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The National University of Singapore's University Town, a new development that boasts NUS' first residential colleges, will offer students a 'holistic and unique learning experience' and create 'an active intellectual community'.
This, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is a step up from NUS' current dormitory halls because the six residential colleges and two graduate residences will be organised for student learning 'in an integrated and multi-disciplinary setting'.
Drawing a parallel with similar systems in world-renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton and Yale, Mr Lee, who was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of University Town, said he looks forward to students and staff living, learning, working and socialising under the same roof.
With each college headed by a Master and supported by a team of faculty staff, he added: "Each college will have the flexibility to chart its future direction and evolve its own distinctive characteristics... They will offer opportunities for social, cultural and recreational activities to deliver a more rounded learning experience."
In fact, the PM pointed out, NUS can tap on its cosmopolitan mix, since it already has 1,300 academic staff from 57 countries and nearly 10,000 students from 97 countries.
Youth Olympics Village
On a more immediate note, Mr Lee also confirmed that University Town will be used as the athletes' games village as part of Singapore's bid to host the 2010 Youth Olympics.
So he assured that the development will be completed in time for the Games, in line with Singapore's reputation to 'get things done and deliver on what we promise'.
Throwing his weight behind Singapore's bid as it competes head-to-head with Moscow in the final stretch, PM Lee said: "For this first Youth Olympics, I am confident that we can deliver a high-quality, memorable event that will celebrate the spirit of the Games, strengthen the Olympic movement, leave a lasting impact on young people around the world, and be a fabulous launch for our University Town."
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