Education — Topics

9 Jul 2014

Level Playing Field for Student Athletes from Regular Schools and Singapore Sports School

Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Ministry of Education to ensure a level playing field in inter-school sports competitions between regular schools and the Singapore Sports School.
The Ministry responded that the National School Games includes all schools, with the Sports School competing in only a portion of events and other schools also achieving successes, such as Hong Kah Secondary winning national football titles.
Mrs Lina Chiam raised follow-up questions on resource allocation for other sports, medals won against the Sports School, and psychological support for athletes facing large losses, with the Ministry affirming that all schools receive funding for sports and that learning from losses is part of character development.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

9 Jul 2014

Further Initiatives to Achieve Goal of Every School A Good School

The Ministry of Education is implementing programmes like Applied Learning and Learning for Life programmes in secondary schools, providing annual funding to develop distinctive offerings that cater to diverse student talents and interests.
All schools are being resourced with upgraded facilities and needs-based funds, such as the Opportunity Fund, to support holistic education and enable participation in activities, especially for students from less advantaged backgrounds.
Measures include forming Student Development Teams, strengthening teacher professional development, deploying more staff for support programmes, and enhancing Parent Support Group funds to improve school quality and community partnerships.
Christopher de Souza proposed a heritage fund for schools to build unique identities, but the Ministry suggested existing funds could suffice for such projects, considering them alongside other initiatives.
In response to concerns about school preferences and PSLE pressure, the Ministry outlined key performance indicators focused on student needs, engagement, teacher support, and community relations, emphasizing diverse excellence across schools.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 Jul 2014

Singapore Citizens Sponsored by Local Universities for Doctoral Studies

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education about the number of Singapore citizens sponsored by each Autonomous University for doctoral studies abroad since 2008 and the academic disciplines involved.
Heng Swee Keat responded that the National University of Singapore sponsored 17 citizens and Singapore Management University sponsored three, covering disciplines such as Physical Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education.
Nanyang Technological University has sponsored Singaporeans for overseas doctoral studies but none in recent years, while the Singapore University of Technology and Design and Singapore Institute of Technology have not provided any such sponsorships as they are new universities.
The Minister noted that sponsorship is one method for universities to attract Singaporeans as faculty, but they also recruit directly, and the growing stature of Autonomous Universities has enabled them to attract qualified faculty, including Singaporeans, from both local and overseas institutions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Singaporean Children Eligible for Child Development Account (CDA)

Ms Lee Li Lian asked for statistics on Singaporean children with Child Development Accounts (CDA) as of end-2013, including percentages of unopened accounts, under-maximum savings for first and second-borns, and fully utilised savings, as well as total funds spent on education, healthcare, and other uses.
Minister Chan Chun Sing responded that for the 2001-2005 birth cohorts, 3% of children lacked CDAs, while for 2006-2013 cohorts, 5% lacked them, with expectations of lower percentages over time due to the extended 12-year saving period.
He added that detailed figures on savings and usage are in tables, noting that as the saving period lengthens, the percentage of children with maximum savings and fully used accounts is expected to rise.
Chan Chun Sing stated that 85% of CDA funds were used for educational expenses like childcare and kindergarten fees, with the remainder for healthcare-related costs.
The response included references to specific tables (Table 1, Table 2, Table 3) for detailed breakdowns, but the core data on percentages and fund usage were provided in the speech.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Median Salary of Graduate and Diploma Teachers in MOE Kindergartens and Primary Schools

Ms Lee Li Lian asked for the median salaries of graduate and diploma-holding teachers in MOE kindergartens and primary schools.
Heng Swee Keat explained that MOE regularly reviews teacher salaries against market benchmarks to ensure competitiveness, with annual increments and promotions based on performance and potential.
He noted that diploma-holding teachers can progress to senior roles with appropriate remuneration, and that MOE Kindergarten teachers are paid based on qualifications, experience, and market rates since the kindergartens started in 2014.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Pupils in Full-day Schools

