Debated in Parliament on 3 Oct 2022.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Education in light of the recent survey by the National Institute of Education on reading habits of Singapore teenagers which found low ownership of books amongst students on the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) (a) what are the Ministry's plans to support students on the FAS to (i) develop good reading habits and (ii) increase their access to reading materials; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider providing digital e-book devices to students that are on the FAS.
To develop positive reading habits in our students and ensure access to reading materials, schools provide a wide range of print and digital reading resources. The school library collections are complemented by digital reading materials hosted on the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) and those from the National Library Board (NLB).
In addition, at the primary level, schools are provided with selections of story books for each class. For older students, the Ministry of Education (MOE) also facilitates their access to the news, including digital resources, to cultivate their interest in current affairs.
Schools have reading programmes within and outside of curriculum time. To support the development of students' reading habit from young, time is set aside in the primary English Language curriculum for extensive reading. Other activities organised by schools include reading festivals and library week. Schools also work with partners like the NLB to promote reading, such as through kidsREAD, where volunteers read to children from lower income families.
All secondary students are equipped with Personal Learning Devices (PLDs) under the National Digital Literacy Programme, allowing students easier access to online reading materials.
For secondary students on the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), MOE will ensure that they are able to have a PLD with zero cash payments required. In addition, students on the MOE FAS can take advantage of Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)'s Home Access programme or NEU PC Plus programme, which enable lower-income households to have affordable Internet access.
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