Education — Topics

7 Nov 2023

Proposal to Review Format of GCE "A" Levels to Cater to Broader-based Educational Requirements

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned whether the Ministry of Education plans to review the GCE A-level format to meet broader educational needs, evolve the syllabus beyond university entry requirements, and assess if current post-secondary pathways remain suitable for Singapore.
The Minister for Education highlighted that Singapore’s education system offers multiple pathways—junior colleges, polytechnics, and institutes of technical education—to cater to diverse student strengths and learning needs, with each pathway serving distinct academic or industry-focused goals.
The Ministry plans to continue enhancing porosity between pathways, such as allowing polytechnic graduates to enter universities more easily and enabling A-level graduates to take polytechnic courses with exemptions.
Regular reviews are conducted to ensure holistic education beyond academics, including updates to the 21st Century Competencies framework to emphasize adaptive thinking, communication, and civic literacy.
The government reaffirms the relevance of current pathways while committing to ongoing adjustments to prepare students for future challenges.

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7 Nov 2023

Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces a new category of "lawyer (non-practitioner)" to decouple admission to the Singapore Bar from the completion of practice training, allowing graduates to pursue legal careers in-house or in academia without the apprenticeship.
It lengthens the mandatory practice training period for aspiring practitioners from six months to one year and introduces a provisional practicing certificate regime, allowing trainees limited rights to practice after six months under supervision.
To alleviate pressures on law students, a moratorium will be implemented to prevent early applications for practice training contracts, while also permitting up to three months of the training period to be completed at approved in-house legal departments.

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6 Nov 2023

Mental Health Services under REACH Programme

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked about the number of schools not offering REACH mental health services and the number of students assisted each year over the past five years.
Chan Chun Sing stated that students in all schools can be referred to REACH teams for assessment and intervention.
He added that REACH teams received an average of about 1,500 referrals from MOE schools annually in the past five years.
The response did not specify the number of schools without REACH services or provide a yearly breakdown of students assisted.

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6 Nov 2023

Update on Take-up Rate for Strategic Partnership Co-Curricular Activity (SP-CCA) Programmes for Secondary Schools

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked for an update on the take-up rate for the Strategic Partnership Co-Curricular Activity (SP-CCA) programmes for secondary schools and whether there are plans to expand the programme to benefit more students.
The Ministry of Education, together with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, jointly offers SP-CCA, which enables secondary students from different schools to pursue interests in sports and arts beyond their schools' offerings.
Over 150 students from 68 schools currently participate in three SP-CCAs: Athletics, Water Polo, and Ethnic Dance.
This year, students in Athletics and Water Polo took part in events like the National School Games, while Ethnic Dance performers showcased at the Singapore Youth Festival.
MOE will continue to monitor student interest and consider expanding SP-CCA to more areas in the coming years.

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6 Nov 2023

Alternative Service Models for Providers of Healthy and Affordable Student Meals in School Canteens

Edward Chia asked the Ministry of Education about alternative service models for healthy and affordable student meals in Zhenghua schools facing vendor shortages.
Chan Chun Sing noted most schools already provide such meals, with occasional vendor challenges like retirements, and some use pre-order services.
The Ministry will continue supporting schools, including through alternative service models, to ensure consistent healthy and affordable meals.

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6 Nov 2023

Programmes to Educate Parents on Associated Risks of Cyber-addiction Among Youths and Guidelines for Conducive Home Environment

Edward Chia asked the Ministry of Education to expand parent education programmes on cyber-addiction risks and to provide home environment guidelines.
Chan Chun Sing emphasized the critical role of parents in guiding children’s digital use and noted that schools collaborate with parents through resources, expert insights, and Parent Support Groups.
The Ministry is working with other agencies under the Interagency Taskforce for Mental Health and Well-being to develop a Parents’ Toolbox to help manage children’s device use safely.

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6 Nov 2023

Updating Curricula to Keep Pace with Rapid Transformations within Industries

The Ministry of Education regularly reviews and updates curricula across all educational levels to ensure students gain foundational skills and competencies for the evolving workplace.
Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning have increased focus on soft skills, core competencies, digital literacy, and technology integration, and a new MOE Partnerships Engagement Office has been established to better connect with industry and community partners.
Institutes of Higher Learning partner with industry to validate and refresh curricula aligned with skills frameworks, integrating internships and capstone projects for practical experience.
MOE will continue proactively refreshing curricula to include emerging technologies and skills while maintaining close collaboration with industry to meet current and future needs.

