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Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Where NUS and NTU outshine Oxbridge in global rankings
One in three students at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a foreigner. The attraction is clear: NUS ranks fourth globally—behind only the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon—in computer science and information systems in the 2025 QS World University Rankings By Subject. In electrical and electronic engineering, both NUS and NTU share the fourth spot with Harvard, trailing just MIT, Stanford, and the University of California, Berkeley, according to the same source. Either or both of the universities excel in other fields as well, including law, medicine, and architecture. With their strong showing in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, could NUS and NTU be seen as the Oxford and Cambridge of Asia? Sticklers may disagree, and not without reason. For one, NUS and NTU are located far closer together than the dreaming spires of Oxford are to Cambridge. More importantly, they cannot yet rival the rich Oxbridge tradition in the arts and humanities. Still, in many other fields, they are catching up—or have already overtaken—and that progress is clearly reflected in the rankings. NUS and NTU are ranked eighth and 12th respectively, just behind Oxford and Cambridge, which come in at fourth and sixth. The strong performance of Singapore's universities is no longer a novelty. This marks the third consecutive year NUS has held eighth place. NTU, which ranked 15th in 2025, has returned to 12th, a position it surpassed in 2018 and 2020 when it ranked 11th. Splitting the two Singapore institutions in this year's rankings is the University of Hong Kong at 11th. See also Singapore experts weigh in on the Covid-19 situation NUS is the only Asian university in the global top 10. The only other non-Anglo-American presence is ETH Zurich of Switzerland, in seventh. The broader Asia-Pacific region has a growing presence in the top 20: China's Peking University and Tsinghua University are ranked 14th and 17th, while Australia's University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales are 19th and 20th. NUS, NTU: Areas of excellence The Singapore universities are no longer known solely for their engineering prowess. NUS ranks 10th globally in law—making it the only non-Anglo-American university in the top 10 for legal studies. NTU stands at 82nd. In medicine, NUS ranks 18th—the highest for any Asian university—while NTU is 84th. NTU, however, shines in communication and media studies, coming in fourth behind the University of Amsterdam, Harvard, and the University of Texas at Austin. NUS ranks 14th in this field. While Oxford and Cambridge still reign supreme in the arts and humanities, NUS is gaining ground. It ranks second globally in art history, eighth in linguistics, ninth in architecture, 15th in English language and literature, and 17th in history. See also SATIRE: Pokemon GO releases sad news for its Singapore fans This academic success is underpinned by scale and diversity. With over 33,000 students, NUS has the second-largest student body among the top 10 universities—trailing only University College London, which has over 45,000 students. NTU has more than 25,000 students. International students and staff International students and staff contribute significantly to the success of both institutions. Foreigners make up 36% of the student body at NUS and 33% at NTU. The faculty is even more international, with 65% of staff at both universities coming from overseas. In comparison, Harvard has around 24,300 students, including 6,700 international students, and over 4,400 faculty and staff, only 27% of whom are international. Oxford has over 22,000 students, more than 9,000 of them from abroad, and 6,500 faculty and staff, with 44% from overseas. The international students and staff carry weight in the QS World University Rankings. QS applies the following weightage when ranking universities: Academic reputation: 30% Citations per faculty: 20% Employer reputation: 15% Employment outcomes: 5% Faculty-student ratio: 10% International faculty ratio: 5% International research network: 5% International student ratio: 5% International student diversity: 0% See also SP overcharges bill, claims they 'overestimated' $1500 There's an old story about Benjamin Jowett, the 19th-century Master of Balliol College, Oxford, who once declared, 'I am the Master of this College; what I don't know isn't knowledge.' Today, such a claim would be inconceivable. From NUS to NTU, Oxford to Harvard, the global groves of academe are constantly striving for the next breakthrough, the next frontier of knowledge. Top 20 in QS World University Rankings 2026: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Imperial College London Stanford University University of Oxford Harvard University University of Cambridge ETH Zurich National University of Singapore University College London California Institute of Technology (Caltech) University of Hong Kong Nanyang Technological University University of Chicago Peking University University of Pennsylvania Cornell University Tsinghua University University of California, Berkeley University of Melbourne University of New South Wales
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
From Singapore to Seoul: Top 10 Asian universities to study abroad in 2026
