機會的時候，新加坡政府反而看到了景氣之後的下一個挑戰：教育。

於是，新加坡用更少的經費，買到了平常買也買不到的絕佳良機。這所學校將和全世界最頂尖的麻省理工學院合作，引進他們的教師、課程、規劃，預計在2011年開始招生，準備教育四千名的大學生，而新加坡所花的經費，大約是台灣優質人力就業計畫的一半左右，將近一百五十億新台幣。)

其後該校正名為Singapore University of Technology and Design，麻省理工校長Susan Hockfield也在今年一月正式簽署了合作協定。
https://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2010/sutd-mit.html

但即使是頂尖高校來說，他們並不會以與麻省理工學院的合作感到自滿，這世界上還有更多的學校會是他們的目標。今年九月，耶魯大學的校長和教育長就寫了一封信給校內的教師和行政人員，希望集思廣益，討論和新加坡國立大學一同建立一個亞洲首屈一指的通識學院（Liberal Arts School星島日報翻作通識學院～～～）的可能性，因為雙方已經簽訂了合作意向書，正繼續往研究可能性的方向走，而以新加坡的行動力來看，和耶魯大學的合作恐怕已經不遠了。

https://opac.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=7732

除此之外，新加坡政府和知名學校的合作計畫還有許多。像是康乃爾、管理學領域的INSEAD、史丹佛、芝加哥的BOOTH管理學院、喬治亞理工、早稻田大學和杜克大學等等。

對於在地的學生而言，這樣的做法讓他們可以不用離鄉背井就可以取得國際知名學校的學位，也讓更多的國際學生可以被吸引而投入到當地的就業市場中。（也就是說當初辦這類的合作計畫多半是因為想要替本地學生增加選擇機會，但沒想到卻因為亞洲崛起而讓更多外國學生有意願參與這樣的交換機會，進一步瞭解亞洲市場和新加坡的就業狀況。）

那我們呢？

我們的學校和更進一步或是國際化的可能性呢？還是大家只是在國內彼此挖角，把那些會寫PAPER的教授從這個學校挖到那個學校，然後排名進步就很高興了嗎？

雙聯學制的執行需要極長的耐心和極為強大的溝通和協商的能力，在台灣目前的制度下，這樣的雙聯學制不管立意和結果有多好，似乎都難以被執行。

讓我摘錄一下維基百科上關於台灣雙聯學制的內容吧:

https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh/%E9%9B%99%E8%81%AF%E5%AD%B8%E5%88%B6

雙聯學制合作模式

雙聯學制目前分別有1+2+1學士、2+2學士、1+1碩士和3+2學碩士及博士雙聯等模式，所合作對象的國外學校必須是外國政府機關認可，且其學位經中華民國政府承認之大學院校。由於雙聯學制涉及學位的授予，與一般交換學生僅止於學分的授予大不相同，因此對於所合作學校的學生程度必須得要有極高信賴度，而這也造成國內學校與國外學校簽定雙聯學制的困難度，通常能夠成功簽定跨國雙聯學制的大學院校都是已經擁有長久而密切的姊妹校關係。

台灣簽定有雙聯學制學校

目前台灣僅有少數大學院校成功與國外大學簽定雙聯學制協定，但其中只有少部份學校能夠簽訂全校性合作協定，大部份僅為系所間之協定，以下為台灣簽訂有跨國雙聯學制學校名單：
全校性雙聯學制
國立臺灣大學－法國巴黎大學（博士雙聯）、美國馬里蘭大學（2+2學士）、美國加州柏克萊大學（2+2學士）
清雲科技大學－美國科羅拉多大學（3+2學碩士）、越南河內經營管理大學（3+2學碩士、1+1碩士、2+2學士）
國立清華大學－瑞典林雪平（Linköping）大學（3+2學碩士）
國立交通大學－美國紐約大學理工學院（2+2學士）、瑞典查爾默科技大學（2+2學士）
國立中央大學－美國紐約大學理工學院（1+2+1學士）[1][2] (全國第一所選送學士班學生的學校，詳細資料可參照所提供之註解或學校)
國立臺灣海洋大學－法國里爾大學（博士雙聯僅有生科領域）、韓國濟州大學
國立臺灣科技大學－美國Temple大學
南榮技術學院－美國加州理工大學(1+2+1學士)、美國西北理工大學(1+2+1學士)，雙聯(學位)學制(需要申請徵選)

系所雙聯學制
國立交通大學
科技法律研究所－美國芝加哥馬歇爾法學院（John Marshall Law School）（1+1碩士）
科技創業管理學程暨ＭＢＡ雙學位－美國西雅圖華盛頓大學（1+1碩士）
生物科技管理學程－美國西雅圖華盛頓大學（1+1碩士）
電機學院不分系菁英班－美國加州柏克萊大學（2+2學士）

