Education — Topics

2 Apr 2024

Number of Working Years Required to Recover Cost from Recipients of Government Tuition Grants for Polytechnic and University Studies

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education for the estimated number of years a Tuition Grant recipient for polytechnics or universities must work and pay taxes to recover the grant's cost.
Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that the Tuition Grant Scheme supports international students by covering part of their school fees, with recipients paying higher fees than Singaporeans and contributing to the learning environment.
In return for the grant, recipients are bonded to work in Singapore for three years after graduation, contributing to the economy, with some becoming Permanent Residents or naturalized citizens.
Those who leave Singapore still contribute through global networks formed from friendships and economic links.
The minister noted that the contributions of Tuition Grant recipients are both qualitative and quantitative.

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2 Apr 2024

Measures to Ensure Educators Are Not Involved in Illegal Activities such as Drug-related Offences

The Ministry of Education expects educators to uphold professional integrity and will take disciplinary action, including dismissal, for breaches related to drug offences.
New teachers and staff in higher education institutions are briefed on zero-tolerance policies and codes of conduct, with regular reminders to report suspected drug abuse.
MOE collaborates with the Central Narcotics Bureau on outreach, appointing DrugFreeSG Champions and using preventive education platforms to reinforce anti-drug messaging.

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2 Apr 2024

Data on Total Fees Paid by and Total Subsidies Given to Local and International Students in Local Universities

Hazel Poa requested the total fees paid and subsidies given to local and international students at local universities in 2023.
Chan Chun Sing explained that international students pay higher tuition fees than Singapore citizens, but the Ministry of Education does not collect data on total fees paid by students.
The MOE noted that its $2.65 billion budget for Autonomous Universities in FY2024 primarily supports Singapore citizens, with international students receiving lower subsidies and constituting about 10% of the undergraduate population.

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2 Apr 2024

Steps Taken to Meet Increased Need for School Counsellors

The Ministry of Education trains and deploys school counsellors based on students' counselling needs, ensuring support aligns with demand.
Students with milder needs receive support from teachers and peers, reducing reliance on specialized counsellors.
Schools collaborate with community resources like REACH teams and Family Service Centres to provide additional mental health assistance.

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2 Apr 2024

Measures Taken to Monitor and Reduce Cyber Bullying in Schools

Schools monitor student behavior and discipline closely while implementing educative, preventive, and intervention measures to address bullying, including teaching respectful and responsible technology use.
Students are taught to look out for peers and speak up against bullying, with schools facilitating reporting and investigating incidents to apply appropriate disciplinary actions.
The process focuses on helping students learn from incidents, correct behaviors, restore relationships, engage parents, and provide counselling support to those involved.

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2 Apr 2024

Reducing Class Sizes to Increase Teachers' Effectiveness and To Empower Students

Christopher de Souza questioned if the Ministry would reduce class sizes to improve teacher effectiveness and empower students.
Chan Chun Sing explained that universal class size reduction is unsustainable due to workforce constraints and would compromise quality, as resources are scarce in Singapore.
The Ministry uses a targeted, needs-based approach, such as small support classes for younger students and varied subject class sizes under Full Subject-based Banding, to allocate resources where most needed.
Technology is being leveraged to complement teachers and provide focused support for students with different learning needs.

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2 Apr 2024

Considerations and Consultations Made In Decision to Include Gaza Conflict in Character and Citizenship Education Lessons

Saktiandi Supaat raised questions about the Ministry of Education's considerations for including the Gaza conflict in CCE lessons, external consultations on the materials, and learning points for incorporating sensitive issues into the syllabus.
Chan Chun Sing redirected the query to the Minister for Education's prior response during the Committee of Supply Debate on 4 March 2024, citing specific paragraphs on MOE's website.
The referenced response outlines considerations for updating CCE materials on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the process for addressing sensitive topics in national education.
The debate highlights the Ministry's approach to engaging with external entities and ensuring careful integration of contentious social issues into the curriculum.
The exchange underscores the procedural and consultative steps taken by MOE to handle politically sensitive content in educational materials.

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2 Apr 2024

Data on Migrant Workers Who Have Been Scam Victims and Measures to Raise Awareness of Scams Among Migrant Workers

In 2023, 500 migrant domestic workers in Singapore were scam victims, an 18% increase from 423 in 2022.
The Ministry of Manpower and Police run the Settling-In Programme to educate migrant domestic workers on scam prevention upon arrival.
Anti-scam education continues for those already working, covering latest scam trends to help them detect and report scams.
The Ministry uses social media and bus stop ads for anti-scam campaigns, while the Police run the Domestic Guardians Programme for crime and scam prevention training.
These measures aim to equip migrant domestic workers with awareness and advocacy skills to protect themselves and their communities from scams.

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2 Apr 2024

Plans to Develop and Improve Diplomatic Staff in Countries Important to Singapore's Economic Development

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides continuous professional training and development for diplomatic staff through the MFA Diplomatic Academy, including briefings and workshops on economic, finance, and trade issues.
Officers are seconded to and from relevant Government agencies to deepen their understanding of whole-of-Government priorities and facilitate cross-pollination of ideas.
Before overseas postings, officers receive briefings from finance, economic, and trade agencies and work closely with experts from MTI, EDB, ESG, and MAS to uphold Singapore's interests.
Diplomatic staff collaborate with EDB and ESG representations in key overseas markets on trade and investment issues to support Singapore's economic development.

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2 Apr 2024

Data on Government's Financial Literacy Initiatives for Young Persons

The Government incorporates financial literacy education across all levels of schooling, with modules and activities at polytechnics, institutes of technical education, and autonomous universities covering sound financial habits and investment basics, and the Ministry of Education regularly updates these programmes.
Beyond formal education, MoneySense supports youth through talks, virtual carnivals, social media collaborations, and engagement sessions on topics like investing, overspending, and scams, partnering with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Youth Council.
The MoneySense National Financial Capability Survey 2021 indicates that youths generally have higher financial literacy than the general population, and Monetary Authority of Singapore warnings about digital assets are amplified through MoneySense social media efforts.
The Government monitors participation rates and effectiveness metrics through surveys like the NFCS, though specific percentage data for youth participation was not provided in the response.

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2 Apr 2024

Retaking GCE A Level Examinations as School Candidate Rather Than As Private Candidate

Dennis Tan asked if students who passed GCE A-Level exams but performed poorly could retake them as school candidates rather than as private candidates, whether pre-University institutions could be designated as schools for such retakes, and whether Edusave accounts could fund these retakes.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the government does not encourage students who have passed their A-Level exams to retake them in schools, as they already have tertiary options such as Autonomous Universities and Polytechnics, where module exemptions may be granted.
He added that after entering the workforce, students can access heavily subsidised Continuing Education and Training programmes to upskill and reskill.
Chan noted that if students wish to retake A-Level exams as private candidates and need financial support, they can seek assistance from Social Service Offices or community organisations.
The response emphasises that passing A-Level exams already provides multiple educational and upskilling pathways, making retaking as school candidates unnecessary and unsupported by the government.

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2 Apr 2024

Framework for Assessing Suitability of Planned Overseas Destinations for School and Institutes of Higher Learning Trips

The Ministry of Education does not have a single standard framework, but IHLs and schools conduct risk assessments using travel advisories and guidance from government agencies, with staff recce trips as needed.
IHLs and schools receive support through travel insurance, contingency plans, administrative and pastoral care, safety briefings, and e-registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates.
Safety measures include accompanying staff on trips, on-site support for longer exchanges, and close coordination with Singaporean embassies and consulates during emergencies.

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2 Apr 2024

Topics for MINDEF's Platform to Deepen Commitment to Singapore

Nexus developed resource packages on Singapore's nationhood journey, common identity, shared values, national challenges, and contemporaneous global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, food and energy security, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
These resource packages are used by national education partners and practitioners for programmes and activities, and are also publicly available online via the SG101 website.
The Israel-Hamas conflict resource package outlines Singapore's national position and emphasizes the importance of crisis preparedness, social cohesion, and racial and religious harmony amid external divisive events.
The resources are conveyed to national servicemen as part of National Education, though the specific delivery methods to this group are not detailed in the response.