The Minister clarified that Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) takes up about two hours weekly in Primary schools and two and a half hours in Secondary schools, representing approximately 10% of formal school hours, while co-curricular activities (CCA) occur outside formal hours with secondary students spending five to six hours weekly and primary students two to three hours weekly.
The curriculum time for CCE and CCA cannot be replaced by academic lessons, as these periods are dedicated to facilitating values-based learning, character development, and community service through programmes like Values-In-Action.
Schools nurture character through an integrated approach, embedding values across all subjects and programmes, and supplement these with enrichment and life skills activities to reinforce learning, seeking parental and community support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Pre-employment Grants Awarded to Medical and Dental Students

Since its inception in July 2010 and extension to dental students in February 2012, $18 million in pre-employment grants (PEGs) has been reimbursed to medical and dental students.
A total of 438 medical students and 11 dental students have been offered PEGs as of the end of FY2013.
Of the medical students offered, 416 accepted, 3 declined, and 19 are still considering; among dental students, 9 accepted and 2 declined.
The PEG scheme was introduced by public healthcare clusters to attract more Singaporean medical and dental students from overseas to supplement the local pipeline of healthcare professionals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Asia-Middle East Dialogue Update

Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene requested an update on the Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) since 2004 and questioned whether interest among partners has waned since the last ministerial meeting in 2010.
Minister K Shanmugam explained that AMED, proposed by Singapore in 2004, aimed to foster dialogue between Asia and the Middle East, with meetings held in Singapore (2005), Egypt (2008), and Thailand (2010), but a fourth meeting has not been scheduled due to regional developments.
Despite reduced priority, AMED initiatives continue, including the establishment of training centers in Jordan and Qatar that have benefited about 500 participants, with recent MOUs enhancing cooperation in human resource development.
Singapore has signed enhanced MOUs with Jordan and Qatar to expand training programs in areas like public administration, sustainable development, and public finance, ensuring courses remain relevant to partner needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Mandatory Coaching Workshops for Instructors who Train Students in Schools

Ang Hin Kee questioned how the mandatory coaching workshop for sports instructors ensures high-quality coaching in schools, focusing on its pre-requisite role for Ministry registration.
Heng Swee Keat explained the workshop, introduced in 2012, emphasizes character development and sports values, covering areas like athlete-centered principles and safety, but does not address all aspects of quality coaching such as sports science or injury prevention.
The Minister noted that over 1,100 coaches have completed the workshop, with provisional registration allowed for others pending completion by end-2015, and stressed the need for continuous skill upgrades through other programs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Compulsory Modules in Collaborative Programmes between Local and Overseas Universities

Ms Faizah Jamal queried the Ministry for Education on measures to prevent compulsory overseas components in collaborative university programmes from duplicating content available locally.
Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that local universities have autonomy to structure these programmes, ensuring overseas components generally complement rather than duplicate local offerings by leveraging each partner's strengths, as seen in the NUS-UNC joint life sciences degree.
He acknowledged that while some academic content could theoretically be covered locally, the overseas immersion provides unique cross-cultural experiences, independence, and soft skills that enrich students' education beyond pure academics.
The minister emphasized that such collaborations, like the dual-degree REP at NTU with attachments at UC Berkeley or Imperial College, add value through distinct environments and perspectives, fostering students' global awareness and societal responsibility.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Freelance Instructors Offering Co-curricular Activities in Schools (Impact of move to register such instructors)

Freelance instructors are concerned about registering with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in time to bid for school contracts for co-curricular and enrichment activities.
MOE introduced the registration policy with a nine-month lead time from March 2014, starting January 2015, to allow instructors to comply.
Sports instructors must attend a workshop on coaching standards by end of 2015, with provisional registration available for those unable to attend immediately.
MOE is communicating registration requirements through partnerships with agencies like Sports Singapore and the National Arts Council.
The policy aims to support schools in procuring suitable instructors while ensuring instructors have sufficient time to meet registration needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Students' Participation in Co-curricular Activities

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned the original objective of CCAs, whether schools pressure students due to MOE KPIs, and if students could participate without performances or competitions, while highlighting concerns about late-night rehearsals and lack of table tennis CCAs due to funding.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that CCAs are integral to holistic education, offering recreational and service-oriented options without compulsory performances, and confirmed MOE does not set CCA KPIs or award competitions, focusing instead on quality practices.
MOE advised schools to balance student needs, avoid over-taxing, and allow schools to fund additional CCAs like table tennis through block grants or self-raised funds, emphasizing open communication among parents, students, and schools.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Jul 2014

