By Sumathi V. Selvaretnam

THERE is little doubt that Singapore would benefit from having a liberal arts college, but before going ahead with the plan, it must make sure that such a school would succeed here.

The price if it fails will be quite high: Singapore's reputation as an education hub will take a big hit, said Education Minister Ng Eng Hen on Friday.

So there are several questions that have to be asked before the proposal to have such a college can get the green light, he said.

First, would the school have enough support from parents and students, who may not understand what such an education offers, and have many other choices?

'(They are) neither liberal nor completely arts-focused,' Dr Ng said of liberal arts colleges.

'You could be a mathematician or a physicist but you will be exposed to an environment that is more questioning,' he said.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times