Education — Topics

2 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head V (Ministry of Trade and Industry)

Singapore's startup ecosystem has grown significantly, with startup numbers rising from 22,000 in 2003 to 43,000 in 2016, and government initiatives like Startup SG and enhanced funding schemes are boosting innovation and global investor interest.
The government is restructuring agencies like the Competition Commission to better protect consumers and support businesses, while balancing pro-enterprise policies with consumer safeguards for both online and offline transactions.
To adapt to economic shifts, Singapore is promoting lifelong learning through SkillsFuture and Professional Conversion Programmes, helping workers, especially PMETs, reskill and transition into growing sectors like healthcare, infocomm, and wholesale trade.
The government is fostering global market expertise through overseas training programmes for students and business leaders, such as the SkillsFuture Young Talent Programme and the new ASEAN Leadership Programme, to help Singaporeans capture opportunities in Asia.
Industry partnerships, employer engagement, and ecosystem support are critical for driving transformation, with companies urged to invest in skills development and international expansion to sustain competitiveness and create local jobs.

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1 Mar 2018

Opening of New Primary and Secondary Schools in Punggol Central and Punggol Way

Sun Xueling asked the Ministry of Education for the timeline for new primary and secondary schools along Punggol Central and Punggol Way to begin student enrolment and operations.
Ng Chee Meng stated that nine primary and three secondary schools already exist in Punggol and announced plans for three new schools to meet demand from new housing developments.
The new schools include a primary and secondary school at Punggol Central and another primary school at Northshore Link, with construction set to start soon.
The Ministry will provide further details on the schools’ opening dates in due course.

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1 Mar 2018

Top Five Industries where Freelancers Venture Into

The top five occupations for freelancers in Singapore are taxi drivers, real estate agents, working proprietors, insurance agents, and private hire car drivers.
The government provides skills training support for freelancers through initiatives like SkillsFuture and Workfare Training Support, which are available to all self-employed persons, not just those in the creative industry.
The Second Minister for Manpower acknowledged the need to intensify outreach efforts for freelancers, especially through associations, to help them access training schemes and avoid skills stagnation.

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1 Mar 2018

Deepening Students' Understanding of ASEAN

The Ministry of Education integrates ASEAN understanding across primary, secondary, and pre-university levels through subjects like Social Studies, History, Geography, and Economics, using age-appropriate case studies and discussions.
Schools enhance ASEAN awareness through events like International Friendship Day, overseas learning journeys, ASEAN-themed forums, and participation in the ASEAN Schools Games.
The Ministry measures student understanding through curriculum-based assessments and considers current regional developments, such as Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship, to engage students further.

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1 Mar 2018

Review Polytechnic Courses to Ensure They Stay Relevant to Industry Needs

The Ministry reviews polytechnic courses annually, with a comprehensive curriculum review every three years, and more frequent reviews for fast-changing sectors like IT
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary declined to disclose the two least popular courses, stating it could disadvantage current students and that popularity metrics vary yearly
In 2017, seven full-time polytechnic courses were retired, partly due to low student interest and partly to better align with industry needs

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27 Feb 2018

Impact of SkillsFuture on Employability of Graduates above Age 40

The Second Minister for Manpower reported that in 2016, about 5,000 PMETs aged 40 and above were retrenched, with roughly one-third finding jobs back in the same industry and the rest in a different industry through programs like Adapt and Grow.
The number of PMETs aged 40 and above who secured jobs through career matching services increased by almost 50% from 2016 to 2017, reaching over 6,000 individuals.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar raised concerns about low awareness of SkillsFuture initiatives beyond the $500 credit, prompting questions on data about public knowledge and plans for increased outreach.
The Second Minister acknowledged SkillsFuture's relative newness and the need for more roadshows and targeted outreach to both individuals and businesses to improve awareness and uptake of its schemes.
The government emphasizes various channels and initiatives under SkillsFuture and Adapt and Grow to support workers in job transitions and skill development, especially for those over 40.

