Education — Topics

3 Jul 2017

Students Taking Polytechnic Route to University

Dr. Lee Bee Wah inquired about the trend of students entering polytechnics versus junior colleges, the percentage of polytechnic graduates admitted to local universities, and plans to increase university places for polytechnic students.
The Minister for Education reported that over the past three years, about 47% of Primary 1 cohort students entered polytechnics, while 28% entered junior colleges.
The ratio of polytechnic graduates admitted to universities increased from 23 per 100 in 2014 to 25 per 100, reflecting expansion in university places, though exact figures for recent cohorts are delayed due to National Service or work commitments.
University admissions are based on merit and open competition, regardless of the educational route taken.
The government continues to adjust university places in line with student interest and quality, but no specific new plans for polytechnic students were detailed.

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3 Jul 2017

Steps to Retrain Workers with Requisite Skills to Secure Jobs in Next 10 Years

The government will expand training options through Post-Secondary Education Institutions and launch the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme to build digital literacy and a mindset for innovation.
Initiatives like MySkillsFuture and SkillsFuture Engage will be introduced to provide an online portal and community-level guidance for career and training decisions.
Efforts will be made to expand Professional Conversion Programmes, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore, to help mid-career workers move into new sectors.

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3 Jul 2017

Measures to Ensure Students Are Relevant to Future Economy on Graduation

The Ministry of Education and post-secondary education institutions collaborate closely with industries to regularly update curricula and teaching methods, ensuring graduates possess relevant knowledge and skills for the workforce.
A strong emphasis is placed on balancing academic learning with practical skills through internships, work-learn apprenticeship programmes, and increased industry involvement in teaching.
Education and career guidance efforts are strengthened to help students make informed career decisions, supported by resources and aptitude-based admissions.
Institutions are required to measure and publish annual graduate employment outcomes, with this requirement now extended to private degree-granting institutions.
Continuous skills upgrading is encouraged post-graduation through expanded short courses and lifelong learning opportunities to maintain relevance in a changing economy.

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3 Jul 2017

Proportion of Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Foreigners at Local Autonomous Universities

Leon Perera requested detailed data on the proportions of Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and foreigners at local autonomous universities from 2011 to 2016, broken down by undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Ong Ye Kung emphasized that university places are prioritized for Singaporeans, with international students making up no more than 15% of the undergraduate intake and Permanent Residents about 5% over the past five years.
At the postgraduate level, nationality proportions are not planned but depend on applications, with Singaporeans comprising about 32%, Permanent Residents 5%, and international students 63% on average.

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3 Jul 2017

Introduction of GCE "O" Level Computing Subject in all Secondary Schools

The Ministry of Education is increasing the number of secondary schools offering GCE "O" Level Computing, with plans to expand from 19 schools to 23 by 2018, based on monitoring student demand.
The Ministry prioritizes lower secondary exposure through enrichment activities like the Applied Learning Programme and IMDA’s "Code for Fun" and infocomm clubs, rather than introducing a formal subject due to limited curriculum time.
Computing is not a prerequisite for polytechnic or university courses in the field, so students without the subject are not disadvantaged in further education pathways.

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3 Jul 2017

CPF Education Scheme for Part-time Diploma or Degree Courses at Approved Educational Institutions

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked whether the CPF Education Scheme could be expanded to cover part-time diploma or degree courses at approved institutions.
The Ministry of Manpower explained that CPF is primarily for retirement, with limited uses for housing and healthcare, and the current scheme only covers full-time subsidised courses.
The Ministry highlighted concerns about expanding CPF usage to part-time courses due to the need to protect retirement savings, given increasing life expectancy.
For financial support with part-time studies, alternatives such as Tuition Fee Loans, Study Loans, and MOE subsidies or bursaries are available to cover tuition fees.

