Education — Topics

3 Jul 2023

Contingency Plan for Schools in Hot Weather Scenarios

The Ministry of Education has clear guidelines for schools to manage hot weather, including limiting outdoor activities between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm, encouraging hydration, and allowing students to wear PE attire or school t-shirts as needed.
Schools communicate these measures to students, staff, and parents, and may adjust activities based on local conditions, such as reducing duration or intensity and providing more rest breaks.
While guidelines are consistent across all schools, implementation is flexible to account for varying weather conditions in different parts of Singapore, leading to some variations in specific practices like uniform changes.

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10 May 2023

School Places for All Students with Special Educational Needs

The Ministry of Education stated there are currently 24 government-funded Special Education (SPED) schools, with plans to increase to 28 by the 2030s, and they continuously monitor demand for places.
Admission to SPED schools requires a formal diagnosis of special educational needs through a psychological assessment, and suitability is determined based on the child’s cognitive, psychological, social, and physical needs.
Not every child with special educational needs is best supported in SPED schools; the decision is made collaboratively with a panel of qualified professionals.

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10 May 2023

Attracting Polytechnic Graduates to Work in Banking and Finance Sector and Take-up of Places in Apprenticeship Programmes for Them

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched the Polytechnic Talent for Finance Scheme with three tracks—Internship, Apprenticeship, and Sponsorship—to increase polytechnic graduate hiring in finance, targeting over 80% growth from 160 in 2021 to at least 300 by 2025.
MAS and the Institute of Banking and Finance will organize roundtables and outreach events like career fairs to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and raise student awareness of finance careers, addressing current low familiarity with polytechnic talent.
Employers and students have shown keen receptiveness to the scheme, with financial institutions viewing it as a way to diversify talent pools, though apprenticeship programmes remain limited compared to internships.
Polytechnic graduates can access upskilling through MAS’s Talent and Leaders in Finance Programme, which includes subsidized training, job rotations, and mentorship to support career progression without requiring a university degree.
Additional initiatives for ITE students include Work-Study Diplomas and tech-focused programmes to prepare them for opportunities in finance and technology sectors.

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9 May 2023

Competencies and Qualifications Required under Household Services Scheme to Provide Eldercare Services

Workers under the Household Services Scheme providing eldercare must complete relevant elder-minding training or pass a competency assessment recommended by the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care, and they are equipped with basic skills such as safely supporting daily living activities and assisting with simple exercises.
The Ministry of Manpower and the Agency for Integrated Care are monitoring training take-up rates and will expand capacity if needed to ensure timely and adequate training courses.
There are no plans to expand the Household Services Scheme to include care for special-needs children and adults; households are directed to existing home-based care programmes run by Social Service Agencies or to contact SG Enable for more information.

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9 May 2023

Causes of Long-term Unemployment and Successful Reduction Initiatives

The rise in long-term unemployment was primarily driven by the COVID-19 economic downturn, which increased the rate to 1% in 2020-2021, before it recovered to 0.7% in 2022, though older workers aged 50 and above remain disproportionately affected.
The main cause of long-term unemployment is structural, with skills and qualification mismatches being the top job search difficulty, leading to proactive measures like SkillsFuture, Jobs Transformation Maps, and job redesign grants to prevent skills obsolescence.
Successful initiatives include Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs) that reskill workers for in-demand roles, supporting over 35,000 locals from 2018 to 2022 with high retention rates and salary increases for long-term unemployed and older workers.

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9 May 2023

Students Attending Tamil Language Lessons in Regional Centres and Measures to Reduce Need for Them to Travel

The Minister for Education explained that Tamil Language teachers are deployed to schools where in-school instruction is most needed, with all kindergarten and primary students learning Tamil in their own schools and about 90% of secondary students doing the same.
For secondary students whose schools do not offer Tamil, lessons are provided at 11 school-based centres or the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, which are spread across Singapore to minimise travel time, with students able to choose the centre nearest to their school or home.
The question on the proportion of students attending regional centres and median travel time was not directly answered, but the response focused on the existing decentralised placement of centres to reduce travel needs.

