Education

• Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Education about the employment terms of PhD holders in research roles at local universities, specifically their median salary, the proportion on contracts versus permanent roles, and the median duration of employment contracts.
• As of 31 December 2023, the median salary for non-faculty PhD holders employed as Research Scientists and Engineers at four research-intensive Autonomous Universities ranged from $6,000 to $6,900.
• These research scientists and engineers are hired on a contract basis, as permanent roles are typically reserved for faculty on tenure track.
• Across the four universities, the median duration of their employment contracts ranges from one to two years.
• The response covers data from the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, and Singapore University of Technology and Design.

• Mr Leong Mun Wai inquired about the existence of time guidelines for schools to end co-curricular activities to ensure students return home early and avoid noise disturbances for nearby residents.
• Education Minister Chan Chun Sing responded that schools have the autonomy to determine end times, considering factors like activity nature, student profiles, well-being, and resident impact.
• The Minister noted that schools are not subject to a fixed national guideline but are expected to balance student needs and community considerations when scheduling activities.

• The Minister for Manpower outlined a tripartite approach to manage retrenchment anxieties, emphasizing responsible employer practices through advisory guidelines and support services like the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation to help retrenched workers, including seniors, re-enter employment quickly with reskilling programs and upcoming financial support for involuntarily unemployed jobseekers.
• In response to concerns about high retrenchments in specific sectors like electronics, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and ICT, the Government encourages retraining and redeployment over layoffs, offering cost-sharing initiatives such as the Career Conversion Programme to support employers in reskilling workers.
• To address difficulties faced by jobseekers unemployed beyond six months, the Government tracks data on barriers like skill mismatches and has rolled out proactive measures like Career Health and CareersFinder to encourage continuous skills updating and career pivots.
• The upcoming support scheme for involuntarily unemployed workers is separate from existing retrenchment benefits, aiming to provide temporary assistance for better job matching without replacing current retrenchment policies.

• Dr Amy Khor explained that taxi drivers must prove English proficiency to serve diverse passengers, requiring a GCE "O" or "N" level pass or a Level 3 pass in the Workplace Literacy test, a requirement dating back to 1979 and updated over time.
• Mr Gerald Giam raised concerns that the test may be an insurmountable hurdle for older, experienced drivers without formal qualifications, suggesting they be exempted if they can converse with passengers effectively.
• Dr Khor responded that drivers whose licenses are revoked must reapply as fresh applicants and meet all prevailing requirements, including English proficiency, but can appeal to LTA for case-by-case assessment if they lack documentary proof.

• Louis Ng asked if teachers who do not respond to students, parents, or colleagues outside of office hours would be penalised in their appraisal, and the Minister for Education replied that the answer is no.
• The Minister outlined that the Ministry of Education has an established process for when students and parents can contact teachers, and everyone is expected to respect teachers' time outside office hours.
• He noted that while there may be exigencies of service where teachers might respond after hours—such as in high-needs situations—he emphasised that parents and students should not contact teachers for minor issues outside office hours.

• The Ministry focuses on promoting healthy gaming habits and age-appropriate access through partnerships with public, private, and people sectors, supporting parents in guiding children’s online behavior.
• Initiatives include school-based cyber wellness education, the Digital for Life portal with resources on healthy gaming, and a forthcoming Parents’ Toolbox to be launched from 2024.
• A new Code of Practice for App Distribution Services is being introduced to mitigate exposure to harmful gaming apps, requiring platforms like Google Play and Apple App Store to implement systems for this purpose.
• The Ministry does not have data on gaming addiction prevalence as it requires medical diagnosis, and parents are advised to seek help from healthcare institutions or community partners if concerned.
• Preventive measures emphasize education and resources for youths and families, with schools and libraries providing programmes to encourage responsible online habits.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang queried the Ministry of Education about the timeline for installing dedicated lactation rooms in schools and tertiary institutions that currently lack them.
• Chan Chun Sing referred Ng to a prior parliamentary reply from 3 October 2023, which provided written details on the percentage of institutions with existing lactation facilities.
• The exchange highlights the government's ongoing efforts but does not specify a new timeline for institutions without facilities.
• The debate underscores the focus on supporting nursing mothers in educational settings through improved facilities.
• The response suggests reliance on existing data and indicates that further updates may be found in official reports.

