"Is This a Zoo?" Singapore University Becomes a Hotspot, Struggling with Chinese Tourists

"Classroom Intrusion and Unrestricted Use of Free Shuttle"
Singapore National University and Nanyang Technological University Implement Restriction Measures

Famous universities in Singapore are struggling due to the influx of Chinese tourists. This phenomenon occurred as these prestigious institutions became popular tourist spots because of their reputation and attractive campus scenery. When students expressed discomfort, saying they were "being observed like animals in a zoo," the universities took action.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently reported that the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have introduced various measures related to Chinese tourists. While Singaporean universities had previously opened their campuses to the public, they have now implemented measures to manage the influx of tourists.

The National University of Singapore restricted its internal shuttle buses to students and staff only. NTU requires travel agencies to submit visit plans and pay an entrance fee after booking. Additionally, NTU limited the areas accessible to tourists and strictly enforced these restrictions. NTU stated that these measures resulted in no significant increase in tourists during the Chinese Golden Week holiday in October and that further measures will be introduced ahead of another peak tourist season in January next year.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus view in Singapore (Photo by Nanyang Technological University SNS)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus view in Singapore (Photo by Nanyang Technological University SNS)

Singaporean universities took these steps because Chinese tourists not only roam the campuses but also intrude into classrooms and take photos with students and professors as backgrounds, causing discomfort. WSJ reported, "The reason students cannot concentrate in class is not due to mobile devices, social networking services (SNS), or campus rumors, but because of the crowds of Chinese tourists."

Sean Tam, a mechanical engineering major at NTU, said that due to the crowds of Chinese tourists, students prefer to use public transportation instead of the free shuttle bus, and avoid using the campus cafeteria from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. He also mentioned an incident where a Chinese tourist suddenly cut in line on the free shuttle bus, causing a collision.

Benjamin Liu, a senior psychology student at NTU, told WSJ, "Tourists are abusing the fact that the campus is open to the public. We had believed that the public would not misuse our facilities, but tourists did not show respectful behavior." Another graduate said, "Most of them did not hesitate to take photos or videos, making us feel like animals being observed in a zoo."

WSJ explained that the influx of Chinese tourists to Singaporean universities is a relatively recent development. The situation arose as recommendations of Singaporean universities as tourist destinations increased significantly on Chinese SNS. Chinese travel agencies also focused on NTU as part of Singapore tour packages, attracting parents planning trips to Singapore with their children.

WSJ reported, "In December last year, Singapore signed a 30-day visa exemption agreement with China, allowing Chinese nationals to enter without a visa." Both the National University of Singapore and NTU took action before this measure began in February this year and are expected to introduce additional measures in the future.