Round-the-clock work is underway to make sure the S$500 million (US$356 million) University Town at the former Warren Golf Course is completed in time for the Youth Olympic Games in August 2010.
The University Town will be the Athletes Village for some 3,500 young athletes during the inaugural Games. Related Video Link - http://tinyurl.com/394ut3
But hardware aside, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is also planning an array of activities to engage the young athletes.
Among them is a new module on climate change which will see athletes taking part in group discussions on environmental challenges.
The module will be piloted among NUS students in 2009 and will likely include topics like energy resource and water. No credits will be offered for the module as it is an informal course.
Professor Shih Choon Fong, president of NUS, said: "One of the pressing issues around the world is water. Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. We hope to be able to talk about issues of water, water desalination, recycling of water and so forth. Perhaps, we may even be able to organise a side trip to some of the water desalination plants in Singapore."
During their stay here, the athletes will also get a chance to tour the university campus where they can view the facilities and better understand the programmes offered. NUS hopes to build on the event and showcase itself to the world so as to attract more international students and faculty members.
NUS is expected to award tenders for various building contracts by the middle of this year. It is also working with the Education Ministry to ensure there is sufficient support and funding for the activities. - CNA/so
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