Education — Topics

9 Jan 2017

Issues Surfaced through Suara Musyawarah Exercise

The Suara Musyawarah Committee, formed in 2012, has progressed on recommendations in education, youth, family, and service delivery, with ongoing community engagement for new ideas.
MENDAKI has strengthened educational support through preschool resources, tuition programmes, and youth leadership initiatives, while MUIS expanded Islamic education and financial aid for needy families.
Key pending actions include enhancing the MENDAKI Leadership Incubator with a mentoring scheme and continuing efforts to increase Islamic education reach and community outreach through satellite centres.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 Nov 2016

Policy on Students Getting Hurt on School Premises

The Ministry prioritizes student safety through proactive measures like regular infrastructure checks and teaching safety skills, with a tiered response for injuries ranging from first aid for minor cases to ambulance and hospital transport for serious ones, all covered by school-purchased accident insurance.
The insurance covers medical expenses for injuries during school activities and CCAs, but coverage duration and portability post-graduation are case-specific; the Ministry urges flagging unique cases for individual assistance.
Coverage extends to incidents during school-related interactions, even if not formal CCAs, with the Ministry assessing each incident's nature to determine insurance applicability and emphasizing protection for students.
The Ministry assures ongoing support for students’ recovery and claims processes, working with insurance companies while cautioning that blanket coverage statements are avoided in favor of incident-specific evaluations.
The debate underscores a commitment to student welfare, with policies designed to address injuries comprehensively while maintaining flexibility for diverse scenarios on school premises.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Incidence of Preschool Centres Allowing Staff to Start Work before Passing Pre-employment Medical Screening

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of schools and childcare centres allowing staff to start work before passing pre-employment medical screening over the past three years and the actions taken against them.
Under the Child Care Centres Act and Education Act, staff must obtain medical clearances before commencing work, and the Early Childhood Development Agency requires centres to declare compliance and conducts random checks.
Over the past three years, one childcare centre was found to have allowed a teacher to work before obtaining medical clearance, leading to a warning letter, a short probationary licence, and increased supervision.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Students affected by GCE "O" Level Maths Exam Mix-up

The Minister explained that the mix-up occurred when 73 Secondary 5 Normal (Academic) students from two schools were registered under the wrong syllabus code, causing them to take the new Mathematics syllabus Paper 1 instead of the old one.
Immediate corrective actions were taken to ensure the affected students sat for the correct Paper 2 the following day, and the schools have since tightened their examination registration checks to prevent recurrence.
The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board is working to ensure fair assessment for the 70 affected students by considering their preliminary exam performance, overall Mathematics results, and cohort performance.
The Minister emphasized that this was a rare and isolated incident, and steps are being taken to ensure fairness and prevent future errors.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Promotion of Collaborative Tripartism through National Education Curriculum

Ms K Thanaletchimi suggested including collaborative tripartism in the National Education curriculum to better preserve and promulgate it.
The Ministry of Education stated that students already learn about tripartism through subjects like History, Economics, Character and Citizenship Education, and Social Studies, with ongoing curriculum reviews to enhance this.
Follow-up questions highlighted that tertiary students can gain firsthand experience of tripartism through attachments to organizations like the Singapore National Employers Federation and related agencies.
The Minister confirmed specific programs, such as one between Temasek Polytechnic and the Singapore National Employers Federation, provide practical exposure to tripartite institutions and activities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Nov 2016

Treatment of Private PSLE Candidates in Secondary School Posting Exercise

Zainal Sapari questioned why private PSLE candidates are treated differently in the Secondary One Posting Exercise, asking for data on those not placed in first-choice schools and whether the policy aligns with meritocracy.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that the posting exercise is only for students from national primary schools, and private candidates are not included but can be facilitated into mainstream schools based on vacancies, academic merit, and school choices.
MOE informed parents through its website and relevant bodies that private candidates are ineligible for the posting exercise, and about 20 such students annually are assisted, with most placed in their chosen schools.
Zainal Sapari urged a policy review to ensure meritocracy and equal opportunities for private candidates, fearing some may miss better schools despite good results.
The Parliamentary Secretary reiterated the policy remains unchanged, emphasizing that facilitation considers academic needs and available vacancies, and that most students have been accommodated in their preferred schools.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Training and Help for Teachers to Cope with Stress

