Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung unveiled a pilot co-operative programme at The Straits Times Education Forum 2016 on Saturday (Jun 25). Under the programme, university students can alternate between the university campus and the company every semester. They can also be hired by the company and get an income throughout their course. Mr Ong noted that this change serves to recognise the increasing need for students to possess both soft skills and deep technical skills for the future economy. He also highlighted the need for universities to be diverse in expertise so they can fulfill their core mission – to impart skills, create and transmit knowledge, as well as to shape and define society. About 250 people attended the forum, organised by The Straits Times and SMU.