But I believe this approach will inevitably gravitate towards the lowest intellectual common denominator. As a start in our new approach to providing a broader range of educational opportunities, our nine faculties will be offering challenging modules. These modules, called the Honours Modules, are designed to stretch each student's intellectual ability to the fullest. NUS has also launched the University Scholars' Programme. This programme gives students the freedom to experience a broad array of modules, which will allow them to achieve intellectual broadening across disciplines with flexibility.
Students declare their majors during their third or fourth semesters.
NUS can only achieve global excellence by constantly renewing itself. Our community must not allow itself to deteriorate into stagnant pools of backwater. It should become the confluence of a myriad of dynamic running streams - faculty, staff and students. These streams bring in local and foreign talents, fresh ideas and perspectives, all of which are prerequisites for intellectual renewal. This university is not about making a precision product to fit the specifications of shape, dimensions and functions to the highest level of perfection.