Education — Topics

10 Jan 2024

Take-Up Rate Of SkillsFuture Credit

The Minister reported that SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) utilisation has grown, with 192,000 Singaporeans using it in 2022, but rates are lower among older citizens (around 25% for those 60+) compared to younger age groups.
The government is working with partners to expand course offerings, simplify processes, and is considering a further substantial SFC top-up for mature, mid-career Singaporeans to be announced later this year.
Members raised concerns about the 50% overall utilisation rate, reasons for non-use, and suggestions for AI-driven course recommendations, with the Minister acknowledging room for improvement while emphasizing lifelong learning.

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9 Jan 2024

Workers Facing Highest Risk of Displacement from Artificial Intelligence and Reskilling Programmes Available

The Ministry has not provided a detailed assessment of specific worker categories at highest risk of AI displacement or projected numbers, citing the unpredictable nature of AI development.
The government emphasizes a proactive approach to help workers adapt through initiatives like Jobs Transformation Maps, SkillsFuture courses, and Workforce Singapore's job redesign programmes.
Additional reskilling support is available via IMDA's TechSkills Accelerator for those transitioning to AI tech roles, with continued collaboration with tripartite partners to safeguard employment.

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9 Jan 2024

Proportion of Students Who Have Undergone Code for Fun Enrichment Programme

The Code for Fun (CFF) programme has been mandatory for all upper primary school students since 2020, while at the secondary level it is optional but offered by almost two-thirds of schools in 2023, reaching over 50,000 students annually.
The Ministry of Education ensures students who do not take CFF can still attain foundational digital skills through the formal curriculum, STEM co-curricular activities, and other enrichment programmes.
The programme is regularly reviewed and will be refreshed in 2025 to include new content on artificial intelligence and data literacy to help develop an AI-ready workforce.

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9 Jan 2024

New Sports to be Added under Strategic Partnership CCA Programme in 2024 and 2025

Mariam Jaafar asked about new sports for the Strategic Partnership CCA Programme in 2024 and 2025, including football, and whether international schools could join.
Chan Chun Sing responded that the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth are exploring adding sports not commonly offered in schools, such as athletics and water polo.
He noted that the programme is still in its early stages, so international schools are not currently included.
The specific new sports will be announced when ready.
Football was not explicitly confirmed as being added, but the response focused on less common sports.

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9 Jan 2024

Median Annual Salary of Flexi-adjunct Teachers in Past Five Years

Melvin Yong asked for the median annual salary of flexi-adjunct teachers (FAJTs) over the past five years and how it compares to regular full-time teachers.
Chan Chun Sing explained that FAJTs are paid hourly based on experience tiers and do not receive bonuses or retention payments, unlike full-time teachers.
FAJTs' annual remuneration is intentionally lower than that of full-time teachers, with the highest-paid FAJTs earning less than 60% of the median for experienced classroom teachers.

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9 Jan 2024

Corporal Punishment Meted Out on Boy Pupils and Necessity of Retaining Such Punishment in Schools

Murali Pillai inquired about the number of male pupils caned on the palms or buttocks over clothing under regulation 88 in the past five years and whether corporal punishment should be retained.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the number of male students caned remained stable from 2019 to 2023 and explained that caning is used as an educative and disciplinary measure for serious offenses after other corrective actions are exhausted.
He emphasized that, paired with counseling, caning serves as an effective deterrent and contributes to a safe school environment conducive to learning.

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9 Jan 2024

Training for Healthcare Workers on Managing Difficult Situations

The Tripartite Framework for Prevention of Abuse and Harassment in Healthcare recommends that healthcare institutions provide both formal and informal training for healthcare workers to manage difficult situations and potential conflicts, including effective communication and de-escalation techniques, as well as self-defence skills for physical protection.
Some public healthcare institutions already provide training, such as de-escalation techniques and self-defence, and the framework also calls for mental health support training for supervisors to recognize signs of trauma and refer affected staff for counselling.
The Ministry of Health will collaborate with healthcare institutions to expand the availability of such training to healthcare workers as the framework is implemented.

