University students

SINGAPORE: Two universities are allowing students to take more modules on an ungraded basis to ease concerns about their education during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to emails issued on Wednesday (Mar 25). The satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) option allows students to take modules on an ungraded basis so that they do not affect their grade point average. This is aimed at encouraging students to explore fields beyond their discipline of study. The National University of Singapore (NUS) will allow students to exercise the S/U option for up to 10 modular credits for any module taken during the current semester. This is in addition to the 12 S/U modular credits that students can carry forward from the grade-free year or semester scheme. The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will allow students to exercise the option for all undergraduate courses taken during the current semester. Students can take up to 20 academic units per semester. The S/U quota for an NTU … [Read more...] about NUS, NTU students allowed to take more modules on ungraded basis to ease COVID-19 anxiety

SINGAPORE: About 2,300 students in the Autonomous Universities and polytechnics have been asked to return from their official overseas placements “as soon as practicable”, said the Ministry of Education (MOE). Responding to questions from CNA, a spokesperson for the education ministry said it was working closely with institutions and Singapore's overseas missions “to provide the necessary assistance and support for these students”. “This includes providing advice and/or financial support to students who may need help with the cost of returning earlier than expected to Singapore,” said the ministry. “Alternative learning arrangements will also be made available to these students so that they are able to meet their academic requirements, at no additional cost to them.” MOE and the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) announced on Mar 15 that all overseas placements, including internships and exchange programmes would be suspended until the end of July. READ: Universities, … [Read more...] about 2,300 polytechnic and university students asked to return from overseas placements amid COVID-19 pandemic: MOE

SINGAPORE: An inter-agency taskforce led by the Ministry of Education (MOE) is piloting a new programme to help disadvantaged students earlier, through more community based-support. While school-based support can be complemented by community-based programmes, “schools may not always know about these programmes. Likewise, community organisations may not always know which students and families need help,” said Second Education Minister Indranee Rajah during the committee of supply debate on Wednesday (Mar 4). To “close this coordination gap”, the Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce (UPLIFT) taskforce is piloting a new programme with the Ministry of Social and Family Development in three towns - Woodlands, Kreta Ayer and Boon Lay. A town-level coordinator based in the Social Service Office of the three towns will “integrate school-based and community-based support” under the UPLIFT Community Pilot. “Where students have emerging attendance issue and needs … [Read more...] about Stronger integration of school and community support for disadvantaged students planned

The Government’s latest blueprint for slashing New Zealand’s carbon emissions may seem to some like an impossible feat right now. Coming to the aid of those industries under the crunch to change, however, is a new technology platform that, if successful, will create greener factories. With a $12.5 million backing from the Government, academics from University of Waikato, the University of Auckland and Massey University hope to enable industries to use, convert, supply and store renewable energy for industrial process heating. Named Ahuora, the platform will be accessible to researchers, service providers, industrial manufacturers and other large-scale energy users. READ MORE: New Zealand exporters told to prepare for 'significant changes' from post-Brexit deal Fonterra's first wood pellet-fuelled plant will fire up in September Heating without fossil fuels: Shovelling coal out the door From industry alone, only 30 per cent of the energy used is renewable or green … [Read more...] about Universities team up in mission to make industry energy green

Young Wellington conservationists are among the recipients of a scholarship aimed at supporting a new generation of biodiversity champions. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has awarded one-year postgraduate research scholarships of $15,000 each to 10 masters students in the natural and social sciences. Four of this year’s Te Papa Atawhai postgraduate scholarship programme scholarships went to students from Victoria University of Wellington. Conservation Minister Kiri Allan said DOC received 82 eligible applications – “a great response, considering this is the scholarship’s inaugural year”. READ MORE: Enough talk - time for action on tourism's environmental impact, says commissioner Tourism report: add $6-155 tax to long-haul flights to pay for climate fixes Five ways tourism in New Zealand could become more sustainable “I’m told the selection panel was impressed by the high quality of the applications, and found it challenging to choose just 10 recipients,” … [Read more...] about Wellington students awarded new $15,000 DOC scholarships for conservation research