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2 Apr 2024

Number of Training Providers Applying for SG Enable's Capability Development Grant

Since 2017, eight training providers have applied for SG Enable's Capability Development Grant to develop customised training programmes for people with disabilities, five of which are from the disability or social sector.
The number of customised courses for persons with disabilities has increased from about 10 in 2014 to about 50 in 2023, reflecting enhanced course offerings by SSG and SG Enable.
SSG and SG Enable will continue to encourage training providers to apply for the grant to make course modifications or incorporate assistive technology to suit different learning needs.

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2 Apr 2024

Character and Citizenship Education Lessons on Gaza Conflict

Hazel Poa and Leong Mun Wai requested the Ministry of Education to publicly release the lesson materials for the CCE module on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Leong expressing disappointment that the slides were not shared and arguing for greater transparency so parents can know what is taught.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that the lesson materials are available on MOE’s website and highlighted that the Ministry prefers to engage parents directly to explain the content and delivery, rather than releasing the slides alone, which could be taken out of context, and that schools are prepared to dialogue with concerned parents.
Sharael Taha supported the CCE lesson’s goal of helping students navigate complex issues and maintain social harmony, and Chan affirmed that the Ministry will continue to address sensitive topics in the curriculum, consulting stakeholders while maintaining leadership responsibility to guide students and protect Singapore’s social cohesion.

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2 Apr 2024

Classification Framework for SkillsFuture Courses

Mark Lee proposed a dual-index classification framework for SkillsFuture courses, featuring a Mobility Index to assess career advancement potential and an Industry Heat Index to gauge hiring trends, suggesting integration with trade associations and the MySkillsFuture portal.
The Minister of State for Education highlighted existing collaborations with industry partners to analyze market trends, providing career transition pathways and hiring demand data through reports and a Jobs Skills Dashboard, while welcoming further partnerships to improve course signposting.
Mark Lee emphasized the need for closer collaboration with the business community to address skills mismatches, suggesting more transparency on required skills and potential subsidy adjustments based on demand.
The Minister reiterated openness to partnerships with trade associations to make job and skills information more responsive and accessible for Singaporeans seeking training opportunities.

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7 Mar 2024

Using Revenues from Adjustment in Foreign Worker Levy to Subsidise Training of Lower-wage Work Permit Workers

Gan Thiam Poh proposed using revenues from adjustments in foreign worker levy rates to subsidise training for lower-wage Work Permit holders, particularly in workplace safety and health.
The Government does not earmark revenues for specific uses but allocates them based on overall needs, including support for workforce transformation and training.
Existing measures like SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit and lower levy rates for upskilling already assist employers in training both local and foreign workers, including Work Permit holders.

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7 Mar 2024

Data on Persons with Criminal Records or Criminal Antecedents Undertaking SkillsFuture Courses

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Ministry of Education for annual data on persons with criminal records undertaking SkillsFuture courses from 2019 to 2023 and suggested collecting this data if unavailable.
The Ministry of Education does not track the number of learners with criminal records who undertook SkillsFuture courses.
The Government is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities for all Singaporeans, including ex-offenders, through SkillsFuture.
SkillsFuture Singapore collaborates with Yellow Ribbon Singapore and training providers to offer skills training and employment facilitation for ex-offenders.

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7 Mar 2024

Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers and Students to Navigate Difficult Discussions and Handling Students’ Emotional Well-being

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Ministry of Education about steps to monitor students' emotional well-being during and after discussions on global conflicts, and how students are encouraged to express thoughts respectfully.
Dr Wan Rizal also inquired about specific teacher training and resources for handling sensitive topics like global conflicts in a balanced manner, and how the Ministry prevents personal biases from affecting topic delivery.
The Minister for Education responded that these matters were addressed in the Committee of Supply debate on 4 March 2024, directing reference to the official report for details.

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7 Mar 2024

Data on Students in Institutes of Higher Learning with Criminal Records or Criminal Antecedents

Patrick Tay asked for the number of students with criminal records admitted to polytechnics and autonomous universities from 2019 to 2023, and whether the Ministry would start collecting such data if it is unavailable.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the Ministry of Education does not track the number of students with criminal records or antecedents admitted to Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).
IHLs assess all applicants based on abilities and interests, and applicants are asked to declare any criminal antecedents during admissions for confidential pastoral care and support purposes.
The Ministry emphasized that IHLs are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff.

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