http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/415465/1/.html
Singapore a draw for Saudi tertiary students
By Azlan Asri, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 March 2009 1839 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
SINGAPORE: Singapore has long been a popular destination for students from Southeast Asia and China seeking an overseas education.
Now, the country is also proving attractive to the Saudis.
At least 70 King Abdullah scholars are expected this year, a huge jump from the pioneer batch of 14 who will be entering their third year at local universities in August.
Singapore and Saudi Arabia have had a cooperation framework for education and scientific research since 2006.
And interestingly, men make up less than half the 54 Saudi students pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies here in Singapore.
Issues like safety and convenience draw the women, who form nearly 58 per cent of the Saudi student population here.
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Singapore, Jamil Mahmoud M Merdad, said: "We have a close relationship, with our religion, our values and culture. That's why Singapore represents to us an opportunity for our girls… to come here and go to school very comfortably without being harassed or experience the problems other students face abroad especially in the West."
Pioneer Saudi students look forward to welcoming more of their fellow citizens to Singapore.
A student from National University of Singapore (NUS), Mohammad Nizar, said: "Singaporeans don't know a lot about Saudis, so more Saudis coming to Singapore (will help to change any) bad view about Saudis."
So far, 40 King Abdullah scholars have arrived this year to begin studies at various Singapore universities this August.
A Saudi student in Singapore, Jihad Qari, said: "I'm studying English at the British Council and after I finish, I will go to university, either NUS or Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to finish the master's degree."
Another Saudi student in Singapore, Ahmed Alakeeli, said: "My future plan is to get the bachelor degree from NTU in aerospace engineering and after that, I will try to get the higher level master's degree and PhD."
At least 30 more Saudi students are expected to join them in the coming months.
- CNA/yt
Singapore a draw for Saudi tertiary students
By Azlan Asri, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 March 2009 1839 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
SINGAPORE: Singapore has long been a popular destination for students from Southeast Asia and China seeking an overseas education.
Now, the country is also proving attractive to the Saudis.
At least 70 King Abdullah scholars are expected this year, a huge jump from the pioneer batch of 14 who will be entering their third year at local universities in August.
Singapore and Saudi Arabia have had a cooperation framework for education and scientific research since 2006.
And interestingly, men make up less than half the 54 Saudi students pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies here in Singapore.
Issues like safety and convenience draw the women, who form nearly 58 per cent of the Saudi student population here.
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Singapore, Jamil Mahmoud M Merdad, said: "We have a close relationship, with our religion, our values and culture. That's why Singapore represents to us an opportunity for our girls… to come here and go to school very comfortably without being harassed or experience the problems other students face abroad especially in the West."
Pioneer Saudi students look forward to welcoming more of their fellow citizens to Singapore.
A student from National University of Singapore (NUS), Mohammad Nizar, said: "Singaporeans don't know a lot about Saudis, so more Saudis coming to Singapore (will help to change any) bad view about Saudis."
So far, 40 King Abdullah scholars have arrived this year to begin studies at various Singapore universities this August.
A Saudi student in Singapore, Jihad Qari, said: "I'm studying English at the British Council and after I finish, I will go to university, either NUS or Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to finish the master's degree."
Another Saudi student in Singapore, Ahmed Alakeeli, said: "My future plan is to get the bachelor degree from NTU in aerospace engineering and after that, I will try to get the higher level master's degree and PhD."
At least 30 more Saudi students are expected to join them in the coming months.
- CNA/yt