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9 Jan 2024

Incidents of Disinvitation of Speakers and Cancellations of Events at Autonomous Universities

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried if the Ministry of Education directly instructed autonomous universities to disinvite speakers or cancel events.
Chan Chun Sing confirmed that universities independently manage their events and speakers.
He noted that universities are expected to respect Singapore’s social norms and national interests.
The Ministry may advise universities to uphold these principles when necessary.

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9 Jan 2024

Full-time Platform Workers' Take-up of Career Conversion Programmes

The Ministry of Manpower does not track the participation rate of full-time platform workers in Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs), which are full-time place-and-train or attach-and-train programmes requiring dedicated training commitment.
Flexible arrangements for CCP participants, including those interested in concurrent platform work, are subject to agreement between the employer and participant, with employers assessing business and participant needs.
Platform workers seeking to upskill while continuing platform work can consider part-time SkillsFuture programmes, including the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme, which offers both part-time and full-time options.
Workforce Singapore maintains close to 100 CCPs across around 30 sectors, and platform workers can apply for these via WSG’s CCP portal.

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9 Jan 2024

Use of SkillsFuture Credit Scheme and Achievement of Scheme's Policy Outcomes

As of 2022, 192,000 Singaporeans used their SkillsFuture Credit, with usage increasing by about 12,000 per year since 2019.
The scheme has helped raise the overall training participation rate from 35% in 2015 to around 50% in 2022.
The government plans to provide a further substantial top-up to the SkillsFuture Credit for mature, mid-career Singaporeans to support reskilling and upskilling.

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9 Jan 2024

Measures to Develop Baseline Artificial Intelligence Literacy of Students

MOE is developing students' baseline AI literacy through school-based programmes, Applied Learning Programmes, and the AI Student Outreach Programme, which had close to 17,000 applicants in 2023 with a breakdown across secondary, polytechnic, Integrated Programme, and junior college students.
Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning teach ethical AI use, including evaluating AI-generated content, identifying misinformation like deepfakes, and understanding data privacy, with examples like using generative AI tools in design and food science projects.
The Ministry collaborates with other government agencies, such as MCI, to promote digital citizenship and address AI-related risks, while ensuring equitable access to AI learning resources through platforms like the Singapore Student Learning Space.

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22 Nov 2023

Clarification by Minister of State for Home Affairs

The Minister of State for Home Affairs clarified that all Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore have compulsory modules on respect and appropriate behaviour for students.
This correction was issued to rectify an earlier statement suggesting only most IHLs had such modules, with the remainder working to introduce them.
The clarification was made in relation to measures addressing the sale of sexually explicit materials via Telegram channels.

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22 Nov 2023

Ensuring Awareness of Sports School's Updated Safety Policies and Protocols for Freelance Instructors

Ms See Jinli Jean raised concerns about whether instructors engaged by Government schools and agencies will be held to Singapore Sports School's updated safety policies, and what steps the Ministry will take to ensure awareness, guide responsibility division, assist with liability coverage costs, and ensure organiser accountability.
The Ministry of Education has existing safety policies for co-curricular activities, while Singapore Sports School (SSP) is tailoring its safety protocols to its student-athletes' specific needs and is working with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth on a review.
SSP aims to complete the safety policy review by year-end and will progressively implement improvements, communicating changes to internal and external stakeholders including coaches, staff, and vendors.

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22 Nov 2023

Number and Profile of Skilled Tradesmen Working in Singapore and Future Demand

The Ministry for Manpower provided data on skilled tradesmen in Singapore, including the total number of residents (53,000) and non-residents (133,000) employed as craftsmen and related trades workers, along with their median and average salaries, ages, and breakdowns by residency status.
Demand for skilled trades workers varies by trade, with essential services like plumbing and electrical work always in demand, while the nature of jobs will evolve with technology; various training programmes exist to develop a local pipeline for these trades.
The government is collaborating with industry partners and educational institutions to professionalize skilled trades, offering clearer career progression paths, and will announce new initiatives as part of Forward Singapore to attract and develop local talent.

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22 Nov 2023

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information

Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How clarified that Singaporeans can use their SkillsFuture credits for Udemy courses.
He confirmed that SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) allows direct claims for reimbursement upon course completion.
The response was in reply to Member Gerald Giam's question on the matter.

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22 Nov 2023

Solutions to Defray Cost Increases in National Library Board's Decision to Cease Subscription to E-learning Platform

The National Library Board (NLB) will cease its subscription to the Udemy Business e-learning platform on 15 December 2023 due to a new licensing model that is significantly more expensive, offers fewer courses, and restricts user access.
The Ministry stated that while the cost per user has increased and access is limited, Singaporeans can still use their SkillsFuture Credit to claim for Udemy courses directly from SkillsFuture Singapore, and NLB is actively seeking alternative e-learning resources to replace the platform.
During the debate, the Ministry provided an analogy to illustrate that the new Udemy model is akin to a restrictive buffet, offering far less value for a higher price, and assured that NLB will continue to support lifelong learning through other curated resources and partnerships.
A supplementary question was raised regarding the accuracy of using SkillsFuture Credit for Udemy courses, to which the Ministry responded that they would verify and provide further clarification, as current information suggests Udemy courses may not be available for claims.

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7 Nov 2023

Sustainability of Mental Health Support Officers in Schools

Keith Chua questioned the adequacy of counsellor-to-student ratios and early intervention for mental health in schools and institutes of higher learning in 2024.
Chan Chun Sing outlined current resources, including one to two counsellors per school, an average of six per polytechnic and ITE college, and varying numbers in autonomous universities.
He emphasized reliance on a broader support ecosystem beyond counsellors, including peer networks, teachers, para-counsellors, community mental health teams, and resilience-building skills for students.
The government regularly reviews these provisions to ensure they remain responsive to students' mental health needs.

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7 Nov 2023

Equipping Counsellors with Skills to Address Unique Challenges Such As Gender Dysphoria, Bullying and LGBTQ Issues

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the Minister for Health on the actions taken to equip mental health professionals to handle issues like gender dysphoria, bullying, and familial rejection faced by LGBTQ individuals.
Ong Ye Kung responded that mental health professionals must manage patients with sexual orientation or gender identity struggles in a clinically appropriate and sensitive manner.
The Ministry of Health has implemented two key measures: providing education and training for psychiatrists-in-training, including clinical care for LGBTQ individuals and those with gender dysphoria, and developing best practice guidelines for professionals working with youth on sexual orientation issues.
These guidelines, last updated in 2015, are currently being updated in consultation with professionals from psychiatry, psychology, counselling, and social work fields.

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7 Nov 2023

Students in Integrated Programme Track Registering to Take GCE "O" Level Exams as Private Candidates

Students in Government, Government-aided, independent, and specialised schools cannot register for GCE O-Level exams as private candidates because they are already registered as school candidates, though schools may register them for subjects not offered.
Schools have discretion to register students as school candidates for O-Level subjects not offered, considering curriculum load, student aspirations, and well-being.
Integrated Programme (IP) students are encouraged to use freed-up time for broader learning and can take O-Level exams as school candidates only in specific cases like mother tongue policy or elective programmes.
Allowing IP students to take O-Level exams as private candidates would contradict the intent of the Integrated Programme, which aims to provide a more seamless upper secondary education.

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7 Nov 2023

Percentage of Students in Mainstream Schools Diagnosed with Special Education Needs

The Minister for Education reported that 6.9% of students in mainstream primary and secondary schools, approximately 27,000 students, have been diagnosed with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Access Arrangements, such as extra time, assistive technology, and exam component exemptions, are provided to help students with SEN demonstrate their knowledge and skills fairly during examinations.
The Ministry of Education and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board collaborate with schools, parents, and professionals to monitor students' needs and review the appropriateness of access arrangements.
Schools observe that students with SEN are able to better access examinations using these provisions, with school-based assessments used to check if arrangements address specific barriers.

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