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3 Jul 2017

Employment Passes and S Passes Issued to Applicants with Certificates from Degree Mills and Unaccredited Schools

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Ministry of Manpower for the number of Employment Passes and S Passes issued to applicants with certificates from degree mills or unaccredited schools from 2014 to date.
Lim Swee Say responded that until July 2015, applications with qualifications from unaccredited institutions were disregarded, requiring applicants to meet stricter experience and salary criteria; 310 passes were issued in 2014 and 190 in the first half of 2015 under this system.
Since July 2015, the Ministry of Manpower no longer accepts new Employment Pass or S Pass applications containing any doubtful qualifications.

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3 Jul 2017

Infusing Technology Subjects in Current School Education System

The Ministry currently offers technology subjects like Design and Technology and Computing in secondary schools, with some being compulsory for certain student tracks and others as electives.
The curriculum focuses on foundational skills such as problem-solving and computational thinking, with subjects regularly updated to reflect technological advancements.
Due to limited curriculum time, the Ministry promotes coding through enrichment programs and co-curricular activities rather than making it a compulsory subject for all secondary students.

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3 Jul 2017

Civil Lawsuits against Principals and Teachers

Dr Tan Wu Meng inquired about civil lawsuits against school principals and teachers over the past three years, including the number, proportion initiated by students or parents, reasons cited, and whether the Ministry provides legal aid or professional liability insurance.
The Minister responded that such lawsuits are rare, with only two cases in the past three years, one initiated by a parent against a principal over a confiscated mobile phone.
Educators facing lawsuits may receive legal representation through the Attorney-General's Chambers, government-funded legal aid, or lawyers engaged by their school.

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3 Jul 2017

Starting School Later to Allow Students to Sleep More

The Ministry of Education has incorporated sleep hygiene and self-management skills into the Primary School Physical Education curriculum since 2014 and plans to include similar education in Secondary School Physical Education.
Recent local studies show that delaying school start times resulted in only a marginal increase of about 20 minutes of sleep, with surveys indicating students often spend time on social media and online activities before bed.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of parental involvement in inculcating good sleeping habits and routines in children from a young age.
The Ministry will continue to work with schools to monitor curriculum and homework load in relation to student sleep and well-being.

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3 Jul 2017

Drop-out Rates at Polytechnics

Over the past five years, an average of 5% of each polytechnic cohort withdrew from their courses, with case-by-case evaluations for re-admission based on individual circumstances.
Polytechnics allow dropouts to apply for re-admission through the Direct Admissions Exercise, with about 40% of the 950 annual applicants successfully re-enrolled over the last five years.
The government emphasizes aptitude-based admissions and enhanced career guidance to help students pursue courses aligned with their passions and strengths.

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3 Jul 2017

Inter-Ministerial Committee to Enhance Outreach Efforts to Smokers on Smoking Hazards

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if there is an inter-Ministerial committee to enhance outreach efforts to educate smokers about smoking hazards.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that there is no formal inter-Ministerial committee, but the Ministry of Health collaborates with agencies like the Health Promotion Board, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Defence on anti-smoking education and cessation programmes.
The Health Promotion Board runs initiatives such as school curriculum integration, student counselling, community and workplace roadshows, and the "I Quit" programme, reaching tens of thousands annually.
Graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging have been mandated since 2004 and are regularly updated to remain effective.
The government will continue to press on with anti-smoking public education and inter-agency collaboration where needed.

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3 Jul 2017

Blacklisting Training Providers Who Profiteer from SkillsFuture Programme

Ms Chia Yong Yong asked whether the government monitors and blacklists training providers who profiteer from the SkillsFuture programme by marking up course fees, and sought the number identified and blacklisted.
Ong Ye Kung responded that SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) works with reputable providers and ensures course fees are reasonable through industry benchmarks and competition among over 650 private training providers.
SSG enforces against profiteering and has suspended 17 organisations since 2016 for serious breaches like false declarations of trainee eligibility or course fees.

