'Do we need their money that badly?': Singapore students wary of new Mandarin-taught university courses

The responses to a Reddit post reflected the reaction of many netizens when two of Singapore's four autonomous universities announced that they would be introducing postgraduate programmes taught in Mandarin.

"Do we really need their money that badly?"

In July, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) said that it will launch its Mandarin-taught Executive Master of Business programme in October, while Singapore Management University (SMU) will do so in 2026.

In response, TikTok user kavitha.85, said in her post which had garnered over 77,800 views at press time: "Here we are very clearly favouring business and profits over our ethics and promises."

Another post by singtaliantok called it a "state and structural policy favouring China", amassing over 81,600 views so far.

'Cash cows': Profit over nurturing talent?

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) already runs four programmes taught in Mandarin and two bilingual programmes, while the Singapore University of Technology and Design's (SUTD) first bilingual programme starts in September with 60 enrolled students.

"These kinds of programmes often serve as platforms for foreign students to acquire credentials, networks, and exposure before pursuing opportunities elsewhere," said Dr Dennis Tay, who heads the linguistics and multilingual studies department at NTU.

But undergraduates and graduates alike are asking if these courses reflect a genuine desire to nurture talent - or are simply a way to capitalise on demand from foreign applicants.

Jay Chiam, an NTU Computer Science graduate, told The New Paper: "Foreign students won't contribute to the talent pools in Singapore, so I don't see the reason for these Mandarin courses."

Li, a 21-year-old business administration major at the National University of Singapore (NUS), who's a Chinese national, called the policy "misguided" and "primarily money-driven".

He added: "It feels like the universities are trying to profit off students from China rather than focusing on nurturing talent, which some people might even call treating them as 'cash cows'."

Lack of integration, say students

Some students also felt such courses would worsen what they see as the clear separation between local and foreign students. "Some Chinese students will just stick with their own circle and the locals will be in another group," recalled Mr Chiam. "Most of the time, we don't even get to see them in school."

Like Mr Chiam, NUS graduate Jessica Chen, 25, believes that because many international students are only in Singapore for the short-term, many do not feel the need to integrate into the local student community.

But while Ms Chen felt the new programmes could promote productive cross-cultural exchanges, Mr Chiam was less optimistic, speculating that it would have little impact on bridging existing gaps.

Universities say courses cater to rising interest

In response to TNP's queries, the four universities explained that the programmes are being introduced due to increasing demand, and target professionals who wish to work in Chinese-speaking environments.

NTU's Professor Boh Wai Fong said the move was a response to "growing interest for Chinese management programmes among local and regional business leaders", noting the steady enrolment figures for existing Mandarin-taught programmes.

An SMU spokesperson also explained that the course aims to "nurture a generation of leaders who can operate at the highest level in Mandarin-speaking markets, while navigating complex, cross-border challenges."

The courses are open to all applicants regardless of nationality.

The four universities did not respond to queries on whether they would consider rolling out similar programmes for undergraduates, or if such courses might deepen existing social divides between local and foreign students.

The Ministry of Education declined to comment on TNP's queries on the impact of these courses on Singapore's education system.

Chinese students who feel connected to locals

Not all Chinese international students feel disconnected from locals. Li, the NUS business administration undergraduate, who has been in Singapore for more than a decade, said he has many Singaporean friends.

"They are all very friendly and considerate, often slowing down their speaking speed and avoiding heavy use of local slang when talking to Chinese students," added Wang Xin Yue, a 23-year-old teacher who completed her Master's degree in Literary Studies at NUS.

Ms Wang also acknowledged that the Mandarin-taught programmes would be beneficial for students with a weaker command of English, allowing them to adapt to the academic environment more easily.

But she admitted that she would not enrol in such courses herself, as she aims to improve her English and plans to continue working in Singapore.

She also raised concerns about the global recognition of such programmes, given that English remains the dominant working language worldwide.

Experts offer a measured perspective

Experts who support the initiative argue that these new courses will not significantly affect local opportunities or increase the use of Mandarin in official settings.

Assistant chair of NTU's School of Humanities Dr Luke Lu, stressed that these courses do not replace existing English-taught courses. Rather, they are aimed at capturing a different market which will increase university revenue, and could ultimately benefit all students.

"They do not deny deserving local students of a place in higher education," said Dr Lu, who noted that Mandarin remains secondary to English in Singapore's institutional domains, such as MRT announcements and hospital signage.

Dr Tay added that the public discomfort may stem less from the courses themselves, but from the manner in which they were announced.

"These announcements seem to have come suddenly, without clear public consultation or articulation of strategic rationale," he said. "It can feel as though decisions are made with insufficient transparency."

He suggested clearer communication of objectives and consultation with key stakeholders before expanding the programmes further.

Public discussion a good sign

Despite the negative response to the programmes, Dr Lu added that the public debate is ultimately a positive sign.

"It shows that Singaporeans are safeguarding ideas of linguistic and racial equality, and ultimately deeply invested in what it means to be Singaporean," he said.