Debated in Parliament on 5 May 2026.
Mr Xie Yao Quan asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the presence of a sport in major Games is the primary criterion for its inclusion in the National School Games (NSG); (b) if not, what criteria does the Ministry use to determine which sports to include in the NSG; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider gathering public feedback on broadening the NSG by including this topic in its Education Conversations.
My response will also address the Parliamentary Questions raised by Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh and Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong for subsequent sittings. [Please refer to "Resource Allocation for Sports that Lack Pathways to Major Games but Maintain Significant Student Participation and Developmental Value", Official Report, 7 May 2026, Vol 96, Issue 31, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and "Inclusion in Major Games Influencing Choice of Sports Offered in National School Games and Advisory Role of SportSG and SpexSG", Official Report, 6 May 2026, Vol 96, Issue 30, Written Answers to Questions section.]
The primary objective of physical sports co-curricular activities is to develop our students in character and 21st century competencies through participation in sports. The National School Games (NSG) supports this objective.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) considers several factors when determining the inclusion and retention of sports in the NSG to ensure the sustainability of competitions. This includes students' interest levels, participation patterns of schools, availability of facilities, qualified coaches and officials and the ability of sports associations to support the running of the competitions.
Whether a sport is in the major Games is not a factor. While some NSG athletes might represent Singapore in the Major Games, this is not an objective of the NSG. As the NSG is a part of the national sports ecosystem, MOE works closely with Sport Singapore and Sport Excellence Singapore when considering the inclusion and retention of sports.
For the education conversations, MOE will engage the public and review ideas and suggestions to tackle the "educational arms race" and strengthen holistic development.
PAPERCUTS