As more students look beyond traditional study destinations in the West, Asia has firmly established itself as a global education powerhouse. From high-tech campuses in Singapore to research-intensive universities in China, the continent now hosts some of the world's most competitive academic institutions. The QS World University Rankings 2026 reflects this shift, with several Asian universities climbing into the global top 50. But rankings alone don't tell the whole story. For students considering studying abroad, factors like language of instruction, cost of living, campus environment, and city life all play a role in shaping the experience. Whether you're drawn to the cultural depth of Beijing, the fast-paced energy of Seoul, or the structured modernity of Singapore, this list offers a diverse snapshot of Asia's top universities — and what life might look like while studying there. National University of Singapore (NUS) QS Global Rank #8 NUS is the highest-ranked Asian university in the 2026 QS global rankings. It offers a wide range of programs across science, engineering, humanities, business, and law. English is the primary language of instruction. Singapore is a global financial and technology hub with excellent public transport, strict laws, and a high cost of living. It's considered one of the safest cities in the world. International students benefit from diverse communities, well-regulated housing, and multiple part-time work options under student visas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo The University of Hong Kong (HKU) QS Global Rank #11 HKU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English and is well-regarded for medicine, law, social sciences, and business. It maintains strong academic links with Western institutions. Hong Kong is densely populated and fast-paced, with a mix of Eastern and Western cultural influences. It's relatively expensive but offers subsidized student accommodation. The MTR (metro) system is efficient, and part-time work is permitted under specific conditions. Nanyang Technological University , Singapore (NTU) QS Global Rank #12 NTU is known for its strengths in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. It also has programs in business and social sciences, many of which are taught in English. As with NUS, NTU students live in a clean, urban environment with access to strong digital infrastructure, green spaces, and multicultural exposure. The city-state's small size makes most areas easily reachable within an hour. Peking University QS Global Rank #14 Peking University offers programs across a wide range of disciplines including science, economics, literature, and international relations. Many graduate programs are available in English, though undergraduate courses are primarily in Chinese. Beijing is China's capital and a major political and cultural center. It offers historical landmarks, a large international community, and a wide range of affordable dining options. Air pollution and language barriers may be challenges for some students, but metro access and campus amenities are extensive. Tsinghua University QS Global Rank #17 Tsinghua is a leading institution for engineering, technology, and public policy. Some programs, particularly at the graduate level, are conducted in English. Located in the Haidian district (Beijing's academic hub), Tsinghua offers access to libraries, student dormitories, and innovation centers. Beijing's cost of living varies widely depending on location, and Mandarin proficiency is helpful for daily life. Fudan University QS Global Rank #30 Fudan is known for social sciences, medicine, and management. It has several English-taught master's and undergraduate programs catering to international students. Shanghai is a global financial hub with modern infrastructure and a significant expat population. It's more expensive than other Chinese cities, but students benefit from public transport, international food options, and part-time job availability for certain visa categories. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) QS Global Rank #32 CUHK offers undergraduate and graduate programs in English and Chinese. It has a collegiate system and a strong reputation in humanities, education, and biomedical sciences. Located in the New Territories, CUHK provides a quieter campus life than central Hong Kong universities. Students have access to green spaces, hiking trails, and relatively lower-cost living than in the city center. However, commute times to urban areas are longer. The University of Tokyo QS Global Rank #36 The University of Tokyo offers programs in sciences, engineering, economics, and literature. While many undergraduate courses are in Japanese, there are English-taught graduate and international programs (e.g., PEAK). Tokyo is one of the most populous and organized cities globally. It is safe, clean, and offers a mix of traditional and modern culture. Costs for housing can be high, especially near the city center, and part-time jobs are common among students, though some Japanese proficiency is often required. Seoul National University QS Global Rank #38 SNU is South Korea's most prestigious university, offering strong programs in engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities. Many graduate programs are available in English. Seoul is a tech-savvy, fast-paced city with extensive public transit and relatively affordable student housing. Korean is essential for daily life, although many younger people and institutions accommodate English speakers. South Korea allows international students to work part-time under certain visa conditions. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) QS Global Rank #44 HKUST specializes in science, engineering, and business. Its programs are research-oriented and conducted in English. It also has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. The campus is located on the outskirts of the city, offering scenic sea views and a quieter environment. Students can access the main city areas within an hour. Like other Hong Kong universities, it offers subsidized dormitories, though the cost of living off-campus is high. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cyclist with gunshot wound after riding in gazetted area under investigation; QS Ranking 2026: NUS retains top 10 spot, NTU climbs to 12th: Singapore live news
