Education — Topics

2 Aug 2023

Review to Ascertain Losses from Arrangements to Supply Schools with SPH Publications

Ms Hany Soh asked if the Ministry of Education conducted a review to determine any financial losses schools faced from SPH Media’s publication supply arrangements.
Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that institutions paid SPH Media only for services rendered under subscription plans and incurred no financial losses from these arrangements.
The debate concluded that no review found any losses, affirming that payments were strictly for services received.

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2 Aug 2023

Collaborating with Ministry of Education to Introduce and Adopt Healthier SG in Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning

Dr Wan Rizal proposed that the Healthier SG initiative be extended to schools and Institutes of Higher Learning through collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Health responded affirmatively, confirming that the initiative will be rolled out upstream in preschools and schools.
The Ministries of Health, Education, and Social and Family Development will jointly implement preventive care strategies to instill lifelong health habits in the young.
Research indicates that youth habits in eating, sleep, and device usage significantly impact long-term health and development.
Further details on the programme will be shared by the ministries when the plans are finalized.

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2 Aug 2023

Plans to Introduce Mandatory Mental Health Awareness and Training Programmes for Employers and Managers

Wan Rizal asked the Ministry of Manpower about plans to introduce mandatory mental health awareness and training for employers and managers, and the challenges of such an approach.
The Ministry stated there are no current plans for mandatory programmes, citing the diverse needs of businesses and the lack of a one-size-fits-all solution for mental health support.
Instead, the Ministry encourages workplaces to appoint Mental Well-being Champions, offers free or subsidised training, and provides guidance through the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being.
The Ministry also emphasised the shared responsibility of workers, families, and colleagues in supporting mental well-being alongside employer efforts.

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5 Jul 2023

Foreign Students Taking GCE "A" and "O" Levels in Singapore Schools

Over the last five years, foreign students constituted approximately 5% of both secondary school and junior college enrolment in Singapore, as well as about 5% of GCE "O" and "A" level school candidature.
Foreign students typically studied in Singapore for an average of six years in national schools, including primary and/or secondary education, before taking the GCE "O" level examinations.
The data provided addresses the specific queries on foreign student numbers, study duration, and enrolment proportions in response to the parliamentary question.

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5 Jul 2023

Take-up Rate among Parents for Voluntary Workshops Dealing with Child Mental Health Issues

In 2022, over 3,000 parents participated in the Health Promotion Board’s voluntary “Colours of the Mind” workshops to support their child's mental well-being.
The Ministry of Education stated that while mental health screening in schools may have merits, it is complex and requires further study, emphasizing that parents are best placed to notice issues.
Schools collaborate with parents to identify and support students through early identification, referrals to professionals and community resources, and interventions.
The Ministry also provides parents with resources, tips, and networks to foster good parenting approaches and mental well-being.
The question about including mental health screening in school health programmes was noted as an area needing more study, with a focus on parental involvement in early detection.

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5 Jul 2023

Non-Singaporeans from High-income Countries Studying and Receiving Tuition Grants in Local Universities

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked for the proportion of non-Singaporean undergraduate students from high-income countries receiving tuition grants or fee offsets at NUS, NTU, and other autonomous universities.
Chan Chun Sing stated that MOE's tuition grants are awarded based on merit, not country of origin or income level.
International students who receive tuition grants must work in Singapore or a Singapore-based company for at least three years after graduation as part of a service obligation.
Eighty percent of international students at autonomous universities receive tuition grants, while the remaining 20% pay full fees.

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5 Jul 2023

Non-Singaporean Tamil Language Teachers Employed in Schools and Language Centres

Leong Mun Wai asked whether MOE has data on the number of non-Singaporean Tamil Language teachers employed and if schools would consider hiring more from abroad due to a local shortage.
Chan Chun Sing stated that as of December 2022, MOE employed 24 Tamil Language teachers who are Work Pass holders.
MOE prioritizes hiring local teachers but recruits foreign teachers for Tamil Language when local applicants are limited, selecting them based on track record and potential to assimilate.