國立中山大學
亞太營運管理EMBA聯合學程－香港中文大學管理學院（1+1碩士）

元智大學
IEMBA 跨國菁英碩士在職專班－荷蘭NIMBAS管理學院（1+1碩士）
工管所碩士雙學位學程－美國喬治華盛頓大學（2+2學士）
管理學院-美國明尼蘇達大學人力資源發展碩士（1+1碩士）
管理學院-美國德州農工大學人力資源發展碩士（1+1碩士）
長庚大學
亞太營運管理EMBA聯合學程－香港中文大學管理學院（1+1碩士）

不過中間我還趁機去拜訪了一下當地的幼稚園，陪小朋友畫了南瓜的圖，小朋友們都覺得我肚子那麼大相當奇妙。（默）所以我還花時間解說了一下為什麼肚子這麼大的問題。

而且最有趣的是小朋友不管是哪一個國家或是血統，都有教中文，所以會出現那種很像拼音的中文名字，真是有趣啊。而且大家都說中文，老師也是台灣來的，所以小朋友還告訴我們他們學到台灣最好吃的東西是臭豆腐和蚵仔麵線！哈哈，希望他們有一天有機會可以來台灣親自看看。

另外，我在新加坡的最後一天晚上，還特別請了幾位當地的台灣學生（他們在當地讀研究所）過來一起吃胡椒蟹，他們也談到各自在新加坡求學的特殊之處。但當他們談到畢業之後想要盡力爭取的薪水是每月新幣四千到五千元的時候，而同桌的學長則是建議他四千伍百新幣大概算是比較合理的月薪，有機會爭取不要太客氣。這個時候我大概在心中算了一下，以一比二十的兌換率來算，（更別提新幣現在的匯率是一比二十三了。）他們在討論的是新台幣八到十萬的工作啊……

下面是那三位同學的說明資料，不過用的是英文，我就懶得翻譯了。（請注意，底下附上了正妹的FB帳號，請仔細觀看不要錯過。補充←正妹說太多人加她了～～～所以我把帳號拿掉了哈哈哈～～～）

Craig Chen
a. Your individual profiles
Craig Chen, PR and Eventing Company, MBA National University of Singapore.

b. Why you have all chosen to study in Singapore
Singapore Schools offers reasonable tuition fee with equivalent opportunities, even more, compared to US B-school. The super diversified environment and colleague create a competitive platform to brainstorm with different people. Moreover, the perspective from emerging market also add value for me, someone who would like to work for greater China area. In conclusion, the cost performance (CP ratio) is really high for studying in Singapore.

c. How you feel about studying and living in Singapore
In terms of education quality, the curriculum here is generally intensive. Students with clear goals here would create a competitive learning environment, which is helpful for learning professional skills. However, the intensive schedule of program results in lack of social activities, which may result in weak personal and emotional attachment between peers. The interpersonal relationship tends to be cold. Regarding living, Singapore is a well-organized city and actually the living cost here is not as high as their GDP, except accommodation fee. To summarize, Singapore is definitely a good place for studying and working, and if you love city life, Singapore is no doubt a good choice.

d. A photo of each of you, if possible.

(I am ok to share with my FB account).

Erica Chang
a. Your individual profiles
Erica Chang. 3 years at FMCG Industry, Taiwan.
MBA. Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada.
Exchange MBA for one semester, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

b. Why you have all chosen to study in Singapore
To be honest, many people are curious about why I study in Canada and came all the way back to Singapore for one exchange semester. The brightening prospect of Asia market is the most important reason that I chose NUS as my first priority. As I realize I got no competitive advantage against domestic student in Canada regardless of language or culture issues, I decided to focus on the Asia market after I graduate. As Singapore stands to be Asia’s business hub and the bridge between eastern and western culture, I think it would be great for my future job hunting if I can take this opportunity to study in Singapore, meeting different people and having some networking here.
c. How you feel about studying and living in Singapore
Singapore is a country full of energy and surprise. Government with strong executive force makes the country in good order all the time. Life here is pretty easy and comfortable; the mass transportation is quite convenient and eating is also cheap. However, the accommodation/ rent fee is super high (I think is comparable to that of HK). But I have to say that it is very cheap to fly from Singapore to other Asian countries coz they got many budget airlines here. Night life here is also terrific and fun! However, compared to Taiwan, living in Singapore is more like enjoy a “city life”. Except for bar/clubbing and shopping, there is no night market, no hot spring bath or other entertainments after work/school. You may feel boring after few months if you love to do some outdoor activities in the vacation.