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9 May 2023

Inclusion of Animal Welfare Content in Character and Citizenship Education Syllabus

The Ministry of Education incorporates animal welfare topics into subjects like Character and Citizenship Education, Social Studies, and Science, with updated examples and age-appropriate content on responsibility and positive action.
Students learn about the legal penalties for animal cruelty and the steps to take if they witness such acts, and schools may collaborate with community partners for hands-on experiences with animal welfare groups.
The Ministry reviews the curriculum regularly to address student learning needs and will consider further expansion of animal welfare content to increase awareness and prevent animal abuse.

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9 May 2023

Reviewing Income Criteria for Student Care Fee Assistance to Reduce Out-of-pocket Expenses

The Ministry of Social and Family Development reviews the Student Care Fee Assistance scheme periodically to ensure affordability for lower-income families, with most recipients paying a median of $29 per child.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that the scheme was last enhanced in 2020 and will be reviewed again, with family size considered through per capita income criteria for higher subsidies.
The Ministry noted that the scheme includes startup grants for initial enrolment costs but does not cover enrichment programmes, focusing instead on essential student care fees.

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8 May 2023

Special Educational Needs Students Studying in Mainstream Schools and Support Available

There are 35,500 students with Special Educational Needs in Singapore, with 80% supported in mainstream schools and 20% in Special Education schools, and the number of Special Education schools is planned to increase from 24 to 28 by the 2030s.
Mainstream schools provide support for SEN students through inclusive classroom practices, a Case Management Team, Teachers trained in Special Needs, and dedicated SEN officers (Allied Educators), with each primary school having two SEN officers and each secondary school having one, plus more for schools with higher needs.
The Ministry of Education has increased the number of SEN officers from about 450 in 2017 to over 660 in 2022 to better support students with SEN in mainstream settings.

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8 May 2023

Plans to Share Resources from Gifted Education Programme (GEP) with Non-GEP Classes and Teachers

Leon Perera asked whether resources from the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) could be shared with non-GEP classes upon teacher request and if non-GEP teachers could incorporate GEP methods.
Chan Chun Sing confirmed that GEP resources are made available to non-GEP teachers for adaptation when appropriate.
Non-GEP teachers also have access to professional development that shares pedagogical approaches used in the GEP for use in their classrooms.

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8 May 2023

Plans to Lower Qualifying Age for SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy

Gerald Giam asked if the government plans to lower the qualifying age for the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy from 40 to 35 to support younger Singaporeans in career transitions.
Chan Chun Sing stated the government's priority is to assist those aged 40 and above with up to 90% subsidies for reskilling and upskilling.
He noted younger Singaporeans, including those in their 30s, can still receive up to 70% subsidies and use their SkillsFuture Credit to minimize cash outlay for career changes.

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8 May 2023

Aligning Character and Citizenship Education Curriculum with Model in UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Minister confirmed that Singapore’s Enabling Masterplans and policies are aligned with the UN social model of disability, aiming to remove societal barriers for persons with disabilities.
The Character and Citizenship Education curriculum already fosters empathy, sensitivity, and respect toward persons with disabilities, reinforced through community service and Values in Action activities.
Collaborative programmes between general and special education schools, including co-curricular activities, help build inclusive awareness and staff capacity.

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8 May 2023

Measures against Harassment by Students and Parents on Teaching Staff in Schools and Tertiary Institutions

The Ministry of Education has proactive policies and programmes to build positive relationships among staff, students, and parents, though harassment incidents are not common.
Clear escalation procedures and legal measures, such as the Protection from Harassment Act with enhanced penalties, are in place to protect educators, including police assistance and counselling support.
Tertiary institutions require students to complete compulsory modules on respectful behaviour and anti-harassment, with disciplinary consequences for violations under their codes of conduct.
Special Education (SPED) schools follow standard operating procedures aligned with their parent Social Services Agencies to report and manage harassment cases, with additional support from agency headquarters.
The Ministry emphasizes mutual respect among all parties to ensure the best outcomes for students and calls for collective responsibility in maintaining a safe educational environment.