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27 Feb 2018

Tuition Assistance at Relevant Ethnic Self-help Group for Mother Tongue Language

Leon Perera asked whether students could receive tuition assistance from an ethnic self-help group for a Mother Tongue they study, even if they are not from that ethnic group.
The Minister's representative stated that the government does not direct self-help groups, so it is not the Ministry's role to allow or disallow such assistance.
It was noted that students studying any Mother Tongue are eligible for tuition programmes under the Collaborative Tuition Programme, which is jointly organized by the self-help groups.

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27 Feb 2018

False Information Provided to Secure Primary School Places

Darryl David questioned the Ministry of Education (MOE) about the number of parents providing false information to secure primary school places, how such cases are handled, and whether children can remain enrolled after parents are found guilty.
MOE stated that in the past 10 years, fewer than 10 such cases were reported; cases are referred to police for investigation, and if convicted, the child is transferred to another school with available vacancies.
MOE confirmed that counselling and support are provided to the affected child to help them adjust emotionally and educationally in the new school.

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19 Feb 2018

Percentage of Singaporean Mother Tongue Teachers in Preschools

The Minister for Social and Family Development reported that about 75% of early childhood educators capable of teaching Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) and 60% of MTL-specialist educators are locals (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents).
The government has implemented strategies such as specialized MTL tracks in polytechnics, training awards, mid-career support through subsidies and salary grants, and awards to raise the profile of MTL preschool teachers.
The Ministry of Education annually presents the Outstanding Preschool MTL Teacher Award to recognize passionate and dedicated MTL teachers.
Future plans include collaboration with the National Institute for Early Childhood Development to enhance training and career development for MTL teachers.
The Minister did not have a specific breakdown of Singaporean percentages for individual mother tongues and indicated further details would be provided at the Committee of Supply.

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19 Feb 2018

Raising Greater Awareness for Emergency Preparedness and for More to Be Skilled in CPR and First Aid

The Ministry of Home Affairs and MCI use various media platforms, including broadcast, print, and social media, to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and promote life-saving skills like CPR and first aid, featuring stories and campaigns such as the series "It Will Never Happen Here."
As of December 2017, approximately 300,000 households have been engaged through house visits to brief residents on terror threats and SGSecure messages, aiming for at least one prepared citizen per household.
A total of 55 Emergency Preparedness Days have been held to date, with plans to continue rolling them out across Singapore to intensify public outreach efforts.

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19 Feb 2018

Top SkillsFuture Courses and Their Impact on Employability of Participants

The Minister listed the top 10 SkillsFuture courses, which are heavily ICT-focused, with 62,000 claims over two years and 90% of participants being Singaporeans aged 40 and above.
It is difficult to directly attribute job outcomes to the SkillsFuture Credit scheme, but its primary goal is to foster a lifelong learning mindset, while other targeted programmes monitor job placement results.
The approach to course eligibility for SkillsFuture Credit is broad and bottom-up, allowing individuals to choose from around 20,000 courses to encourage personal skill development, unlike more curated programmes.

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19 Feb 2018

Criteria to Determine Childcare and Preschool Subsidies

The Government provides universal Basic Subsidies of $150–$300 per month for Singapore Citizen children, with Additional Subsidies for working mothers in households with income thresholds of $7,500 or $1,875 per capita, and further support through schemes like KiFAS for kindergartens.
Childcare and preschool affordability is supported by fee caps for operators, the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, Child Development Account co-savings, and a growing share of market-stabilising Government-supported preschools.
Subsidy criteria were last reviewed in 2013 for childcare and 2015 for kindergarten assistance, with ongoing reviews of all measures to maintain affordability and quality.
For non-working or part-time working mothers, the Government offers half-day kindergarten options and considers case-by-case exemptions for childcare support based on individual circumstances such as health or caregiving obligations.

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19 Feb 2018

Long-term Monitoring of Children and Youths who Have Experienced Sudden Death of Peers

Schools immediately identify and support affected students through teachers and counsellors, with ongoing monitoring and coping strategies taught to students and peers.
If distress persists, students are referred to school counsellors or medical professionals for further follow-up, with counsellors trained in grief and loss support.
Principals provide teachers with key information about the incident and guide them on handling student reactions, addressing queries, and countering misinformation to better support children and youths.