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5 Jul 2023

Guidelines for Early Childhood Educators on Outdoor Learning

The Ministry has increased emphasis on outdoor learning in refreshed preschool curriculum frameworks and requires gross motor activities outdoors, but did not mandate or track the specific 2019 guide's recommendations, instead offering training and funding to 174 preschools.
Preschools face challenges like safety concerns, time constraints, and lack of safe outdoor spaces; the Ministry addresses these through educator training, peer sharing, and updated design specifications for new HDB BTO preschools.
The Ministry engages parents through updates and meetings to build trust and educate them on outdoor learning benefits, and collaborates with MND, Town Councils, and Residents' Networks to incorporate natural outdoor spaces into existing and future preschool environments.

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5 Jul 2023

Local Students from International Baccalaureate Diploma and Integrated Programmes Admitted to Nursing Diploma or Degree Courses

Over the past three years, 10 students from the IB Diploma and Integrated Programmes were admitted to NUS’s nursing degree, while five entered nursing diploma programmes at Nanyang Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
The Ministry encourages students from these educational routes to apply for nursing programmes using their Year 4 or Year 6 grades, and promotes holistic assessment by institutes of higher learning.
In response to low enrolment numbers, the government is tracking admissions, working with schools and healthcare institutions, and reviewing remuneration and work environments to attract more students to the nursing profession.

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4 Jul 2023

Training for Organisations and Non-disabled Employees to Work with Persons with Disabilities

Miss Rachel Ong asked for data on organisations and non-disabled employees trained to work with persons with disabilities since 2015, the percentage of such organisations sending staff for training, and comparative data on employment tenure for persons with disabilities in trained versus untrained organisations.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M noted that SG Enable’s Enabling Academy trained over 7,100 non-disabled employees from more than 320 organisations over the past five years through Disability Awareness Talks and HIRE Workshops.
About 2% of the nearly 6,600 organisations that received the Enabling Employment Credit in 2022 had employees attend these training programmes in the past five years.
The Ministry indicated that such training may not be a key factor in hiring or retaining employees with disabilities, and instead emphasised supporting employers in providing necessary support to employees with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the Ministry’s focus on practical employer support over mandatory training programmes for improving disability inclusion in workplaces.

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4 Jul 2023

Effect of Longer Training Periods on Intake of Trainee Physical Education Teachers

Dennis Tan asked whether the 24-month training period for PE teachers at NIE affects intake compared to the 16-month period for other subjects and if there are plans to review it.
Chan Chun Sing explained that the longer training includes content subjects like sports science and outdoor education, which are essential for safe PE lesson delivery, unlike other teachers who already have content knowledge from prior degrees.
The Minister stated that the longer course has not reduced applicants, with PE trainees receiving remuneration during training, so duration does not discourage enrollment, and feedback has been positive.
There are no plans to shorten the PE teacher training programme due to its perceived effectiveness and lack of negative impact on intake.

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4 Jul 2023

Harmonising Financial Support Schemes for Students in Institutes of Higher Learning

The Ministry ensures harmony by applying the same income eligibility criteria across all IHLs for Government bursaries, which are publicly communicated.
Institution-based financial aid criteria vary due to scheme nature, donor conditions, and fund availability, with no mandatory transparency requirement.
IHLs are encouraged to communicate their aid criteria, and students can consult their institution's financial aid office for options.
The Ministry does not require IHLs to disclose eligibility criteria for IHL-specific aid, citing varying factors as reasons.

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4 Jul 2023

Students Suspended for Sporting Tattoos

Fewer than 10 students per year over the past three years were suspended for sporting tattoos and refusing to cover or remove them.
Schools refer students to the National Skin Centre’s tattoo removal programme, but the Ministry does not track participation rates.
The no-tattoo policy is enforced across all schools with an educative approach, including guidance and counselling to address underlying issues.
Schools engage students and parents on rules and expectations to raise awareness of the tattoo policy.
Support is provided for students who do not continue with the removal programme, though specific interventions are not detailed.