• From 2017 to 2023, about 2,900 international students with MOE Tuition Grants graduated annually from local institutes, and over 80% found employment within three years, with most others granted deferments for further studies.
• About 5% of graduates did not report their employment status within three years, and the Ministry pursues those who default on their bond obligations by imposing measures like barring them from working or residing in Singapore and requiring liquidated damages.
• The tuition grant program aims to enhance campus diversity and global orientation among Singaporean students, and the government is open to exploring how alumni may contribute to Singapore's economic and diplomatic ties in the future.

• Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the existence of a regular and systematic process for agencies like the Child Protective Service to provide schools with information on student welfare.
• The Ministry of Education confirmed that there are existing processes between government agencies, community partners, and schools to share relevant information through secured platforms.
• These processes are regularly reviewed to ensure students receive the necessary support.

• Leong Mun Wai asked for the proportion of tenure-track faculty hired in the last five years at local universities who received their PhDs locally and whether this proportion is expected to rise given the universities' global rankings.
• Chan Chun Sing stated that the proportion of such faculty who received PhDs from local universities has remained stable at 10% over the last five years, with many local PhD graduates pursuing opportunities overseas or in industry.
• The Ministry of Education will continue collaborating with universities to encourage more young Singaporeans to pursue academic careers through talent schemes that sponsor studies at local or reputable overseas universities to broaden students' experiences and research networks.

• The Ministry for Transport will ensure street-hail taxi services remain accessible for vulnerable groups, including seniors and special needs individuals, through ongoing reviews of the point-to-point transport regulatory framework.
• The SG Digital Office under IMDA provides digital skills training, including how to use ride-hailing apps, to help less digitally savvy individuals through the Digital Skills for Life Framework.
• IMDA collaborates with partners like Grab, Gojek, and ComfortDelGro to develop resources supporting digital literacy, ensuring vulnerable groups are not left behind in the transition to app-based transport.

The debate on Singapore's 2024 Budget centered on long-term economic transformation amid global challenges, with a focus on productivity, innovation, and supporting workers and businesses. Key structural policies emphasized included the Industry Transformation Maps, the Research, Innovation and Enterprise ecosystem, and Singapore's role as a Global-Asia node for technology and enterprise. There was broad support for measures to address immediate cost-of-living pressures and equip workers for the future economy, including the enhanced Assurance Package and the new SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme for mid-career workers.

However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness and uptake of SkillsFuture initiatives, with MPs suggesting expanding credit use for hands-on AI tools and addressing barriers for older and lower-wage workers. The need for better tracking of policy outcomes and more inclusive support for freelancers and platform workers was also highlighted, alongside calls for improved transparency in budget allocations for sectors like defense and policing.

The debate also underscored the importance of tripartite collaboration and collective ownership in driving economic and social progress, with MPs urging greater trust and co-creation between the government, citizens, and businesses to build a shared future.

• The new Master of Science in Holistic Palliative Care programme at NTU expects an initial enrolment of about 15 students, with graduates eligible for employment in public healthcare and community care organisations.
• The Ministry of Health integrates palliative care into undergraduate training and offers postgraduate programmes through various institutions, with training grants and scholarships available.
• Existing healthcare professionals can pursue alternative pathways like the Advanced Diploma in Nursing (Palliative Care) to enhance their palliative care skills.

• The Ministry of Health reported that the total intake for nursing programmes in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) was about 2,100 in Academic Year (AY)2022, with 1,300 from polytechnics, 500 from ITE, and 300 from NUS, increasing by about 100 students in AY2023.
• Approximately 90% of nursing graduates from IHLs who were in full-time permanent employment within six months of graduation in 2022 practised nursing, according to the Graduate Employment Survey.
• The 2023 data on the employment of nursing graduates is not yet available, as noted by the Minister for Health.

• Pritam Singh asked for the number of students taking Tamil and Non-Tamil Indian Languages (NTILs) for PSLE, N, O, and A-level exams from 2013 to 2023, as well as the percentage difference in per-student funding between Tamil and the other five NTILs.
• Chan Chun Sing directed the member to SEAB press releases for candidature data and referenced a parliamentary answer from February 2024 for specific statistics on Tamil and NTIL enrollment in 2013 and 2023.
• He stated that per-student funding for NTILs is about 70% of that for the three official Mother Tongue Languages, including Tamil.
• The response did not provide the exact cohort sizes or the specific percentage difference in funding between Tamil and each of the other five NTILs.
• The debate highlights ongoing concerns about resource allocation for language education, particularly for non-official mother tongues.

• Louis Ng asked for statistics on teacher counsellors over the past five years, including the number employed, the average percentage of teachers per school who are counsellors, and the hours of training they receive.
• The Second Minister explained that there are about 800 teacher counsellors who support less complex student cases, while school counsellors with specialised training handle more complex issues, and teacher counsellors receive shorter training like one-day Psychological First Aid courses.
• Louis Ng raised concerns about whether teacher counsellors are adequately trained and whether they are overburdened, suggesting more school counsellors be hired instead.
• The Minister clarified that the proportion of teacher counsellors varies by school, they are selected based on interest and prior experience, and their workload is managed through reduced teaching duties and school-level guidelines.

• The government introduced the Assurance Package and Enterprise Support Package, providing cash payouts, vouchers, and rebates to households and businesses to address immediate cost-of-living pressures and support economic resilience.
• It launched the Forward Singapore agenda to enhance social mobility and support mid-career workers through the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, which includes top-ups for training and subsidies for full-time diplomas for those aged 40 and above.
• Fiscal measures were outlined, including a Personal Income Tax Rebate, adjustments to property and stamp duties, and implementation of the BEPS 2.0 global tax rules, alongside a new Future Energy Fund to secure clean energy infrastructure.

• Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Ministry of Education to expand education and career guidance to cater to the interests and needs of students and recent alumni from Institutes of Higher Learning who are freelancing or exploring freelancing as a form of employment.
• She also asked the Ministry to work with relevant stakeholders like the National Trades Union Congress and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices to provide contact points for guidance on contract or payment issues when freelancing.
• The Ministry responded that Institutes of Higher Learning already provide Education and Career Guidance support, including workshops and talks on freelancing and self-employment, often in collaboration with NTUC and professional freelancers, to help students understand their rights and weigh the pros and cons of freelancing.
• For students and graduates facing contract or payment disputes while freelancing, the Ministry noted that they may seek help from the Small Claims Tribunal or the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management.

• Christopher de Souza proposed introducing strategic thinking and problem-solving programmes in schools to prepare students for leadership in uncertain times.
• Chan Chun Sing agreed that such competencies are essential but emphasized they are best developed through integrated academic and non-academic experiences rather than standalone programmes.
• He cited examples like co-curricular activities, student leadership programmes, and science lessons where students apply skills like critical thinking and teamwork in real-world contexts.
• The minister highlighted that these combined learning experiences help build resilience, adaptability, and communication abilities necessary for future leaders.

• Louis Ng asked about the results of the Ministry’s most recent review of teachers’ workloads and when a new review might occur.
• The Second Minister for Education stated that the Ministry continually monitors workloads through surveys and staff engagement, with reported work hours remaining stable in recent years.
• Louis Ng expressed concern that while the Ministry claims to reduce administrative work, teachers are increasingly tasked with additional roles like counselling and wellness ambassadorship due to shortages in other support staff.
• The Minister clarified that counselling and mentoring are integral to the holistic role of teaching, not separate administrative burdens, and emphasized efforts to spread responsibilities and use technology to reduce workload.
• The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about whether teachers can focus on core teaching duties given the expansion of non-administrative responsibilities.