Debated in Parliament on 24 Feb 2021.
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Education (a) given that travel remains unlikely, what are the plans for students from institutes of higher learning to gain global exposure; and (b) whether there are any changes to the "70-70 target" under the Global Ready Talent Programme whereby the aim is for 70% of students to gain overseas exposure and the Government provides 70% funding for the allowances or salaries of students undertaking internships in Singaporean companies based overseas.
To enhance students’ overseas exposure and strengthen their understanding and appreciation for our region, MOE’s "70-70" initiative aims for 70% of local institutes of higher learning (IHL) students to have some form of overseas exposure, and 70% of these students to have exposure to ASEAN countries, China or India (ACI).
In view of the ongoing pandemic, the IHLs have temporarily suspended all overseas placements and exchanges to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. In lieu of overseas trips, the IHLs are leveraging virtual platforms to promote educational exchanges and conferences. Some have also offered remote internships with overseas partner institutions and companies. In Academic Year 2020, more than 13,400 such opportunities were available for our IHL students. These help to provide students with opportunities to interact with peers and companies overseas and strengthen their cross-cultural skills while remaining in Singapore.
"70-70" remains MOE’s long-term aspirational target for overseas exposure opportunities for our IHL students. MOE will continue to monitor the global COVID-19 situation closely, and work with the IHLs to explore when we can safely resume these programmes overseas. The IHLs will continue to tap on various sources of funding to support such initiatives, including the Enterprise Singapore (ESG)’s Global Ready Talent Programme (GRT), which provides up to 70% of funding support for overseas internships in ACI countries.
PAPERCUTS