Although Asian students are still the majority in NUS, you will find there are more and more western people choose to NUS to do their MBA; and some of them even start their first Chinese language course here.

d. A photo of each of you, if possible.

(I am ok to share with my FB account).

YiLi Cheng (Z)
a. Your individual profiles
YiLi Cheng, 31yrs, Engineering @ MediaTek, TW.
NUS-PKU Double Degree program
b. Why you have all chosen to study in Singapore
The best Asian school among all partner schools of PKU dual degree programs.
c. How you feel about studying and living in Singapore
High pressure, competitive environment. More distance between people.

底下要補充的是剛跟新加坡拿到的鼓勵創業者的政府規劃，新加坡對於創業而言的鼓勵可說是從青年創業的草創期一路到中間的擴展或是更大規模的研發都有完整的規劃和申請的管道。

各位有空可以自己看完，但我覺得特別有趣的是Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups (YES! Start-ups)這一項，申請者必需符合的資格是二十六歲以下的新加坡人（或是拿到永久居住權的居民），第一次創業，是公司的關鍵執行者；然後只要通過評選，新加坡政府就會針對你每募集到的一元新幣補助四元新幣，而整體上限是五萬新幣。（約一百萬新台幣）這個的目的是鼓勵年輕人第一次創業和成立自己的新公司，聽起來是個相當不錯的作法，不知道台灣能不能夠參考這個部分研擬類似的政策呢？

Lucifer

呼，新加坡採訪系列到此告一段落啦，感謝相關單位的協助～～～

Singapore Government schemes for start-ups and SMEs

Singapore is a very pro-business environment with a number of initiatives that make investing and working in Singapore a breeze. There are several government investment agencies that entrepreneurs can approach, such as the Economic Development Board and SPRING Singapore.

In particular, SPRING works with partners to seed and nurture innovative start-ups and to build a pro-enterprise environment. It provides a range of resources to assist companies in their start-up journeys, with a long-term vision to foster more start-ups into globally competitive brands.

These are the available financing schemes for start-ups in Singapore:

1. Business Angel Funds
In encouraging experienced angel investing, SPRING SEEDS Capital works closely with three pre-approved private business angel funds to co-invest and nurture growth-oriented, innovative start-ups. Similar to the Startup Enterprise Development Scheme (“SEEDS”), this is an equity-based co-financing option for Singapore-based early-stage companies.

If the start-up is able to obtain investment interest and commitment from any of the three business angel funds, SPRING SEEDS Capital could potentially match the intended amount (dollar-for-dollar) of up to a maximum of S$1.5 million. Both SPRING SEEDS Capital and the business angel group will take equity stakes in the company in proportion to their investments.

Criteria
The start-up may approach any of the business angel funds directly for their investment consideration, if your company meets the following :
• must be Singapore-based with core activities carried out in Singapore
• must be incorporated as a Private Limited company, and for less than 5 years
• has paid-up capital of at least S$50,000
• is able to evidence substantial innovative and intellectual content for its products and/or services and/or applications
• has high growth potential with clear scalability for the global market

2. SPRING SEEDS Capital
SPRING SEEDS Capital Pte Ltd (SPRING SEEDS Capital), a wholly owned subsidiary of SPRING Singapore, manages the SEEDS investment fund.

The SPRING Start-up Enterprise Development Scheme (SPRING SEEDS) is an equity-based co-financing option for Singapore-based start-ups creating innovative products and/or processes, possessing intellectual content and strong growth potential across international markets.

SPRING SEEDS Capital co-invests into commercially viable local start-ups, with differentiated value proposition and matches dollar-for-dollar to third-party investor(s), up to $1million, upon investment approval.
To date, SPRING SEEDS Capital has invested in various growth sectors such as science and technology, information communications technology and business services space.

Criteria
For applicant
To be eligible for investment consideration, interested start-ups must :
1. be a Singapore-based company with core activities carried out in Singapore
2. be incorporated as a Private Limited company and for less than 5 years
3. have paid-up capital of at least S$50,000, but not more than S$1 million
4. be able to evidence its substantial innovative and intellectual content for its products and/or services and/or applications
5. have high growth potential with clear scalability for the international market
6. have identified a ready, independent third-party investor(s) who is prepared to conduct due diligence on the company, invest at least S$75,000 into the business and demonstrates the ability to value-add and contribute to its growth

For investor(s)
1. The corporate or individual investor(s) must not have prior interest in the company at the point of application.
2. The corporate investor(s) must be legal entities with a minimum paid-up capital of $500,000.
3. Individual investor(s) should :
a. possess management experience, relevant business contacts and/or necessary technical expertise that can add value to the start-up
b. not be related to the founder(s) of the start-up
c. maintain arm’s length transactions with the founder(s) and start-up
d. have at least one third-party investor or his nominee take a Board of Directors seat in the start-up, should the investment be supported by SPRING SEEDS Capital

3. Technology Enterprise Commercialisation Scheme (TECS)
SPRING is committed to the growth and development of innovative and competitive enterprises. As part of our efforts to develop a new breed of technologically innovative global enterprises, the Technology Enterprise Commercialisation Scheme (TECS) aims to catalyse the formation and growth of such start-ups based on strong technology Intellectual Property and a scalable business model.

