“From plum trees to palm trees” read the title of an article I read years back written by a teacher who moved to Oman – if I remember correctly – after working in Hungary for a couple of years. Then I thought this was a good catchy title and I did not think that it could also happen to me. However, you can just never predict what the future brings. When I am writing these lines I am sitting in a university office in Singapore where I just started working after 14 years of service in the Hungarian higher education system. As this is a completely different setting for me, both culturally and workwise, I decided to keep a blog in which I would like to share my personal impressions and experiences which I hope might be interesting for some people out there.
Ok, let’s get started. What was my first impression of Singapore? Very organized, clean, efficient. Everything seems to be controlled and everyone wants to do their best. I was chatting with the taxi driver on my way from the airport to the university and he was so positive about Singapore, so patriotic – in the good sense of the word – that I never experienced in Hungary. He knew lots of things about Singapore and he was very proud of being a Singaporean. Actually, taxi drivers proved to be a very good source of information, let your interest be shopping, education, politics or economics. My driver was ready to pour on me all sorts of statistical data about the Singaporean economy which, I must admit, I was only listening to half heartedly after a 15 hour flight …Having settled in I attended different meetings and talked to colleagues just to get the flavour of the place. To my astonishment, I learned that students who enrol the programmes offered by the National Institute of Education (NIE) – which is the only teacher training institution of Singapore –draw a salary from the Ministry of Education! Wow, a country which actually pays people to become teachers. I can’t think of any other country which would do the same. The government very clearly makes a point that education is nothing else than an investment into the future of the nation. Well done, Singapore!The other day the director of NIE gave a speech to new staff. Professor Lee is a very charismatic speaker with a vision and excellent leadership abilities. He talked about the role of NIE not only in Singapore, but also in the region and in the global context. He seemed to have a plan and determination of reaching his and the institution’s objectives. He talked about the institute as a family where every member should take his share of the work. This I found very refreshing and motivating, something which is not typical at universities that I have known before. Most universities cherish their hundreds of years of traditions and believe change might not be a good idea. However, Professor Lee pointed out that although traditions are important one cannot offer to be locked into the traditions. Openness is the key to success. This is something I will remember.
I will get back here with other stories when the term starts and I will actually meet the students. I am sure there will be lots of tales to tell. Till then, Tamas
