Criteria for Edusave Character Awards (ECHA)

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Education in respect of the Edusave Character Awards (ECHA) (a) what are the criteria, if any, to aid schools to decide on the top 2% of Singaporean students at each level; (b) how does the Ministry ensure that schools will apply these criteria fairly and equitably and if there is a mechanism for overseeing or reviewing the school's decision; (c) if the Ministry will create a similar ECHA for non-Singaporean students; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider removing the 2% quota and let schools have absolute discretion to award the ECHA to all deserving students regardless of nationality.

The Edusave Character Award (ECHA) aims to recognise Singaporean students in each school who are exemplary in character and who can inspire others as role models. This is to send a clear and strong signal of the importance that MOE places on character and values, on par with achievements in the academic domain which are already recognised via various Edusave Awards. This is also aligned with MOE's focus on providing a broad and holistic education for all our students.

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ECHA recipients are selected based on school-based criteria which take into account the profile of students in each school. These criteria are based on guidelines provided by MOE HQ. Students are identified for consistently demonstrating civic responsibility, resilience, values and character traits that the school wishes to recognise and encourage. To provide clarity in the selection process, the school-based criteria are communicated to stakeholders, such as the School Advisory/Management Committees, staff, parents and students. The different stakeholders are also involved in the selection process to provide a diversity of perspectives and to enhance robustness of the process.

MOE has been collecting feedback from schools on the criteria and implementation of ECHA. Based on inputs from schools, the 2% quota is reasonable, as it ensures that only the most deserving students in each school are recognised. MOE will continue to monitor the implementation of ECHA, including the appropriateness of this quota.

ECHA, similar to other Edusave Awards, is intended to recognise and reward Singaporean students only.