Ensuring Safety of Students as They Travel Overseas for Regional Exposure Given Conflicts and Economic Instability Globally

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Education given rising conflicts and economic instability around the world (a) how does this impact the Global Education Programme; and (b) what is being done to ensure students' safety and continued access to regional exposure as well as work and study opportunities.

Student safety is paramount for all our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). In planning for overseas programmes, including those under the Global Education Programme, the IHLs take into account MFA's and other international travel advisories, and feedback from their industry and other partners.

Should IHLs assess that the planned overseas destination is unsafe or no longer suitable for other reasons, they will make alternative plans, such as changing the destination or postponing the programme until the situation in the host country stabilises. Where necessary, the IHL will cancel the programme. For example, ITE recently cancelled programmes to Hong Kong due to on-going street protests which turned violent.

All IHL students bound for overseas programmes are also required to attend pre-trip briefings on safety precautions and what to expect during their visits. The briefing covers important aspects such as mandatory e-registration with MFA, travel insurance coverage, and various emergency assistance hotlines.

Should an overseas emergency occur, all IHLs have crisis management plans that will kick into place to protect students as much as possible and keep parents updated of the situation. If necessary, IHLs also engage international service providers to provide emergency medical assistance and evacuation.