Education

David Hoe asked the Minister for Education about potential regulations for autonomous universities regarding module-level guidelines for GenAI usage, due-process in disciplinary actions for GenAI misuse, and consistent penalties for such misuse. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education would address this question along with others on the same topic in the next available session. Relevant guidelines on responsible AI use in schools were mentioned as a reference.

David Hoe asked if the $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) can be used for professional licensure or examination fees, and if not, what the rationale is, along with a request to consider a pilot for eligible exams. Desmond Lee responded that the SkillsFuture Credit can only be used for training fees to promote substantive training for mid-career Singaporeans. He noted that the SkillsFuture Credit base tier has been extended to cover around 360 examination-only certifications recognized by the industry. The Ministry will continue to review the support provided by SkillsFuture Credit for training and certifications.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked about the current number and percentage of preschools offering the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme and the progress towards expanding it to 80% of preschoolers aged five to six by 2027. Masagos Zulkifli reported that over 900 preschools currently provide the DS-LS programme, covering 68% of the target age group. The Early Childhood Development Agency has achieved its 2025 target of 60% coverage and is on track to reach the 80% goal.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about the challenges the Internal Security Department (ISD) faces in combatting youth radicalisation amidst evolving extremist ideologies and technology. K Shanmugam reported that since 2015, the ISD has dealt with 18 youths under the Internal Security Act, highlighting the rapid self-radicalisation online and the emergence of diverse extremist ideologies. The government employs a multi-faceted strategy to address youth radicalisation, incorporating legislative measures and educational initiatives, including workshops and guides for educators and parents. Schools teach students about the dangers of extremism and critical thinking skills to navigate online content, while community organizations conduct outreach and utilize social media to promote anti-radicalisation messages.

Rachel Ong asked if the Ministry of Education plans to mandate vape detectors in schools and if students caught vaping have access to counselling. Sharael Taha inquired about improving detection methods, the implementation of nicotine test kits, fostering peer support, and aiding identified vape users. Desmond Lee highlighted that schools use various detection strategies rather than solely relying on technology, and they implement educational measures alongside disciplinary actions, which will include increased measures starting September 2025. Students seeking help to quit vaping will not face penalties, and comprehensive support, including counselling and external resources, will be provided to facilitate rehabilitation and prevent recidivism. The Ministry aims for a balanced approach, integrating prevention, detection, and support within school policy.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim raised a question regarding the provision of equivalent English-language postgraduate programmes alongside new Mandarin programmes at autonomous universities. Desmond Lee responded that English is the main language of instruction at these universities, with Mandarin-medium programmes representing less than 5% of all postgraduate coursework offerings and typically having English counterparts or being taught bilingually. The introduction of Mandarin programmes was a response to strong demand from students interested in Mandarin-speaking markets, and these programmes are accessible to all students.

Jamus Lim asked if there are plans to terminate the Allied Educators programme and the justification for such a decision. Desmond Lee responded that Allied Educators are essential to the teaching force, including roles like Special Education Needs Officers and School Counsellors. The Ministry of Education is focusing on priority areas and has expanded certain types of Allied Educators while reducing the number in Teaching and Learning. Efforts have been made to transition these educators into more needed roles within the Ministry and Public Service over the past nine years.

Joan Pereira asked about the trend of fire incidents in HDB flats and whether the SCDF would consider a comprehensive educational campaign for residents on emergency preparedness. K Shanmugam responded that fire incidents in HDB estates have actually decreased from 939 in 2020 to 803 in 2024. The SCDF offers outreach programs, including free training on fire safety and emergency response skills, as part of the SGSecure initiative. Regular block evacuation exercises are also conducted by the SCDF with the People Association.

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Education about the number of teachers joining the flexi-adjunct teaching scheme and their median duration in the scheme from 2022 to 2024. Desmond Lee responded that approximately 220 teachers were engaged as flexi-adjunct teachers annually after leaving the Education Service. He noted that tracking the duration teachers remain in the scheme is not meaningful due to its casual employment nature.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat inquired about the total government grants and subsidies provided to preschool operators under the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator schemes over the past five years, as well as the per-enrolled-student amounts for each scheme. Masagos Zulkifli B M M highlighted a significant increase in government spending on early childhood education, from around $1.5 billion in FY2020 to over $2 billion in FY2024, with an increase in expenditure per preschool-aged child from $7,900 to $13,000. He noted that funding is aimed at ensuring quality improvements and adherence to lowered monthly fee caps for childcare, which will further decrease in 2026, resulting in lower costs for families after subsidies.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Education about the percentage of ITE students unsuccessfully applying to progress to polytechnic over the past five years. Desmond Lee explained that ITE graduates can apply to polytechnic through multiple routes: the Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE), Early Admissions Exercise (EAE), and Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE). He highlighted that the success rates are strong, with about 50% of JPAE applicants and 33% of EAE applicants receiving offers, while around 10% of those not admitted through the first two routes secure spots through DAE. Approximately 5,800 ITE graduates progressed to polytechnic this year, representing nearly half of the graduating cohort. The Government aims to continue supporting the aspirations of ITE graduates.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised questions regarding the criteria for having more than one full-time school counselor, the adequacy of current allocations, whether independent audits have been conducted, and if the Ministry of Education will meet the ASCA's recommended counselor-to-student ratio. Desmond Lee stated that the Ministry is committed to supporting students' mental well-being through integrated mental health education and a needs-based staffing approach for counselors. Each school has one or two counselors based on needs, with the Ministry conducting annual reviews of counselor deployment. The Government is enhancing mental health support for youths through community resources and the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, focusing on seamless care delivery and improving access to services.

