Introduction

SINGAPORE – This week, Singapore’s prestigious Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) found themselves in the international spotlight, courtesy of an eye-catching article in the Wall Street Journal. The headline read, “Singapore College Students’ Toughest Test Is Dodging Chinese Tourists,” shedding light on an increasingly common scenario faced by students at these top institutions.

The Overwhelming Tourist Presence

While the prominence of NUS and NTU in global rankings is widely recognized, the article highlights a less celebrated issue that’s been bothering local students — the overwhelming presence of visiting tourists, particularly from China. Reports of disrupted classes and crowded campus facilities have sparked what's become a pressing concern among the student body.

Incidents and Reactions

Several local news outlets have reported incidents where tour groups have invaded lecture halls, raising eyebrows and frustration. For instance, just earlier this year, the influx of tourists motivated NTU to implement new regulations. On February 1, the university announced that travel agencies planning to bring groups to campus would first need to obtain approval, alongside a plan to introduce entrance fees to help manage maintenance concerns.

Measures Taken by NUS

NUS has also taken proactive measures, bolstering security personnel to ensure that only students and faculty have access to internal shuttle services. Students have voiced their grievances on platforms like Reddit, describing a chaotic scene where multiple tourist buses arrive in rapid succession at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences—disrupting daily routines and making it challenging for students to access essential facilities like canteens and libraries, especially during brief breaks between classes.

Student Perspectives

One discontented student remarked on Reddit, “Imagine having just ten minutes between classes and you have to navigate through not only your fellow students but also huge tour groups.” The sheer volume of visitors has transformed campus life, leading some alumni to liken the experience to “zoo exhibits” for the tourists.

The Allure of NTU's Architecture

In addition to prospective students and their families drawn by NUS's and NTU's prestigious reputations, many tourists are attracted to NTU due to its stunning architecture, including the internationally recognized “dim sum basket” building known as The Hive. The popularity of this unique structure has skyrocketed on Chinese social media, contributing to the daily influx of tourist buses post-pandemic.

Looking Ahead

Anticipating a continued surge of visitors, especially with the Lunar New Year approaching, NUS officials have announced plans to enforce stricter measures by early next year. A spokesperson for NUS emphasized, “NUS is first and foremost an academic institution and not a tourist destination.”

Conclusion

As local universities grapple with this unexpected predicament, the enduring appeal of Singapore’s academic institutions seems poised to attract even more tourists in the future. Will other universities worldwide face similar challenges? Stay tuned as we explore this developing story!