The first woman to lead a university in Singapore discusses how SMU is adapting to AI and different forms of employment.

Synopsis: On Wednesdays, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with newsmakers.

Facing a softer job market, fresh challenges wrought by artificial intelligence (AI) and growing scrutiny over the industry relevance of degrees, universities are coming under pressure to show degrees lead to good jobs, not just academic credentials.

That requires stronger career services, more industry-linked learning and closer alignment between education and the job market.

How are universities adapting to improve graduate employability? How do they ensure students gain practical, industry-relevant skills alongside academic knowledge? What yardsticks should universities use to judge if a degree is still delivering good value?

In this episode, ST's opinion editor Lin Suling speaks with SMU President Prof Lily Kong.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

7:07 Can a student realistically juggle multiple competing demands of a holistic education?

9:33 Overseas exchange programmes: Leveller or a flex?

15:34 What responsibilities do universities bear for graduate employment outcomes?

20:58 The impact of internships and cross-disciplinary programmes on employment outcomes

28:54 How AI is changing teaching at SMU

32:50 More gig, temp and part-time roles: Do universities have a role in preparing students for this career reality?

Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Follow Lin Suling on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/hiLQ

Host: Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong

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