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4 Jul 2023

Applications for Public Service Commission Scholarships from Junior College Students

Leong Mun Wai asked for the annual number of Public Service Commission scholarship applications from junior college students since 2008, broken down by junior college.
Chan Chun Sing responded that the proportion of junior college students applying for PSC scholarships has remained stable at 10-13% over the past 15 years.
The response noted that comparing application numbers across junior colleges and over time is not meaningful due to changes in programmes, intakes, and student abilities.
The PSC works closely with all junior colleges to encourage suitable candidates and provide career guidance support.

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3 Jul 2023

Persons Convicted of Assaulting Children in Learning Centres

From 2013 to 2022, 1,794 persons were convicted of serious hurt, ill-treatment, or sexual offences against children under 16 in Singapore.
Approximately 2% of these convicted persons were personnel in educational settings like schools, learning centres, tuition centres, or enrichment centres at the time of the offence.
The Minister for Home Affairs provided a yearly breakdown of the convictions in a table.

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3 Jul 2023

Schools Starting Lessons at 8.00 am or Later

Darryl David asked the Minister for Education about the number of MOE schools starting at 8.00 am or later and whether this has increased over the last five years.
Chan Chun Sing stated that one in 10 secondary schools and most junior colleges start at 8.00 am or later on at least three days per week, while primary schools generally do not.
The Ministry of Education does not have precise data on changes over the past five years, as schools have autonomy to set start times not earlier than 7.30 am based on their unique contexts.

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3 Jul 2023

Re-employment of Teachers Based on Past Performance Grades

The Ministry of Education (MOE) follows public service guidelines and will offer re-employment to retiring teachers if they are medically fit, have good conduct, and have no more than one "C-" grade in the last three years.
MOE is also prepared to re-employ teachers with two "C-" grades prior to retirement, provided they receive the support of their Principals.
The policy aims to balance performance standards with fairness and the need to retain experienced educators.

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3 Jul 2023

Overseas School Trips Undertaken by MOE Schools Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2023, about 600 overseas school trips were planned, which is roughly 40% of the number completed in 2019, with 20% of these trips completed by 30 June 2023.
Safety and student well-being are prioritized through risk assessments, staff recce trips, e-registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and monitoring by MOE and its Travel Consultant.
Schools provide timely medical attention and support from MOE for emergencies, including evacuation if necessary, ensuring a safe and meaningful experience post-COVID-19.

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3 Jul 2023

Assistance Extended to Schools Facing Difficulty with School Bus Contracts

The Ministry of Education is working with school bus associations to address industry challenges such as driver shortages, rising costs, and the point-to-point service model, which threaten the affordability and sustainability of school bus services.
Measures include a time-limited increase in Foreign Worker quotas for school bus drivers to achieve economies of scale, with the first batch of applications processed and more expected as school bus tenders for the next year are awarded.
The Land Transport Authority will ensure sufficient training capacity and facilitate applications for the Bus Driver's Vocational Licence to help those keen to become school bus drivers obtain their licences quickly.
MOE will evolve school bus contracts to provide operators with more flexibility, such as offering common pick-up/drop-off points and discontinuing services with insufficient demand, to aid cost management and better utilize scarce manpower.
The majority of Primary 1 students are posted to schools of their choice or within two kilometres of their homes, and many older students use public transport instead of school buses, indicating that school bus services are used by a minority of primary school students.

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3 Jul 2023

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into School Curriculum

Desmond Choo asked how the Ministry of Education is incorporating AI into the curriculum to enhance learning and prepare students for the new economy.
The Ministry is developing AI-enabled tools in the Student Learning Space to customise learning and provide feedback, with pilots in certain subjects and levels.
Students will gain foundational AI knowledge through coding programmes, the Science curriculum, and facilitated use of AI in assignments.
Institutes of Higher Learning build on this foundation, equipping all polytechnic and ITE students with baseline AI competencies and offering specialised AI diplomas and modules.
Autonomous universities are incorporating generative AI tools into courses to familiarise students with workplace technologies.

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