AS SINGAPORE toys with the idea of creating a liberal arts college, a polytechnic here is taking steps to give its students a taste of that experience in the United States.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic is organising a two-week stint at a liberal arts college in California for up to 30 top students being groomed as future leaders.

The aim is to expose them to a liberal arts approach in examining leadership, policy-making, social issues and economic concerns, said principal Chia Mia Chiang.

Following the course, the students will spend a third week observing community organisations at work and do a comparative study against those in Singapore.

The 'liberal arts education 101' stint, scheduled to take place next June, will cost an estimated $6,000 per student and will be paid for by the polytechnic.

The Education Ministry announced on Tuesday that the National University of Singapore has been chosen to look into the setting up of a liberal arts college with an annual intake of up to 250 students.

Mr Chia said the proposal inspired him to look for a similar experience for his students.'I hope the experience will get them to think differently, see issues from another perspective. Our aim is to produce well-rounded students who will have a head start as they join the workforce,' he said.

While the time frame is too short to allow students to sit in on lessons, the poly is in talks with foreign colleges to craft an entry-level programme for its students.

JANE NG

This article was first published in The Straits Times on June 28, 2008.