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19 Feb 2018

Invitation of Members of Parliament to School Events

Leon Perera questioned whether Ministry rules prohibit inviting MPs from any party or Nominated MPs to speak at school events, and whether this includes Ministers and officeholders.
The Senior Minister of State clarified that schools cannot be used for partisan politics and do not invite MPs or political parties to speak, emphasizing that all political representatives are excluded from speaking in their political capacity.
Perera argued that allowing only government officeholders to engage with students while excluding opposition or Nominated MPs could hinder students' exposure to diverse political views and critical thinking.
The Senior Minister of State rejected this framing, stating that the intent is to keep partisan politics out of schools and that if Perera wishes to advocate for political debates in schools, he should make that case separately.

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6 Feb 2018

Apps and other Technology in Parent-Teacher Communications

Most schools use smartphone apps or online platforms to communicate with parents to increase efficiency and convenience, given high technology access in Singapore.
Schools recognize that some parents may lack smartphones or computer access or prefer alternative methods, so they use complementary channels like letters, handbooks, phone calls, and in-person meetings.
The approach aims to ensure inclusiveness while leveraging technology to strengthen school-home partnerships.

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6 Feb 2018

Compulsory CPR Training to All Secondary School Students

Joan Pereira proposed making CPR training compulsory for all secondary school students to increase the number of certified first-aiders in the community.
Ng Chee Meng clarified that CPR and AED training has been part of the Physical Education curriculum for Secondary 1 students since 2017.
He also noted that CPR is already a compulsory component in specific Uniformed Groups like Red Cross Youth, St John Brigade, and National Civil Defence Cadet Corps.

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6 Feb 2018

Public Education for Safe Use of Personal Mobility Devices

The Land Transport Authority and Singapore Road Safety Council have launched the Safe Riding Programme to teach safe practices, infrastructure use, and rules for bicycles, e-bikes, and PMDs.
The programme is not compulsory in schools but is being offered in institutions with cycling modules or interest groups, and is also promoted through videos and community venues.
The Government is working with various agencies and organizations to expand the programme's reach to community clubs, dormitories, and shopping malls.

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6 Feb 2018

Manpower Gaps in Quantum Computing, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

The Prime Minister acknowledged growing demand for data analytics, AI, and nascent quantum computing skills in Singapore's financial sector, with over 20 financial institutions establishing innovation labs, but noted a talent shortage as the key bottleneck.
To address this, the Monetary Authority of Singapore is prioritizing local upskilling through a $27 million grant, new learning modules via the Institute of Banking and Finance, and expanded courses with Institutes of Higher Learning, though building local talent takes time.
While developing local capabilities, Singapore plans to complement them by attracting international experts through the Capability Transfer Programme, working with the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore to ensure a favorable environment for foreign talent.

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6 Feb 2018

Public Utilities (Amendment) Bill

The Public Utilities (Amendment) Bill introduces a new licensing scheme for both water service and sanitary plumbers to ensure competence and prevent cross-contamination in increasingly complex plumbing systems, with a six-month transition period for existing plumbers to qualify.
The bill expands the regulatory scope of drinking water quality to cover all water provided free of charge in the course of business, granting officers enhanced powers to investigate water quality incidents.
Concerns were raised about older plumbers facing challenges with language barriers, course costs, and the transition timeline, with the Ministry assuring support through flexible assessments, financial subsidies, and case-by-case assistance.
The new licensed plumber scheme aims to protect public health by ensuring only qualified professionals carry out critical plumbing works, while unlicensed plumbers can still perform simple, non-critical tasks.

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6 Feb 2018

Adjustment to Textbooks and Curriculum to De-emphasis Academic Outcomes in Schools

The Ministry of Education has a broad-based national curriculum focused on holistic education, strong fundamentals, engaged learning, and future readiness, with textbooks designed to support overall development rather than just exam preparation.
MOE is moving towards a more flexible and diverse education system, with teachers reminded to avoid over-testing and over-teaching, and support provided to ensure assessments match students' learning needs.
Parents expressed concerns that the curriculum may be too demanding, leading to early tuition reliance, and questioned if the pace and content are appropriate for young learners.
The Ministry reassured that it continually reviews the curriculum to balance academic outcomes with holistic development and is mindful of varying student needs and abilities.
Examples include integrating non-examined aspects like science ethics and field trips into learning to foster well-rounded competencies beyond test scores.

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