A new university model-focused on universities that teach more practical lessons and have close links with industries-may be on the cards.

Minister of State for Education Lawrence Wong there is scope to develop such a model as a new pathway for university education because the country’s publicly funded universities “are largely research-intensive”, compared to other countries that have a “more balanced mix” between research and teaching.

This new model is one of preliminary recommendations from the Committee on University Education Pathways beyond 2015.

With the new model, students graduate with valuable industry-relevant skills and are better able to apply knowledge in a practical way.

He said the university in the future could offer disciplines with a strong industry focus.

These include niche programs not offered by existing universities, as well as areas where more skilled manpower is needed, such as in hospitality and tourism, social services and allied health care.

The new model could include elements of cooperative education - where academic studies are integrated with practical, hands-on work experience.