Protection of Students against Sexual Predators

MOE outlined a comprehensive strategy to protect students, including stringent teacher screening, a formal Code of Professional Conduct, and ongoing training and vigilance to uphold professional boundaries.
The Ministry emphasized that any educator misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and severely dealt with, while also teaching students about their right to safety and protection.
A parent suggested engaging parents more formally to recognize signs of distress and implementing a buddy system for teachers to monitor colleagues, with the Minister agreeing to study these proposals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 May 2014

Exemptions of Mother Tongue Language at PSLE

The Minister explained that Mother Tongue Language (MTL) exemptions are granted only under exceptional circumstances, primarily for students who join the school system mid-stream without prior MTL learning or those with certified medical conditions like dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.
Data from the 2010 to 2013 PSLE cohorts shows that the proportion of students exempted from MTL has remained stable at about 3.5% of each cohort.
Exemption criteria are applied uniformly, with specific considerations for returning Singaporeans and students with learning difficulties based on their educational background and medical certifications.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 May 2014

Foreign Healthcare Staff in Public Hospitals and Polyclinics

The Ministry of Health emphasized that public healthcare institutions use language courses, pictorial guides, and team rostering with a mix of local and foreign staff to minimize miscommunication with non-English speaking patients.
Over 2,000 foreign nurses have received language training through a ministry-supported fund, and about 35% of recently hired foreign staff have attended such programs, though the Ministry did not provide data on time spent or workload impact from interpretation duties.
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that the 30-hour language courses, combined with on-the-job learning and teamwork, are sufficient for communication, and that full-time interpreters are only employed in a few institutions where deemed necessary.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 May 2014

Ministry of Manpower

The Ministry of Manpower aims to boost productivity, real incomes, and job quality through a pragmatic balance of local and foreign workforce policies, supported by tripartite collaboration and a focus on lifelong learning via the CET Masterplan.
Key initiatives include enforcing the Fair Consideration Framework to ensure Singaporeans are fairly considered for jobs, expanding training support for SMEs, and using the Jobs Bank for better job matching.
Efforts will focus on uplifting low-wage workers through the Progressive Wage Model, protecting their rights, and reviewing policies for older workers, including a potential extension of the re-employment age to 67.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 May 2014

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education aims to bring out the best in every child through a student-centric and values-driven approach, focusing on holistic development, character building, and lifelong learning beyond academics.
Key initiatives include broadening educational pathways, deepening core competencies like bilingualism and critical thinking, and shifting towards real-world application, partnerships with parents, and community collaboration.
The ministry will provide age-appropriate preschool experiences, enhance support for disadvantaged students, expand university and applied learning options, and strengthen teacher development to nurture every child’s potential.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 May 2014

President's Address

The President highlights Singapore's 50-year journey of resilience and prosperity, urging continued effort to build a fair and just society ahead of the nation's Golden Jubilee.
The Government commits to strengthening social safety nets, enhancing retirement adequacy, and supporting families to improve quality of life, transport, and community spaces.
Policies will focus on education from pre-school to lifelong learning, ensuring opportunities for all, including expanding university places and practical skills development.
Efforts will emphasize home ownership, affordable healthcare, and support for vulnerable groups, while encouraging personal responsibility and community involvement.
The President calls for constructive politics and unity amid challenges, reaffirming Singapore's security, diplomatic efforts, and pioneering spirit for a brighter future.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Apr 2014

Certifications under Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework (SPARK)

One in six preschools are SPARK-certified, with one in four kindergartens and one in seven childcare centres currently accredited.
Among anchor operator centres, more than one-third are SPARK-certified, accounting for two-thirds of all SPARK-certified preschools.
The Ministry is encouraging more centres to achieve SPARK certification by providing an information pack and targeted training on key quality areas.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Apr 2014

Development of Qualified Native Maritime Manpower

Mary Liew asked the Minister for Transport about the number of Singaporeans trained in nautical studies and marine engineering for commercial ships over the last 20 years.
Lui Tuck Yew responded that training is mainly provided by Singapore Polytechnic and its Singapore Maritime Academy.
Over the past 20 years, 518 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents received the Diploma in Nautical Studies.
During the same period, 1,927 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents received the Diploma in Marine Engineering.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source