Scholarship in Singapore: Designing a Model Education System

Earlier this year, a math problem from a Singaporean school exam given to a high school student went viral. Attached to the popular hashtag #cherylsbirthday, the question asked students to use their logic skills to determine when fictional character Cheryl’s birthday must be, given a set of invented circumstances and 10 possible dates to choose from. The challenging logic question, one most university-educated adults struggled to understand, let alone answer, pointed to Singaporean students’ strong math performance and problem-solving skills.

Singaporean students consistently place at the top international rankings of math proficiency. Many educators attribute their success to an emphasis on logic-based problem solving and a conceptual understanding of the material, as opposed to rote memorization and regurgitating information for a test. Schools around the world have adopted the Singaporean method and seen improved results.

In a city-state known primarily for its financial industry and strict laws governing public behavior, a new interest in supporting the arts has emerged. Seeing economic opportunity in a booming art market, the Singaporean government is invested heavily in arts education and cultural centers. The new Art Singapore Fair, established in 2011, brings in over 120 galleries, art collectors, and investors from around the globe once a year.

Singapore’s new art schools emphasize a connection between the art and design world with other disciplines. Kelly Tang, Dean of the School of the Arts and an award-winning composer, told the New York Times: “When students look at the concept of space in art, there’s a link to the concept of density or height in physics. Through things like proportion ratios and how that works in music and dance, students are able to use art as a portal to learn.” This educator’s appreciation for the connection between art and science — between physics and artistic craft — is sure to produce some great future architects.

The schools themselves are a reflection of Singapore’s willingness to support learning, experimentation, and new ways of thinking. Take a look at the following selection of Singaporean educational institutions:

Singapore University of Technology and Designby DP Architects, Singapore

Established in collaboration with MIT, this publicly funded university focuses on architecture, sustainable design, and engineering. The building’s sharp, modern design draws students to its new facilities and has plenty of communal spaces to encourage collaboration between students and faculty.

La Salle College of the Artsby RSP Architects Planners Engineers, Singapore

La Salle College is made up of six buildings, connected by alleyways, courtyards, and sky bridges. Each department design is defined by a wavy, organic aesthetic inspired by geology. The contrasting glass and aluminum walls add the rocky effect, and focus our attention inward to the central plaza.

Learning Hub, Nanyang Technological Universityby Heatherwick Studio, Singapore

Built earlier this year, this multi-disciplinary university is built for over 33,000 students. Unlike traditional designs for education institutions made up of numerous corridors linking classrooms, this design is based around common spaces where students from different departments can meet one another and exchange ideas: in a courtyard, on the terraces, or in the rooftop garden.

ITE College Centralby RSP Architects Planners Engineers, Singapore

Split into various departments, this educational facility is built to accommodate over 10,000 students at a time. The complex includes a swimming pool, sports facilities, and even a hangar for planes.

Library Cafe, Singapore Polytechnicby Lekker Architects, Singapore

This new library café offers the students of Singapore Polytechnic an appealing place to study and learn. This well-lit, modern space stands out against the concrete, brutalist architecture of the surrounding departments.

Lee Kong Chian School of Medicineby LOOK architects, Singapore

The new medical school annex fits perfectly into the C-shaped medical building. The glazed façade starkly contrasts the original building from the 1920s, which once functioned as a nursing station during the Second World War. The façade’s materials also protect patients and students from the torrential rains and extreme heat Singaporeans often face.

Stephen Riady Centreby DP Architects, Singapore

As an entry point to Singapore’s University Town, the Stephen Riady Centre houses almost every resource imaginable: a pool, sports fields, a restaurant, classrooms, administrative offices, music and dance rehearsal spaces — even a rock climbing wall. A gathering space for students and faculty of all disciplines to interact, this building embodies the university community.