Singapore and Korea take the Lead in new QS University Rankings: Asia

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The rankings reflect a swing in the balance of power, as Singapore and Korea overtake the traditionally dominant Japan and Hong Kong.

NUS's success is mirrored by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which climbs to 7^th, its highest ever position. Korea's KAIST climbs from sixth to second place, while Seoul National University (4^th) and Postech (9^th) also make the top 10.

Thirteen of the Chinese top 20 institutions have improved their position this year. Peking University slips three places to 7^th, while Tsinghua University remains 14^th.  India's ranked institutions rise to 17 from just 11 last year yet seven of its top eight institutions drop. IIT Delhi is the top performer at 38^th.

Last year's number one institution, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology drops to 5^th. 2011 table-topper Hong Kong University drops one place to third, making this the first time in the rankings' history that a Hong Kong university has not topped the table. Japan'sUniversity of Tokyo falls to 10^th, its lowest ever position.

"These rankings confirm the emergence of Singapore and Korea as the region's new major players, denting the dominance of Hong Kong and Japan," says QS head of research Ben Sowter. "Both NUS and KAIST have benefitted from major government investment in research, while operating in English has helped them attain new levels of global engagement."

NUS and NTU are currently benefitting from a S$16.1 billion government scheme to improve their performance in science, technology and innovation, while Korea now spends 3.6% of its GDP on research and development, among the highest in the OECD.

Other top performers by country: