Education — Topics

13 May 2013

Proportion of Local and Foreign Academics in Departments in NUS and NTU

Seah Kian Peng asked about the proportion and number of Singaporeans among faculty in specific departments at NUS and NTU, as well as how Singapore compares to universities in the US and UK.
Heng Swee Keat provided figures showing that in NUS's Political Science Department, 28% of faculty are Singaporeans; in NUS's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, 46% are Singaporeans; in NTU's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, 41% are Singaporeans; and in NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, 44% are Singaporeans.
The Minister noted that comparable figures for UK and US universities are not available.

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13 May 2013

Advance Publishing of Dates for School Terms and Holidays

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Ministry of Education to publish school term and holiday dates one year in advance.
The Ministry currently releases these dates in the third quarter of the current year for the following year.
The schedule includes school terms and holidays for various education levels, scheduled school holidays, and public holidays.
The timing is limited by the need to incorporate public holiday dates from the Ministry of Manpower and national examination schedules.
Therefore, MOE cannot release the dates one year in advance due to these dependencies.

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13 May 2013

Number of Allied Educators in School System

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for Education about the current and targeted numbers of Allied Educators (AEDs) in Primary and Secondary schools, as well as how AEDs help teachers.
Heng Swee Keat stated that AEDs consist of three groups: School Counsellors, Learning and Behavioural Support specialists, and Teaching and Learning staff, each supporting students and teachers in different ways.
The number of AEDs grew from 600 in 2009 to over 2,400 today, with an average of seven AEDs per Primary and Secondary school, meeting staffing targets.

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13 May 2013

Collections and Use of Monies for Madrasah Fund

Between 2006 and 2012, about $7 million was collected for the Dana Madrasah, with $1.04 million disbursed to the six full-time madrasahs in 2012.
Funds are used for teacher and student development, including professional training, remedial lessons, and facility improvements, helping to uplift madrasah education standards.
The fund has contributed to improved PSLE passing rates, rising from 88.2% in 2011 to 91% in 2012.

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13 May 2013

Criteria Used to Identify Locations for Pilot MOE-run Kindergartens

Ms Lee Li Lian inquired about the criteria used to select the five pilot MOE-run Kindergarten locations and the locations for the remaining 10 kindergartens.
Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that the kindergartens are sited in HDB estates to better reach children there, with locations chosen based on neighborhood profiles and school infrastructure capacity to provide diverse conditions for the pilot.
For the next 10 pilot kindergartens, locations will be determined after further study.

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13 May 2013

PSC Scholars in Local and Foreign Universities

Yee Jenn Jong queried the current number of PSC scholars studying locally versus abroad and whether the improving rankings of local universities would lead to a higher percentage choosing local institutions.
Teo Chee Hean responded that 12% of PSC scholarship holders are studying locally while 88% are abroad, and the PSC encourages diverse experiences by offering scholarships for both local and overseas universities.
The PSC has enhanced the attractiveness of local scholarships and will continue to inform applicants about opportunities at local universities while ensuring scholars gain broad perspectives for public service careers.

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13 May 2013

Impact of Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) Scheme on Beneficiaries

Since its introduction in January 2004, the HOPE scheme has benefited 2,967 families, with an average of 303 families joining annually over the last five years, indicating steady growth.
Beneficiaries have generally improved their circumstances, with increased household income, mothers' employment rates rising from about 30% to 60%, and about 50% of parents using the training grant for skills upgrades.
Families receive mentoring from professionals at Social Service Agencies, including individual sessions and support groups aimed at boosting skills, financial resilience, and family relationships, with over 70% satisfied in recent surveys.
The mentoring programme's effectiveness is regularly reviewed through surveys, with most beneficiaries reporting motivation to upgrade skills and seek better employment.
The scheme provides structured family support through mentoring and group sessions, contributing to positive outcomes in income, employment, and personal development for participating families.

