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MICHEL Rochat has spent four decades - almost his entire professional life - working in higher education.

But even he would think twice about enrolling in a university today, he declares to The Business Times. Making an argument that epitomises the Swiss approach to skills training, Mr Rochat, 63, insists education must have a practical application.

If students and faculty become out of touch with industry needs, then the education process is worthless, he believes; but if what they learn is relevant to their fields, then their education would be worth top dollar.