Assessment of the Council for Private Education on Optimal Number and Quality of Private Education Institutes

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Education (a) what is the assessment of the Council for Private Education (CPE) on the optimal number and quality of private education institutes (PEIs) that can be supported in Singapore given our limited local talent pool and physical space; and (b) whether the CPE will work with the PEIs to conduct a local market test to hire Singaporeans for academic and support roles.

Under the Private Education Act, private education institutions (PEIs) are required to meet minimum standards in areas, such as corporate governance and administration, teacher qualifications and information disclosure, before they obtain registration from the CPE. The CPE will continue to review existing regulations to ensure their effectiveness in safeguarding the quality of education provision by PEIs.

As of 31 December 2012, there were 332 registered PEIs, about the same number as a year ago. There is no optimal or target number of providers. The size of the private education industry is market-driven, and depends on several factors, including consumer demand for private education, and the PEIs' ability to meet stipulated standards.

The PEIs make their own hiring decisions. The majority of administrative and teaching staff in the PEIs are Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

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