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13 May 2013

Improving Productivity in Public Sector

The Public Service Division is addressing the challenge of measuring public sector productivity, which involves intangible outcomes like education quality, and maintains a low labour force share of 3.6% internationally.
Key initiatives include using IT and automation, such as the iCollect passport system, to expand service capacity without additional manpower.
Organisational efficiency is being driven through consolidation of responsibilities, like the Department of Public Cleanliness, to achieve economies of scale and better productivity.
Investment in training and upgrading of public sector officers via the Civil Service College ensures skills development and exposure to better working methods.
The Manpower Management Framework by MOF constrains manpower growth in the public sector, incentivising ministries to moderate headcount while delivering better value.

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13 May 2013

Breakdown of Local and Foreign Students Enrolled in Singapore's Tertiary Institutes

Heng Swee Keat confirmed that in AY2012, Singaporeans made up 79% of university intakes, with Permanent Residents at 5% and International Students at 16%.
Autonomous Universities are required to cap International Student intake at 2011 levels, and their share is expected to decrease as university places for Singaporeans expand.
The government prioritizes university places for Singaporeans while allowing a limited number of international students to enhance campus diversity and provide global exposure for local students.
International students are admitted under more stringent criteria, and their inclusion aims to prepare Singaporean students for the global marketplace.
The data specifically covers local Autonomous Universities, Yale-NUS College, and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, focusing on enrolled and admitted students by nationality.

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13 May 2013

Extending Use of CPF Monies to Pay for Education in More Institutions

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef proposed allowing CPF funds for children's education at institutions like SHATEC, NAFA, and LASALLE.
The Minister responded that the CPF Education Scheme already covers NAFA and LASALLE's fully subsidised courses but not SHATEC, as the primary purpose of CPF is for retirement, housing, and healthcare.
Tin Pei Ling questioned whether more flexibility should be given for non-subsidised courses, suggesting repayment could preserve retirement savings.
The Minister maintained the stance to limit CPF usage to subsidised courses, citing the core purpose of CPF and alternative support options like bursaries.

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13 May 2013

Priority for Primary 1 Registration

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned whether only People's Association-affiliated leaders qualify for Primary 1 registration priority and asked to expand the definition of active community leadership, with the Ministry clarifying that priority in Phase 2B is given to specific grassroots committee members, parent volunteers, and endorsed church or clan members—not solely government-linked entities.
Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed a new priority phase for families with two or more children living within two kilometres of a school, but the Ministry noted that P1 registration was delinked from population policies in 1992 and recently reviewed; it will monitor current changes before considering further refinements.
The Ministry emphasized that over 98% of registrants in recent years secured a place in their chosen school or one within 2 km, and it continues to ensure sufficient school places and that every school is a good school, with priority based on community contribution rather than party lines.

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8 Apr 2013

School Programmes Inculcating Respect for All Job Types

Member Teo Siong Seng proposed that the Ministry of Education develop programmes from primary school onward to instill respect for all job types, including blue-collar and low-skilled jobs, to shift Singaporeans' job preferences.
Minister Heng Swee Keat affirmed that respect for all is a core value taught in schools, reinforced through the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum and the Education and Career Guidance (ECG) module since 2014.
ECG is provided from primary to post-secondary levels, helping students understand themselves, correct misconceptions about occupations, and appreciate the value of all jobs, with an online portal since 2009 supporting career exploration.

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8 Apr 2013

Places at School-based Student Care Centres

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Ministry of Education about the total number of existing school-based student care places, the number of new centres and places planned for the next two years, and the measures to ensure trained personnel.
Heng Swee Keat responded that there are currently 80 school-based SCCs serving over 6,500 students, exceeding the initial goal of 70 by 2014, with more centres planned for primary schools.
He explained that schools select SCC operators through an open procurement process, evaluating proposals on programmes, fees, staff ratios, and staff qualifications to ensure quality and affordability.

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8 Apr 2013

Prevention of Spread of Diseases

Lim Biow Chuan asked how the Ministry of Health will continue its education programme on personal hygiene and preventing the spread of cough or flu viruses, marking the 10th anniversary of SARS.
Gan Kim Yong stated that since SARS in 2003, the Health Promotion Board has run regular campaigns using mass media, community outreach, school programmes, and partnerships to promote hygiene practices like hand washing and covering coughs.
HPB’s strategies include twice-yearly flu campaigns, workplace and community talks, interactive skits for schools, and initiatives like “Let’s Wash Hands” targeting primary school students and their parents.
HPB also works with community and business partners on tailored programmes, such as for staff at eldercare centres, to teach practical skills like mask use and proper hand washing.
The ministry will keep educating Singaporeans on hygiene to prevent respiratory diseases, while also supporting dengue prevention efforts amid a recent rise in cases.

