Debated in Parliament on 5 Aug 2026.
Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry is aware if companies barred by one Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) for mistreating student interns are automatically debarred from participating in internship programmes at other IHLs; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider establishing a centralised cross-IHL mechanism to prevent such companies from simply moving to another IHL to participate in internship programmes.
Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Education (a) whether students undergoing school-mandated internships, who are not typically covered by the Employment Act and the Workplace Injury Compensation Act, have any statutory protection against excessive working hours, workplace abuse and injury; and (b) if not, what recourse is available to them.
My response will address the matters raised by Members in Oral Question Nos 112 and 113, as well as Written Question No 40 in today's Order Paper. [Please refer to "Extending Workplace Protections to Students on Course-Required Internships Not Covered by Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act", Official Report, 5 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 34, Written Answers to Questions section.]
Internship arrangements can be considered a contract of service or contract for service, depending on the nature of the internship. The Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act provide employment protections for all employees, including interns, engaged under a contract of service.
The Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) work closely with companies offering mandatory internships to provide a safe learning environment for their students. For example, IHLs set clear expectations for participating companies, including workplace safety, recommended allowance ranges and maximum working hours. Students are also informed of appropriate channels in their IHLs to seek assistance on any concerns faced during the internship. In response to student feedback, IHLs may visit the student on-site and conduct regular check-ins to ensure his or her safety and well-being.
The IHLs also provide insurance coverage for all students on mandatory internships.
The IHLs have barred companies from taking on subsequent student interns for reasons, such as excessive working hours, workplace abuse and unsafe work environments. Some IHLs already share such information with their counterparts. The Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with IHLs to safeguard the well-being of student interns.
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