Singapore calling: IIT goes global

India is not enough. After carving a niche for itself in the country, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is all set to become a world-player by making a foray into Singapore.
‘‘This decision was taken at a recent meeting attended by IIT directors from across the country and representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),’’ informs the spokesperson for IIT-Delhi director RS Sirohi, ‘‘While the CII has already initiated talks with the Education Development Board (EDB) in Singapore, the next step is to ensure that students worldwide have access to IIT education.’’
Even as negotiations are on for the setting up of an IIT campus in Singapore, both sides have agreed in principle to the idea of an exchange of educational facilities.‘‘All formal approvals and agreements should be in place by the end of this year,’’says Neerja Bhatia, coordinator of the CII’s Singapore desk.
According to CII National Council member Vijay Kirloskar, ‘‘IIT directors have held meetings with the EDB to work out modalities. The quantum of the required funds is still being worked on, but the institute could be funded by the Singapore government.’’
While the mix of students at this proposed institute will be global, there are chances of Indian students being selected for admission too. It’s all happening. And as IIT would say, India is finally showing the way!