AS SINGAPORE strives to be an education hub, it has to be more flexible in allowing students to find their niche among the various fields of study.

One way to do this is to change the way we invest our education dollars. Currently, the system seems a little rigid as it does not provide enough room for exploration in education. This can be seen in the way students are subsidised.

In the case of polytechnic education, for instance, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has a cap of up to 10 terms of tuition grant eligibility for each student, should he change course.

However, when the student graduates, he is expected to work or move on to study at the next level, such as university. No more tuition grant is provided, should he decide to take another diploma course.

As the Government has spoken about moving from an exam-meritocracy to a talent-meritocracy, we should consider subsidies for students who go for more than one diploma or degree. The tuition grant cap of 10 terms at the same level can stay.

One benefit of this is that it is fairer to those who find they have other interests halfway through a course. Some switch courses halfway, and others complete their diploma and then start another.

Usually, those who complete their diploma and then decide to switch will be more determined in their career path that is related to their new course.

We also need to see the value of those who already have a diploma in one area and now want to pursue another diploma in another area.

This is because this individual may possess multiple skill sets that may benefit the organisation that employs him, yet commands lower pay.

One may argue students should not be subsidised further to encourage them to progress to the next level rather than remain at the same one. However, an employee with multiple skill sets adds value to an organisation.

For example, an employee who takes a business course and then realises he wants a career in nursing may be able to suggest how a hospital can be more cost-efficient as he is involved in its daily operations. Society needs such people.

In times like these, some people are considering switching jobs or courses, according to demand in the job market.

The education and health-care sectors have opened up many job positions recently, and I urge MOE to be flexible in providing tuition grants.

Such flexibility will give more options to those who want to switch courses to respond to job market demand and equip themselves better for when the economy recovers.

Leslie Sun

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 24 Jan, 2009.