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3 Jul 2017

Students Identified by Counsellors or Teachers to be Vulnerable to Extremist Propaganda

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Ministry of Education (MOE) about the number of students identified as vulnerable to extremist propaganda in the past two years, the actions taken to help them, and plans to forewarn students about online radicalism.
MOE collaborates with the Ministry of Home Affairs to take a precautionary approach, providing counselling support and close monitoring for students showing signs of influence from extremist propaganda.
The ministry educates students through the curriculum in Social Studies and Character and Citizenship Education, emphasizing cyber wellness and information literacy to make them more discerning about online content.
Parents are encouraged to guide and monitor their children's online activities to instill right values, and schools partner with parents and the community to detect and support vulnerable students early.
All parties, including schools, teachers, parents, and the wider community, play a role in safeguarding Singapore's social fabric against radicalisation and extremism.

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3 Jul 2017

School Counselling for Students on "Performance-enhancement" Substances

Darryl David queried the Ministry of Education on the measures schools and tertiary institutions take to counsel students using modafinil or methylphenidate for performance enhancement.
Ng Chee Meng outlined that schools and post-secondary education institutions are enhancing education on the side effects and consequences of such substances while promoting responsible decision-making.
Teachers help students manage performance expectations through goal-setting based on sound values, and counsellors are trained to explore positive strategies for academic performance.
Peer support groups are equipped to identify and assist classmates with unhealthy behaviours, and schools collaborate with parents to detect misuse and refer students for counselling or support.

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3 Jul 2017

Criteria for Merging Schools and Junior Colleges

MOE explains that school and JC mergers are driven by declining student populations, with 32 mergers announced since 2015 to maintain viable educational offerings, ensure geographical access, and preserve school heritage, though further mergers may be needed in the coming decade.
The Ministry outlines that JC mergers consider factors like student enrolment, geographical spread, and compatibility, focusing on non-IP Government JCs due to governance complexities, and assures that all JC-eligible students will secure a place despite reduced options.
MOE details support for affected staff, including redeployment without retrenchment, training for new roles, and engagement with unions, while acknowledging the emotional impact on students, staff, and alumni but emphasizing the need to prioritize educational quality and future student needs.

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8 May 2017

Programmes to Teach Students to Discern Fake News

Pritam Singh asked whether there are programmes to teach students to discern fake news, how they are designed and rolled out, and if not, whether there are plans with a specific timeline.
The Ministry of Education develops information literacy as part of 21st-century competencies, infusing it into subjects like English, History, and Social Studies where students critically evaluate sources and cross-check information.
Information literacy is also taught in the Cyber Wellness syllabus under Character and Citizenship Education, with resources provided to teachers and parents to address online misinformation and scams.

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8 May 2017

First-Year JC Enrolment for 2013-2017 and Projected Enrolment for 2019

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Education (Schools) about the enrolment of first-year junior college students for 2013-2017 and the projected enrolment for 2019.
The number of first-year junior college students from 2013 to 2017 decreased due to falling birth rates, except for a rise in 2017 corresponding to the 2000 dragon year cohort.
The projected enrolment for first-year junior college students for 2019 is about 12,800.

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8 May 2017

Percentage of International Students Studying in Government Schools, Colleges, Polytechnics and ITEs

Ong Teng Koon asked the Minister for Education (Schools) for the percentage of international students in Singapore’s government-run educational institutions, including primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics, and Institutes of Technical Education (ITE).
The Minister, Ng Chee Meng, responded that international students constitute approximately 5% of total enrolment across national schools (primary, secondary, and junior colleges).
In post-secondary institutions, international students make up about 1% of full-time students in ITE and less than 10% in polytechnics.
The figures indicate that international student presence is more pronounced at the secondary and junior college levels compared to primary schools and technical institutes.
The data underscores the varying concentrations of international students across different tiers of Singapore’s education system.

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8 May 2017

Fees Charged to International Students Studying in Government Schools, Colleges, Polytechnics and ITEs

Ong Teng Koon questioned whether international students' fees in government educational institutions cover the full cost of the education system or only direct operating costs.
Ng Chee Meng stated that fees are differentiated by nationality, with international students paying the highest fees to reflect the privileges of citizenship, though they are not necessarily set at the total cost of running the programs.
The fees for international students also consider factors such as the diversity they bring and the cross-cultural benefits they offer to Singaporean and permanent resident students.

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