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6 Nov 2023

Instalment Payment Plans for Skills Upgrading Courses Offered by BCA Academy

Gerald Giam asked if BCA Academy offers instalment plans for Singaporeans facing financial difficulty in paying course fees upfront, and if not, whether it could consider such an option.
Desmond Lee explained that BCAA sets fees based on cost recovery, offers government funding of up to 70% and SkillsFuture Credit to reduce upfront costs, and receives very few financial appeals.
Lee stated that instead of instalment plans, BCAA is repackaging longer courses into bite-sized modules with a “pay as you learn” approach to lower upfront payments and increase flexibility.

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6 Nov 2023

Guidelines for Performances at Autonomous Universities to Ensure Reflection of Widely-accepted Social Norms

Ang Wei Neng asked whether the Ministry of Education will set guidelines for public performances at autonomous universities to ensure they reflect widely accepted social norms in Singapore, following a university's admission that a queer-themed performance should not have been publicly held.
Chan Chun Sing responded that autonomous universities are common spaces for neutral learning and discourse, and must respect Singapore's social norms while exercising judgment and sensitivity on divisive issues.
He stated that universities have autonomy to manage campus activities within national guidelines and laws, including public performances, without specifying new ministry guidelines.

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6 Nov 2023

Monitoring Learning and Industry Relevance Outcomes of Continuing Education and Training Programmes

The Ministry of Education (MOE) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) monitor CET programme outcomes through a mix of methods, including programme-specific surveys and econometric studies.
Key metrics include wage and employment outcomes, such as the Work-Study Programme Outcomes Survey which shows over 90% employment within six months and higher median salaries.
A broader impact assessment is also conducted, with the Training Quality and Outcomes Measures (TRAQOM) survey indicating that over nine in ten trainees reported improved job performance.

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6 Nov 2023

Training of Full-time National Servicemen to Help Them Recognise Workplace Practices Inconsistent with Existing Doctrines

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim inquired whether the Ministry of Home Affairs would review training for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) in the SPF and SCDF to ensure they understand how to recognize and challenge workplace practices that contradict existing policies or doctrines.
Minister K Shanmugam confirmed that NSFs in the SPF and SCDF receive basic training that includes instruction on core values, codes of conduct, and the importance of reporting breaches of policies, procedures, or doctrines through established confidential channels.
NSFs and officers can report wrongful practices to supervisors, commanders, directors, or senior leadership, either in writing or in person, with all reports being objectively and expeditiously investigated.
Awareness of reporting channels is communicated during initial training, in-service programs, dialogues, and periodic internal communications, ensuring NSFs are informed upon joining and throughout their service.

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6 Nov 2023

Helping Students with Suicide Ideations and Attempts

Schools have established processes where teachers are trained to identify distressed students, set aside dedicated time for regular well-being checks, and use peer support systems to highlight students in need for referral to school counsellors.
School counsellors conduct suicide risk assessments, involve parents and other supports, guide students in developing coping strategies, and urgently refer high-risk cases to REACH teams or hospital emergency services for intervention.
Schools continuously monitor students, collaborate with parents and caregivers to track mental health, assess risks, and adjust support, working with healthcare institutions to ensure safety and access to further mental health resources.

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6 Nov 2023

Initiatives and Challenges in Infusing Greater Industry Relevance into Academic Curriculum

The Ministry of Education regularly reviews curricula across all levels to equip students with industry-relevant skills, with initiatives like the 21st Century Competencies in schools and revised LifeSkills in higher learning institutes, supported by a new Partnerships Engagement Office to connect schools with industry and community partners.
Challenges include keeping pace with the fast-changing economy and business needs, which requires proactive steps such as continual curriculum refreshes, infusing emerging technologies, and close collaboration with industry to align with skills frameworks and transformation maps.
Industry exposure is enhanced through internships, capstone projects, and real-world experiences, with Institutes of Higher Learning validating and updating curricula in partnership with industry to ensure graduates' competencies remain relevant.

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6 Nov 2023

Review Procedures at Singapore Sports School to Protect Safety and Well-being of Students

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum asked the Minister to confirm if the Ministry is reviewing Singapore Sports School (SSP) policies to ensure student safety, staff training, and breach detection mechanisms.
Edwin Tong recounted the tragic death of student-athlete Pranav Madhaik, who suffered a cardiac arrest after a training session, and stated the coach was dismissed for failing to follow safety protocols.
MCCY and SSP affirmed their commitment to student-athlete safety, detailing existing policies, staff certifications, and safety validations, but acknowledged a need for further review following the incident.
An expert panel is being formed to conduct a thorough review of SSP's safety policies and protocols, with aims to strengthen areas like pre-admission screening and implementation, to be completed by year-end.
The Minister expressed condolences to Pranav's family and emphasized ongoing support for the student-athletes and staff, with progressive implementation of any improvements identified.

