Why does this matter to Singapore and Asia? As a result of for many years, an acceptance letter from a prime 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. As an illustration, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong holds a grasp’s in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy Faculty. In the meantime, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and not too long ago 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 response to college figures.
If Harvard, which has produced eight US presidents and is arguably essentially the most prestigious of all of the Ivy League faculties, is off limits, many Asian elites could rethink going to the US in any respect. They could query if it’s value investing in an American training if the welcome may be rescinded on a whim.
Certainly, US officers have warned that different universities may face related bans. “This needs to be a warning to each different college to get your act collectively,” Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem stated final week.
For Singapore, this has tangible implications. The nation sends 1000’s 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.