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14 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

Baey Yam Keng emphasized the need to support artistic freedom, sports development, and community initiatives, suggesting a composite index to measure social cohesion and questioning if the Ministry will prioritize merit-based support over patriotic alignment.
Several members raised concerns about educational support for the Malay community, including the MENDAKI Tuition Scheme, tertiary fee subsidies, and opportunities for madrasah students, with suggestions for postgraduate scholarships and inclusive policies for mixed-parentage individuals.
Queries were made regarding mosque upgrades, Haj visa quotas, Kurban livestock provisions, and the progress of the Suara Musyawarah committee, highlighting ongoing community needs and governance updates.
Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman highlighted challenges faced by at-risk families and the effectiveness of the Enhanced Wrap Around Care project, advocating for expanded support and long-term planning for family stability.

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13 Mar 2013

Committee of Supply – Head K (Ministry of Education)

Parliament debated education policies with a focus on reducing student stress, improving teacher quality, and expanding support for disadvantaged learners, including calls to review the PSLE, reduce homework, and increase university places.
Members emphasized holistic development through character education and values, with proposals for preschool standardization, smaller class sizes, and better integration of special needs students into mainstream and post-secondary education.
The Minister affirmed ongoing reforms like preschool investments and levelling-up programmes, while committing to further discussions on exam reforms, streaming, and inclusive education through national conversations.

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8 Mar 2013

NUS Campus Crusade for Christ Student Group

Assistant Professor Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Minister for Education for an update on the NUS Campus Crusade for Christ student group's posters and website being deemed disrespectful to Buddhism and Islam.
Heng Swee Keat stated that NUS convened a Board of Discipline hearing in September 2012 after police declined action, and the NCCC submitted a reflection report which NUS accepted, including measures to prevent recurrence.

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8 Mar 2013

Performance of PSC Undergraduate Scholarship Holders

Yee Jenn Jong asked the Prime Minister to provide statistics on the graduation honours of PSC undergraduate scholarship holders over the past five years, broken down by local and foreign universities and the four honours classes.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean replied that over 97% of PSC scholars graduated with good honours (Second Upper and above or equivalent), but full details were unavailable due to varied international university systems, and stressed that PSC scholars are selected for whole-person qualities beyond academics.
Yee Jenn Jong followed up, comparing the 97% good honours rate for PSC scholars to what he noted as a 65% rate for foreign scholars, asking about comparative standards.
Teo Chee Hean clarified that scholarship awarding bases differ, with PSC scholarships setting very high standards and expectations, and suggested directing questions about other scholarships to the Ministry of Education.
The debate concluded as the Speaker ended the Question Time session.

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8 Mar 2013

Programme for Rebuilding and Improving Existing Schools (PRIME)

The Ministry of Education reported that only 19 schools have not yet commenced PRIME, with scheduling dependent on availability of holding sites, while Junior Colleges were previously upgraded under a separate programme and are reviewed regularly for infrastructure needs.
Member Yee Jenn Jong inquired about plans for schools in the first phase of PRIME now that they are about 14 years old, and the potential for a second cycle of PRIME after all schools are completed.
The Ministry responded that it continuously reviews infrastructural needs, and school or JC programmes are considered when planning for enhanced facilities, indicating ongoing assessment rather than a fixed timeline for a new PRIME cycle.

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7 Mar 2013

Admission of Local Polytechnic Graduates to Local Law Undergraduate Courses

The debate focused on statistics regarding local polytechnic graduates admitted to law undergraduate courses since 2007.
Eleven polytechnic graduates were admitted to the LLB degree course at NUS from 2007 to 2012, while two were admitted to SMU's LLB program during the same period.
The admitted graduates pursued diplomas in fields such as law and management, mass communication, business, and finance before enrolling in law degrees.

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