Why does this matter to Singapore and Asia? As a result of for many years, an acceptance letter from a high US college was a ticket to unparalleled studying and networks.
US establishments, significantly Harvard, have helped form generations of ministers, diplomats and civil servants from Asia and past. For example, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong holds a grasp’s in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy College. In the meantime, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and just lately retired ministers Heng Swee Keat and Teo Chee Hean are additionally Harvard alumni.
About 6,800 worldwide college students – together with 151 Singaporeans – are enrolled at Harvard in its present tutorial yr, accounting for 27 per cent of the coed physique, in line with college figures.
If Harvard, which has produced eight US presidents and is arguably probably the most prestigious of all of the Ivy League colleges, is off limits, many Asian elites might rethink going to the US in any respect. They could query if it’s price investing in an American training if the welcome could be rescinded on a whim.
Certainly, US officers have warned that different universities might face related bans. “This ought to be a warning to each different college to get your act collectively,” Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned final week.
For Singapore, this has tangible implications. The nation sends hundreds of scholars to US universities yearly. Many are on authorities scholarships or self-funded with hopes that an Ivy League pedigree will vault them into management tracks.