Victor Lye asked if tuition fee loans and the CPF Education Loan Scheme could be extended to working adults pursuing part-time degree programs to promote mid-career skills development. Desmond Lee responded that Singapore Citizens enrolled in Ministry of Education-subsidised part-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs can use Government tuition fee loans, post-secondary education accounts, and SkillsFuture credits, along with bursaries for lower- and middle-income families. The CPF Education Loan Scheme is restricted to local full-time courses at approved institutions to protect CPF savings for retirement and other essential needs.

Hany Soh requested the Minister for Education to consider encouraging more schools to offer games like "Glory and Grit 7s" that allow non-school team players to participate in tournaments. Desmond Lee affirmed the Ministry's commitment to provide all students, including those not on official teams, with meaningful sports participation opportunities. In 2023, over 27,000 students engaged in external sporting competitions, with nearly half not being on official teams. The Ministry supports school-initiated programmes and encourages schools to collaborate with sports organizations to expand competition opportunities for passionate students.

Charlene Chen asked about the employment outcomes for unemployed individuals using the SkillsFuture initiatives, including credit and programs aimed at skills upgrading. She inquired about jobseeker segments with lower success rates and the Ministry's plans to improve job placements relative to skills gained. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry of Education would provide a comprehensive oral reply to these questions at the next opportunity.

Saktiandi Supaat asked about strategies to ensure job stability for Singaporeans amid rising trade tensions and labor market changes. Tan See Leng highlighted concerns over job security due to global uncertainties and technological advancements. The approach focuses on helping workers transition to new jobs rather than preserving outdated ones, with three main strategies: creating good jobs through investment facilitation and workforce support, equipping workers with relevant skillsets via extensive upskilling programs, and strengthening support mechanisms for navigating the labor market. Initiatives like Career Health SG and the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme aim to enhance employability and assist displaced workers. The Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce will monitor job creation impacts from global trade developments and adapt measures as needed.

Xie Yao Quan raised concerns regarding the lower employment rates of fresh graduates and asked the Minister for Manpower about contributing factors and the GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) Programme's role in addressing this trend. Various members inquired about job market dynamics, the structure and effectiveness of the GRIT Programme, and measures to ensure it meets graduates' needs without displacing permanent job opportunities. The Minister reported an improved employment rate for fresh graduates from the 2025 cohort compared to 2024, attributed to a higher number of job-seeking graduates and training opportunities provided by GRIT. The discussion highlighted the importance of quality training experiences, employer engagement in converting traineeships to full-time roles, and ongoing support for graduates in navigating the job market.

The debate centered on addressing bullying incidents in schools, particularly following a recent case at Sengkang Green Primary. The Minister for Education, Desmond Lee, outlined existing anti-bullying measures and highlighted the need for continual improvements to frameworks and support systems for victims and perpetrators. Various Members of Parliament raised concerns about the adequacy of current disciplinary processes, the importance of parental involvement, and the potential for a centralized anti-bullying unit. The Minister emphasized the role of teachers, the necessity for a multi-tiered approach to discipline, and the importance of fostering a positive school culture to deter bullying. He also noted ongoing reviews aimed at reinforcing anti-bullying measures and improving community engagement in addressing bullying issues.

• Mr. Fadli Fawzi inquired about the comparison of employment rates and median salaries between the 2024 and 2025 graduate cohorts by course cluster.
• Minister Tan See Leng reported an improvement in employment rates, with 44% of the 2025 cohort in permanent employment compared to 37% for the 2024 cohort.
• Detailed data on the 2025 cohort's employment by course cluster and salary information will be available after the Graduate Employment Survey in November 2025.

• Ms. He Ting Ru raised concerns about the safety protocols for overseas school trips following a fatal accident involving a privately funded school.
• She inquired whether the Ministry of Education (MOE) is reviewing these protocols and considering standardised safety measures for all schools.
• Minister Desmond Lee confirmed that the MOE regularly reviews safety protocols for its schools, but non-MOE schools have the autonomy to set their own safety policies.