Nurturing net generation graduates with global skills

Abstract

The total enrolments in more than 20,000 universities and tertiary education providers around the world are in the range of 200 million students. One in five students are enrolled in technology related disciplines. Various surveys reiterate that only a fraction of graduates are suitable for careers in the world of hyper-connected economies and competitive businesses with supply chains spanning the world. Universities irrespective of where they are functioning are facing new challenges, opportunities and expectations. They are being assessed, benchmarked and compared frequently by third parties with considerable impact on reputation, student enrolments, and resources. Tertiary institutions are on the cusp of enrolling a Net generation of students, who have diverse learning aspirations and needs compared the earlier generations. The emerging scenario requires the tertiary education to be reimagined in terms of the way a) the students are developed to possess global skills and values, b) faculty members are prepared to inspire students, c) curriculum and pedagogy are tailored to the needs of 21st Century workplaces and jobs, d) scientific research and innovation are carried out, and e) entrepreneurship is facilitated at the universities. This manuscript is based on authors’ own experiences during the rise of world-class universities in Singapore, and close interactions with several tertiary institutions around the world. The reimagined higher education will enable future graduates to build liveable and resilient societies