We recognise the risks involved in the R&D of entirely new, innovative and potentially market-changing technology IP. Hence, through the TECS, SPRING provides early-stage funding to successful applicants to fund such R&D efforts towards the commercialisation of proprietary technology ideas.

The TECS is a competitive grant in which proposals are ranked based on the evaluation of both technical and commercial merits by a team of reviewers, and the best are funded. Submissions can be made through this TECS portal anytime, throughout the year. Proposals are reviewed every two months or earlier.

Criteria
Your Idea Or Project Must :
1. Clearly demonstrate how science/technology is applied
2. Be of a breakthrough level of innovation (i.e. Distinctly different or absolutely new technology which either (1) has the potential to disrupt an existing market; or (2) to replace, or even create, a new market/purpose/niche.)
3. Riskier and further away from the market
4. Lead to or build on proprietary know-how/IP
5. Be commercially viable

Applicants Can Be :
Start-up Companies Registered for less than 5 years at time of award
1. At least 30% local shareholding
2. Company’s group FAI below $15 million
3. Maximum 200 employees (for service sector)
4. Incorporated & physically present in Singapore
5. At least one in-house research scientist or engineer (RSE)

OR
Research Scientists and Engineers (POC Projects Only)
1. Currently working in a public sector research organisation
2. Willing to demonstrate entrepreneurial commitment to the commercialisation of any IP that arises from successful completion of the project

4. Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups (YES! Start-ups)
This scheme provides funding support of up to S$50,000 for youths to set up their innovative startup.

Financial Assistance
SPRING matches S$4 for every S$1 that you raise through self-funding, schools or third-party sources, the grant is capped at S$50,000. For example, if you apply for a S$40,000 grant, you must match this with a S$10,000 investment.

The grant can be used for business development expenses such as :
• Manpower and operating expenses
• Purchase of equipment, software, materials and consumables
• Acquisition of intellectual property (IP) right
• Professional services
• Marketing/promotion activities

Criteria
Applicant :
• Singaporean/PR, below 26 years old. Parental consent must be sought for those applicants 18 years old and below on the date of application
• 1st time entrepreneur
• key driver in the company

Startups :
• existing business/company is incorporated for less than 6 months
• company’s main business activities are based in Singapore
• applicant must hold at least 50% equity
• engage in high growth activities with substantial developmental contents
• company has not received funding from the iJam Microfunding scheme

5. Employment Pass for Entrepreneurs (EntrePass)
The EntrePass is for non-Singaporean entrepreneurs who are ready to start and operate a business in Singapore.

Criteria
All applicants must fulfil these requirements :
• Company must be registered as a Private Limited Company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority – Singapore’s national regulator of businesses and public accountants.
• Applicant to hold at least 30% of shares in the company.
• Company to have at least $50,000 paid-up-capital. A bank statement, from the Singapore-based company bank account, of at least $50,000 is required for verification.
• Company must not be registered for more than six months at the point of application.
• The business must not be illegal.
• Examples of businesses that will not be considered for the EntrePass include :
o Coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts
o Bars, night clubs, karaoke lounges
o Foot reflexology, massage parlours
o Acupuncture, traditional chinese medicine, herbal dispensing
o Employment agencies, geomancy

6. Long-Term Visit Pass for Entrepreneurs (LTVP)
This pass is for entrepreneurs who require a longer term stay in Singapore to explore business opportunities, conduct feasibility studies or business negotiations for starting a business in Singapore. The pass allows the entrepreneur to leave and re-enter Singapore within the validity period without having to re-apply each time.

Eligibility criteria:
1. Applicant must provide evidence of project-plan for an emerging business in Singapore and/or presence of a Singapore joint-venture partner; OR
2. Applicant is representing a parent company with established track record and has a presence in global/regional markets or is looking for a presence in the global/regional markets.

Validity period:
1. The Long-term Visit Pass for Entrepreneurs is valid for a maximum of six months (please note that a shorter period may be granted).
2. Applicant may leave and re-enter Singapore within the validity period of the Pass.