The Ministry provides schools with resources like a Parent Engagement Guide and training for teachers on parent engagement, with school leaders offering guidance or direct intervention in parent-teacher disputes.
Measures such as work allocation support, regular resource reviews, and protected vacation time are in place to manage teachers' work-related stress, and teachers are encouraged to discuss workload concerns with supervisors.
Dedicated MOH professional counsellors offer individual counselling and conduct workshops for teachers on stress management and difficult conversations to support their psychological well-being.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Teachers who Offer Tuition Services Outside School Hours

Seah Kian Peng asked the Ministry of Education how many teachers give tuition after school hours.
MOE does not currently track the number of teachers providing tuition.
Teachers are allowed to give private tuition outside school hours, up to six hours a week, as long as it does not affect their work.
MOE is considering options to collect regular information on such tuition activities to ensure teachers' duties are not compromised.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Defined Route for Foreign Medical Graduates who Take Singapore's Qualifying Examinations

The Ministry of Health stated that Singaporeans who are foreign medical graduates from unlisted overseas schools must apply to the Singapore Medical Council to sit for the Qualifying Examination, with no preparatory programmes offered by NUS or hospitals, though an information package is provided.
Candidates who pass the examination can practise under provisional qualification and are encouraged to apply directly to healthcare clusters for clinical attachments to familiarise themselves with the local system.
The Ministry noted that preparatory requirements vary by individual and therefore does not offer structured programmes, while NUS’s examination package includes curriculum extracts and past papers for preparation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

SkillsFuture Credits for Overseas Courses Not Available through Singapore Training Providers

Dennis Tan asked if SkillsFuture Credits could be used for overseas courses not available locally, especially for high-value skills with scarce local training providers.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that overseas courses are generally excluded due to quality and audit challenges, but highlighted alternatives like overseas-institution partnerships and online courses through platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
The Ministry welcomes suggestions for industry-relevant overseas courses and will evaluate them, while maintaining a review process for course relevance and quality assurance.
Dennis Tan inquired about study awards for overseas courses and suggested a reimbursement model for professional certifications, with the Ministry agreeing to consider specific cases and collaborate with professional bodies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

SkillsFuture-equivalent Scheme for Singaporeans Aged under 25

The Parliamentary Secretary outlined that Singaporeans under 30 can use their Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) to fund approved extra-curricular training and enrichment courses, including skills-based modules and WSQ courses, with regular reviews to expand options.
Dr. Tan Wu Meng asked if the Ministry would comment on creating more stacked educational modules to help young people transition smoothly into adult education.
The Parliamentary Secretary reassured that young Singaporeans already have access to various SkillsFuture initiatives, such as internships and the Earn and Learn Programme, ensuring a seamless pathway from education to skills training.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Entry Criteria for Dental Surgery Assistants Switching to Nursing Career

The Minister acknowledged the interest of Dental Surgery Assistants (DSAs) in switching to nursing but noted the different skillsets, so current policy does not allow module exemptions or advance standing for DSAs entering nursing programs.
Realistic pathways for DSAs include starting with an ITE Certificate in nursing to become Enrolled Nurses, then progressing to a polytechnic diploma for Registered Nurse status, with alternative yardsticks like job performance considered alongside academic criteria.
The Minister emphasized open accessibility and lifelong learning under SkillsFuture, committing to work with institutions to recognize skills and experience beyond academic qualifications for adult learners.
Ms Thanaletchimi requested clarification on making nursing upgrade programs modular to accommodate full-time workers, seeking bridging options within Professional Conversion Programmes.
The Minister responded that modular training is a key direction for lifelong learning, and while nursing requires some full-time dedication, efforts will be made to explore modular options within professional requirements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Nov 2016

Success Rates of Government Career Assistance Schemes

The Adapt and Grow initiative helped 6,400 PMETs find jobs in the first three quarters, with specific support through the Career Support Programme, Professional Conversion Programme, and P-Max Programme yielding hundreds to thousands of placements.
The government is expanding the Professional Conversion Programme to cover over 50 sectors by year-end and expects to support more than 1,000 PMETs annually, while the Career Support Programme provides wage subsidies for a year to address expectation gaps.
Ministers acknowledged challenges in job and skills mismatches and emphasized tripartite collaboration to refine programs, increase employer participation, and track outcomes such as sector coverage and retention rates.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Review of Courses Subsidised by WDA and SkillsFuture

Member of Parliament Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether the Ministry will expand subsidised courses to include more professional qualifications like CIA or CISA, and how frequently WDA reviews course relevance.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that SkillsFuture Singapore takes an inclusive approach based on work relevance but requires cooperation from training providers to handle administrative tasks.
SSG has already included the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants-CIA Challenge Exam Prep Course and will continue working with providers to add more professional courses to the SkillsFuture Credit directory.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Programmes to Help Schools Handle Sexual Assault and Harassment