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4 Oct 2023

Increasing Awareness of Adequate Retirement Planning amongst Employees Following Recent NTU and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Study

The Ministry of Manpower is supporting retirement adequacy through economic competitiveness, job creation, and uplifting lower-wage workers via Workfare and Progressive Wage moves, with projections showing improved CPF retirement sums for future cohorts.
The government is increasing the statutory retirement and re-employment ages to 65 and 70 by 2030 to allow seniors to work longer and strengthen their retirement savings.
Agencies like CPF Board and MoneySENSE conduct outreach including personalized retirement planning services, social media campaigns, and community events to educate members on retirement planning.
The Institute of Financial Literacy partners with employers to deliver workplace financial literacy programs, offering free clinics and workshops on topics like CPF savings and estate planning.
Retirement planning is emphasized as a personal responsibility, supported by government and agency initiatives to provide resources and guidance for employees, especially older workers.

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4 Oct 2023

Enhancing Awareness among Youths about Risks and Consequences Associated with Becoming Money Mules

The Minister outlined that the Police conduct public education events like the "Youths Against Scams" competition and collaborate with the Ministry of Education on school talks and events such as the Anti-Scam and Cybersecurity Makeathon to raise awareness about the risks of becoming money mules.
The Government has amended the Corruption, Drug Trafficking, and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act to strengthen enforcement against money mules, with the Police and Monetary Authority of Singapore working with banks to enhance advisories for customers, including youths, about account misuse liabilities.
Collaborative measures with financial institutions include enhancing advisory messages during bank account openings to deter youths from engaging in such activities, such as flagging risks when individuals open multiple accounts across different banks in a short period.

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4 Oct 2023

Review of Framework for Training of Doctors to Administer Aesthetic Procedures

Joan Pereira asked how the Ministry ensures doctors are adequately trained for safe aesthetic procedures and whether the qualification framework will be reviewed.
The Ministry and Singapore Medical Council regulate aesthetic practices through updated guidelines that specify permitted procedures and required competencies, with oversight from a dedicated committee.
Doctors must follow the Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines, and compliance is monitored during audits of licensed healthcare institutions.
The Ministry and SMC periodically review the aesthetic guidelines, with the next review scheduled for completion in 2024.

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4 Oct 2023

Expansion of CPF Education Loan Scheme for Payment of Non-degree or Diploma Courses

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed expanding the CPF Education Loan Scheme to include certification courses from approved institutions and non-degree courses from accredited foreign universities.
Minister Tan See Leng reaffirmed that CPF's primary purpose is to support retirement, healthcare, and housing, and the education loan scheme is strictly limited to basic tertiary education at local institutions to safeguard these core needs.
The Minister stated there are no plans to broaden the CPF Education Loan Scheme beyond current boundaries, encouraging use of alternative financing like study loans from financial institutions or SkillsFuture subsidies for shorter training courses.

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4 Oct 2023

Expected Impact of Recent Announcement of Increase in Pricing Cap for School Bus Fares

The Ministry of Education increased the pricing cap for school bus fares by up to 13% from January 2024 to address rising costs and sustain operations, while expanding financial assistance schemes for low-income and special education students.
Education officials emphasized ongoing support through enhanced subsidies and school-level assistance, with plans to review and adjust measures as needed to prevent disruptions.
The debate highlighted concerns about limited bus options for students, particularly in special education, and called for further creative solutions and deeper ground understanding to assist affected families and schools.

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3 Oct 2023

Help for Employees Affected by Recent Retrenchments in Financial Services and Information and Communications Sectors

The Ministry of Manpower requires employers to submit retrenchment notices within five days, enabling timely employment facilitation support through the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation.
Affected workers are offered career matching services, information kits, and access to government support, with around 70% of retrenched residents finding new employment within six months in 2022.
Workers can reskill through Workforce Singapore programmes like Career Conversion Programmes and Mid-Career Pathways, with nearly 100 options across 30 sectors.
Lower-income households can apply for ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance via Social Service Offices for help with basic living expenses.

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