A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, with thousands of roles – particularly in sales – expected to be affected. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs are likely to be announced in early July, shortly after the company's fiscal year ends in June. The cuts are also not expected to be limited to just one department. The reductions are part of the company's latest move to trim its workforce amid heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This follows a separate round of layoffs in May that saw 6,000 roles axed, mostly in product and engineering. Sales and marketing staff were largely spared then. However, in April, Microsoft informed employees that it would increasingly rely on third-party vendors to handle software sales for smaller clients. For more on the expected Microsoft job cuts, read here. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. NEA's surveillance efforts, which include the use of gravitraps in HDB estates to catch Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are part of regular operations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As of 12 June, seven Zika cases have been reported in Singapore in 2025, with the latest confirmed on 11 June. The agency advised residents to seek medical advice early if they show symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advised pregnant women to consult their obstetricians promptly due to the risk of congenital issues like microcephaly in babies. For more information on the Woodlands Zika cases, read here. Amazon has officially joined the growing list of companies warning that artificial intelligence will reshape the workforce — and not always in a good way. In a memo released on Tuesday (17 June), CEO Andy Jassy said the tech giant expects AI-driven efficiency gains to lead to a leaner corporate workforce in the years ahead. While there are no immediate layoffs, the writing is on the wall: jobs that can be automated may soon disappear. The trend towards AI superiority can already be felt in the job market. Shopify's CEO said new hires must prove AI can't do the job better. Duolingo plans to replace contractors with AI, while Salesforce won't be hiring engineers in 2025 because their current hires are getting more done with AI tools. Christian Schneider, the CEO of New York-based startup fileAI, told BI that he's already seeing job losses in corners of the tech industry, and he expects AI to exacerbate the trend. "I'm totally expecting a tightening. I think when we look into tech layoffs, it's so apparent that something is changing," said Schneider. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Experts say while some jobs will vanish, others will evolve – and workers may find themselves moving into more people-centric roles or overseeing AI-generated results rather than doing the grunt work. For more on AI reshaping the work force, read here. Three Australian men suspected of gunning down a man in a Bali villa were briefly held in Singapore before being deported back to Indonesia. On 14 June, two masked men stormed a villa in Badung and fatally shot 32-year-old Australian Zivan Radmanovic. Another man, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, was seriously injured in the same attack. The suspects, believed to have worn masks, then fled the scene and linked up with a third accomplice, who helped them escape. One of the suspects, a 27-year-old identified only by his initials DFJ, was arrested at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while trying to board a flight to Cambodia via Singapore. DFJ is alleged to have played a key role in planning the attack and escape. The other two men (also identified by their initials), 22-year-old MC and 27-year-old PMT, managed to leave for Cambodia after transiting through Singapore on 16 June. However, Cambodian authorities denied them entry, and they were placed on a return flight to Indonesia, again transiting through Singapore. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed it took the pair into custody during their stopover and deported them to Indonesia on 17 June, in accordance with international civil aviation protocols. For more on the suspects, read here. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. NUS remains the highest-ranked university in Asia. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said, "We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships." NTU president Ho Teck Hua said, "NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world." For more on the rankings of other Singapore universities, read here. A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. The injury was not life-threatening, and the man is currently stable after surgery. The Ministry of Defence has reminded everyone that these live-firing areas are strictly off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act, and signs are clearly posted to warn people to stay out for their own safety. The Woodcutter's Trail, which lies within CCNR is an unofficial route that's popular among cyclists for its challenging slopes and winding paths. Though there are warning signs around the park, some cyclists and hikers have been known to ignore them, reported The Straits Times. For more on the investigation on the cyclist, read here. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, with thousands of roles – particularly in sales – expected to be affected. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs are likely to be announced in early July, shortly after the company's fiscal year ends in June. The cuts are also not expected to be limited to just one department. The reductions are part of the company's latest move to trim its workforce amid heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This follows a separate round of layoffs in May that saw 6,000 roles axed, mostly in product and engineering. Sales and marketing staff were largely spared then. However, in April, Microsoft informed employees that it would increasingly rely on third-party vendors to handle software sales for smaller clients. For more on the expected Microsoft job cuts, read here. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. NEA's surveillance efforts, which include the use of gravitraps in HDB estates to catch Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are part of regular operations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As of 12 June, seven Zika cases have been reported in Singapore in 2025, with the latest confirmed on 11 June. The agency advised residents to seek medical advice early if they show symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advised pregnant women to consult their obstetricians promptly due to the risk of congenital issues like microcephaly in babies. For more information on the Woodlands Zika cases, read here. Amazon has officially joined the growing list of companies warning that artificial intelligence will reshape the workforce — and not always in a good way. In a memo released on Tuesday (17 June), CEO Andy Jassy said the tech giant expects AI-driven efficiency gains to lead to a leaner corporate workforce in the years ahead. While there are no immediate layoffs, the writing is on the wall: jobs that can be automated may soon disappear. The trend towards AI superiority can already be felt in the job market. Shopify's CEO said new hires must prove AI can't do the job better. Duolingo plans to replace contractors with AI, while Salesforce won't be hiring engineers in 2025 because their current hires are getting more done with AI tools. Christian Schneider, the CEO of New York-based startup fileAI, told BI that he's already seeing job losses in corners of the tech industry, and he expects AI to exacerbate the trend. "I'm totally expecting a tightening. I think when we look into tech layoffs, it's so apparent that something is changing," said Schneider. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Experts say while some jobs will vanish, others will evolve – and workers may find themselves moving into more people-centric roles or overseeing AI-generated results rather than doing the grunt work. For more on AI reshaping the work force, read here. Three Australian men suspected of gunning down a man in a Bali villa were briefly held in Singapore before being deported back to Indonesia. On 14 June, two masked men stormed a villa in Badung and fatally shot 32-year-old Australian Zivan Radmanovic. Another man, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, was seriously injured in the same attack. The suspects, believed to have worn masks, then fled the scene and linked up with a third accomplice, who helped them escape. One of the suspects, a 27-year-old identified only by his initials DFJ, was arrested at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while trying to board a flight to Cambodia via Singapore. DFJ is alleged to have played a key role in planning the attack and escape. The other two men (also identified by their initials), 22-year-old MC and 27-year-old PMT, managed to leave for Cambodia after transiting through Singapore on 16 June. However, Cambodian authorities denied them entry, and they were placed on a return flight to Indonesia, again transiting through Singapore. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed it took the pair into custody during their stopover and deported them to Indonesia on 17 June, in accordance with international civil aviation protocols. For more on the suspects, read here. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. NUS remains the highest-ranked university in Asia. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said, "We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships." NTU president Ho Teck Hua said, "NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world." For more on the rankings of other Singapore universities, read here. A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. The injury was not life-threatening, and the man is currently stable after surgery. The Ministry of Defence has reminded everyone that these live-firing areas are strictly off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act, and signs are clearly posted to warn people to stay out for their own safety. The Woodcutter's Trail, which lies within CCNR is an unofficial route that's popular among cyclists for its challenging slopes and winding paths. Though there are warning signs around the park, some cyclists and hikers have been known to ignore them, reported The Straits Times. For more on the investigation on the cyclist, read here.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
NUS retains 8th spot, NTU climbs to 12th in latest global university rankings
This year's ranking, the 22nd edition, covers 1,500 universities across 106 countries and territories. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO SINGAPORE - The National University of Singapore (NUS) has retained its spot in the top 10 in a global ranking of institutions, with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) hot on its heels. NUS kept its eighth place in the latest Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026, released on June 19, while NTU rose three places to 12th, building on its 11-position jump the year before. This year's ranking, the 22nd edition, covers 1,500 universities across 106 countries and territories. NUS stood out as the highest-ranked Asian university, having been the first in Asia to break into the global top 10. The leaderboard was dominated by universities from the US and Britain, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in first place for the 14th consecutive year, followed by Imperial College London retaining second place. Stanford University climbed three positions to take third place, while the University of Oxford and Harvard University both dropped one place to rank fourth and fifth respectively. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. The three highest-weighted indicators in the QS rankings are academic reputation, citations per faculty and employer reputation, with weightages of 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. Academic reputation refers to perceptions of a university's excellence by academic experts, while the employer reputation indicator measures employers' regard for the university. NUS ranked 14th globally for academic reputation, 32nd for employer reputation, and 64th for citations per faculty. It rose one spot for academic reputation and 16 spots for employer reputation, but dropped three places for citations, compared with the previous QS rankings. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said the university's ranking affirms its unwavering commitment to excellence, and reflects the strength of its forward-looking approach to education, research and innovation. 'We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships,' he said. These improvements signal growing confidence in NUS graduates and the expanding impact of its global research network, added Professor Tan. NTU climbed three places to 12th, after its re-entry into the top 20 in the previous edition of the rankings. This was driven largely by an improved score in employer reputation, where it moved from 92nd place to 67th, and in its international student ratio. 'NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world,' said NTU president Ho Teck Hua. He cited recent initiatives such as the launch of the College of Computing and Data Science and the Honours College, which prepare students to better harness technology. Professor Ho added that NTU continues to grow its global academic talent by recruiting promising early-career researchers and drawing leading scholars from around the world. Singapore Management University (SMU) climbed 74 places in the 2026 QS rankings to 511th, up from 585th in the 2025 edition. Meanwhile, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) fell 79 places, dropping from 440th to 519th. All four local universities included in the rankings – NUS, NTU, SMU and SUTD – saw their scores remain the same or drop in four indicators: faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, employment outcomes and sustainability. QS senior vice-president Ben Sowter said Singapore has firmly established itself as a global higher education powerhouse, and that its universities' rankings are a reflection of its exceptional research output and globally collaborative ethos. The city-state's success is driven by a focus on skills development, innovation and adapting to workforce needs, he added. 'By broadening access to lifelong learning, strengthening partnerships and enhancing graduate support, Singapore is not only boosting graduate employability, but also advancing its ambition to lead the world in future-ready, skills-first higher education,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 19, 2025
The Indonesian government has confirmed that 580 of its citizens remain in Iran and Israel amid intensifying conflict in the region, with no evacuation conducted as of yet. According to Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, 386 Indonesians -- mostly students -- are still in Iran, primarily in the city of Qom. The government's proposal to develop compact, subsidised housing for urban youth is facing growing criticism from both experts and potential occupants, who say the poor design and cramped living conditions of these 'mini houses' could jeopardise their inhabitants' physical and psychological well-being. The Bank of the Lao discovered 21 corruption cases involving bank staff last year. Two cases were exposed at the central bank, 10 at commercial banks, five at savings banks and one at the Agricultural Promotion Bank. 2. LAO WORKERS REMITTANCE FUELLING ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao nationals working abroad continue to send home a sizeable amount of remittances, estimated at RM19 million (US$4.5 million) a month. Remittance is vital to drive the Lao economy as the money is spent on goods and services. MYANMAR 1. NEW HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES IN THE PIPELINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government announced it will build 187 kilometres of highways and 305 bridges in the 2025-2026 financial year that will cut across 115 villages. Repairs of highways, village roads and six bridges damaged by the Mandalay earthquake will also be completed soon. 2. MYANMAR-VIETNAM BUILDERS EXPLORE MARKETS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar-Vietnam Construction Business meeting will be held at the on 23 June to promote networking among builders from the two countries. Twenty-two companies from Vietnam Business Club and Myanmar's construction companies, engineers, producers and importers will participate in the event. SINGAPORE 1. NUS RETAINS 8TH SPOT, NTU CLIMBS TO 12TH IN LATEST GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS -- THE STRAITS TIMES The National University of Singapore (NUS) has retained its spot in the top 10 in a global ranking of institutions, with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) hot on its heels. 2. TRUMP WEIGHS IRAN STRIKE PLANS AS CONFLICT ESCALATES: WSJ -- CNA/AGENCIES US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 18) declined to answer reporters' questions on whether the US was planning to join Israel to strike Iran or its nuclear facilities, shortly before a Wall Street Journal report emerged saying he had told senior aides that he had approved plans for such an attack. VIETNAM 1. TRANSFORMING HO CHI MINH INTO MEGACITY -- VIETNAMPLUS The merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Ba Ria, Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces will create a megacity of finance, industry and seaports. These areas will focus on developing an eco-city, improving living standards and promoting social equity. 1. CONSUMER REWARD MODEL TO PROMOTE RECYCLING -- VIETNAMPLUS The proposed Deposit Return System, if implemented effectively, could prevent 77,000 metric tonnes of packaging waste from reaching landfills and reduce CO2 emissions by 265,000 tonnes. Additionally, this model could create approximately 16,000 jobs in the informal waste sector. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