The Ministry of Education's Sexuality Education curriculum teaches students to recognize sexual abuse and harassment, protect themselves, understand relevant laws, and know their right to seek help from trusted adults.
Teachers are trained to identify signs of distress in students and refer them to counsellors, while schools follow guidelines from Child Protection Services and collaborate closely with them to handle suspected cases.
Teachers and staff experiencing workplace harassment can seek support from school leaders and counsellors, and MOE investigates all cases of inappropriate conduct against its staff seriously.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Support for Small and Medium-sized Kindergartens and Childcare Operators

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked about the number of small and medium-sized kindergartens and childcare operators that have ceased operations since 2015 and the support provided to them, with Minister Tan Chuan-Jin noting fewer than 30 preschools closed in 2015, representing about 2% of the total.
The government prioritizes quality, accessible, and affordable early childhood services through initiatives like the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator schemes, which help operators control fees and improve quality, with smaller operators achieving economies of scale.
Broad-based initiatives such as the Skills Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education, Professional Development Programme, and funding for smart solutions support educator attraction, training, and sector productivity for all operators.
Support schemes like the Community and Sports Facilities Scheme, Portable Rental Subsidies, and Workplace Child Care Centre Scheme help operators defray costs and maintain affordable fees, provided they meet quality and affordability requirements.
Small and medium-sized operators can also access capability development grants and vouchers from SPRING Singapore for staff training, technology adoption, and consultancy in areas like human resources, financial management, innovation, and productivity.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Verification of Foreign Nurses' Qualifications

The Singapore Nursing Board verifies foreign nurses' qualifications by directly obtaining educational transcripts from their institutions and requires them to pass English-based licensure exams and secure employment with local healthcare institutions before registration.
Foreign nurses undergo job-based competency assessments during a six- to twelve-month probation period; those who fail to meet standards as Registered Nurses may be considered as Enrolled Nurses under supervision or placed in support care roles, with healthcare institutions making final employment decisions.
All nurses, regardless of their registration status, can work in settings like step-down care or nursing homes, provided they meet the specific job requirements for patient safety, with institutions responsible for transfers and retention efforts if standards are not met.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Conditions for Granting Exemptions for Mother Tongue

Murali Pillai inquired about the definition of "exceptional circumstances" for Mother Tongue exemptions for students with special education needs (SEN) and how the Ministry assesses those who currently compensate through rote learning but may face future difficulties.
Ng Chee Meng explained that exemptions are considered for SEN students whose certified needs severely impact their ability to cope with Mother Tongue learning and overall studies, with a key assessment factor being the student's rate of response to instruction.
The Ministry evaluates applications based on the student's overall academic coping, not just diagnosed SEN, and recommends Foundation Mother Tongue for students who struggle with the standard curriculum but are otherwise managing overall learning.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Anxiety amongst Students Delayed by Train Breakdowns on Major Examination Days

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether the Ministry will moderate PSLE results to account for anxiety caused by train breakdowns, how many students were affected by recent disruptions, and what contingency plans exist to help students cope with exam delays.
The Parliamentary Secretary confirmed no PSLE candidates were late for the Science paper during a recent Downtown Line disruption, and SEAB has contingency plans to prevent disadvantages for students facing major train service disruptions.
Schools have briefed candidates and invigilators on procedures for late arrivals, including allowing time for students to rest and calm down before starting exams, with full exam duration still provided.
SEAB reviews affected candidates' performances case-by-case, considering their exam circumstances, past school results, and school recommendations to ensure fair assessment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Nov 2016

Cash-for-credit Scams Related to SkillsFuture

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked the Minister for Education about the number of training organisations investigated and prosecuted for SkillsFuture scams, the amount of credits lost, and whether these have been recovered and returned to affected Singaporeans.
The Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that SkillsFuture Singapore is auditing and investigating nine suspected cases of misuse, has suspended the organisations involved, and is withholding their claims while committing to recover funds and reinstate credits if fraud is established.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured that SSG enforces strict measures, including criminal penalties, delisting of fraudulent organisations, and public advisories, while also strengthening criteria and enforcement based on ongoing investigations.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh inquired about the audit checks during the approval process for courses and online applications, particularly for senior citizens, to prevent scams.
The Parliamentary Secretary reiterated that SSG has a rigorous monitoring system, takes immediate action against suspicious organisations, and is enhancing its processes to protect the public, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source