Nanyang Technological University: Encyclopedia II - Nanyang Technological University - History

Nanyang Technological University - History

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was established by an Act of Parliament on 1 July 1991. It has its origins in Nanyang University, which was founded by Tan Lark Sye in 1955. In August 1980, Nanyang University was merged with the University of Singapore to become the National University of Singapore (NUS).

In August 1981, the Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) was set up on the same campus with the primary function of providing facilities for tertiary education and research in various branches of engineering and technology and to educate practice-oriented engineers for the burgeoning economy. At that time, NTI was to be part of the NUS in all academic matters, while in all other respects it would be independent.

NTI admitted its first batch of 582 engineering students in July 1982. As the Institute developed, courses other than engineering were offered over the years -- Accounting (1987), Business, Computer Engineering (1989), Materials Engineering, Arts with Diploma in Education, Science with Diploma in Education (1991) and Communication Studies (1993).

On 1 July 1991, NTI was reconstituted, incorporating the National Institute of Education (NIE). It was renamed Nanyang Technological University and empowered to award its own degrees. It is a comprehensive University designed to meet the manpower needs of the nation and the region. Degrees awarded by NTU are recognised by the relevant professional institutions both locally and internationally.

NTU aims at becoming a university with general academic excellence and niches of international eminence. Its mission is to train leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs for Singapore and the region and to advance research and development in both the academic and professional disciplines. The university is a member of LAOTSE, an international network of leading universities in Europe and Asia exchanging students and senior scholars.

In 2004,NTU was ranked by the Times Higher Education Supplement at the 50th place globally and 7th in Asia, in its ranking of the 200 best universities in the world.However, that ranking is questionable as a similar ranking using more stringent methodologies ( such as number of Nobel-Prize-winning affliates ) by Shanghai's Jiaotong University placed it in the top 400.

It is long debated on whether the university's name should be reverted back to "Nanyang University", particularly with the support of NU's alumni. The administration of NTU has long resisted this move, however, and the idea receives a lukewarm response from the almuni and current students of the new institution. Most opposition stems from concerns over confusion in the market, and the effect it may have on the goodwill NTU has cultivated over the years in the industry. Some alumni members of NU also object to the move, citing the distinction between the two institutions and the need to preserve the heritage of the old university. [1]. [2].

In 2004 NTU hosted the World Universities Debating Championship.

In 2005 NTU's rank in the world's top 200 universities was advanced 2 rugs to 48th. (Source from Times Higher Education Supplement.)

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "History", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki