SINGAPORE – Autonomous universities such as the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) are generally expected to follow government standard contracting terms but have “a much broader leeway to depart or set their own terms”, said Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah on Nov 5.

Ms Indranee was responding in Parliament to Mr Ang Wei Neng (West Coast-Jurong West GRC), who had raised concerns about clauses in government contracts such as contractors having to take on unlimited liability regardless of contract value.

Mr Ang also cited limited payments during the project, which can cause contractors – especially small- and medium-sized enterprises – issues with cash flow, as well as unlimited design changes without additional payment.

Mr Ang’s questions come after the Singapore Institute of Architects

flagged “unfair clauses” in an SUSS tender for its new Rochor campus

These clauses include “unlimited design changes post-award with no additional fees and unlimited liability”, said the institute’s president Tiah Nan Chyuan in a LinkedIn post on Sept 25.

In response, SUSS said the tender was developed “in line with current industry standards”, adding that the university is “committed to fair, transparent and responsible procurement practices”.

On Nov 5, Ms Indranee said there is a distinction between SUSS and the Government.

“Autonomous universities are independent corporate entities and not government agencies, and this gives them the autonomy to handle operational and corporate service matters according to their own policies and procedures,” she said.

“Nevertheless, autonomous universities are expected to adhere to fundamental procurement principles &nda...