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8 May 2023

Non-compliance with Safety Guidelines on Wearing of Mask or Spit Guard in Food Preparation

The Ministry has conducted multiple industry engagements and issued advisories through media statements and posters to remind food operators of the mask or spit guard requirement, with enforcement actions also publicized to raise awareness.
All food handlers in retail food establishments must pass the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1, and this will extend to non-retail establishments from July 2023, with periodic refresher courses required for certification renewal.
The Ministry supports training by approving 79 providers for the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 and offers subsidies through SkillsFuture Singapore for eligible individuals and SMEs.

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8 May 2023

Measures for Early Detection and Intervention to Arrest Trend of Students Abusing Cannabis

Derrick Goh proposed that the Ministry of Home Affairs introduce easy-to-use saliva test kits in schools to detect cannabis abuse among youths early.
K Shanmugam clarified that the Central Narcotics Bureau does not conduct drug screening in schools but engages schools and stakeholders with anti-drug resources.
The CNB provides toolkits and helplines to help identify and assist youths showing early signs of drug abuse.

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8 May 2023

Key Performance Indicators Tracked for Effectiveness of Courses in Upskilling Workers for Shortage Occupation List

Minister Chan Chun Sing highlighted that SkillsFuture Singapore tracks employment rates within six months for disrupted workers, with 64% of those under 40 and 56% of those aged 40 and above securing jobs after completing training programmes such as SGUnited Skills and Pathway Programmes.
The Ministry monitors the time taken to find employment through post-training surveys and labour market data, and uses this to refine programmes like the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme, which targets sectors with good hiring opportunities.
Effectiveness of upskilling courses is assessed by working closely with industry partners and sector agencies, using job postings and labour market data to identify skills gaps, including those on the Shortage Occupation List, to ensure programmes meet evolving workforce needs.

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8 May 2023

Plans to Revamp Format of GCE "A" Level H1 General Paper Examination

Gerald Giam raised concerns that the current single-sitting format of the H1 General Paper examination risks unfairly penalising students affected by adverse events on exam day and suggested a shift to continuous assessments.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that the current assessment mode is professionally sound and valid for the General Paper, as national exams are designed to evaluate learning outcomes at the end of study.
The Minister noted that provisions exist for special consideration for students facing adverse circumstances during national exams, ensuring no student is disadvantaged.
He emphasised the importance of fostering a healthy mindset towards assessments, with parents and educators helping students view exams as opportunities for growth rather than sources of unhealthy stress.
Chan Chun Sing concluded that a student’s examination performance is a checkpoint in their education journey and does not define their future or self-worth.

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8 May 2023

Options for Students Requiring Long-term In-patient Care for Physical or Mental Health Issues

Darryl David asked the Minister for Education about schooling options for students needing long-term in-patient care for physical or mental health issues while hospitalized.
Chan Chun Sing explained that schools collaborate with families and healthcare professionals to support these students and facilitate their transition back to school when ready.
Support includes teachers and peers maintaining contact through voice or video calls, schools providing learning resources, and socio-emotional support.
The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board works with schools to offer examination arrangements, such as taking papers in hospitals or applying for extra time as needed.

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8 May 2023

Racial Mix Consideration at Annual Primary 1 Registration

The Primary 1 registration framework balances factors like sibling precedence, proximity, and parental ties, with parental choices affecting the racial composition of schools.
Students learn about multiculturalism through subjects like Character and Citizenship Education and Social Studies, covering cultures, contributions, and mutual respect.
Schools promote cross-racial interaction through cultural celebrations, learning journeys, and co-curricular activities, supported by Ministry of Education initiatives.

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8 May 2023

Factors Considered in Drawing up COMPASS Shortage Occupation List

The Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Trade and Industry evaluate occupations for the Shortage Occupation List based on strategic economic importance, labour shortage indicators from job vacancy and application data, and sector commitment to developing local talent pipelines, with sector agencies setting and reviewing local training and employment commitments.
The Shortage Occupation List is reviewed regularly, with annual adjustments and a full reset every three years, to respond to labour market changes, avoid entrenched dependencies on foreign workers, and ensure local graduates are not disadvantaged, with monitoring of local graduate outcomes and wage trends.
Ministries collaborate with sector agencies, the Ministry of Education, and institutions of higher learning to align course offerings with industry needs, provide broad career guidance, and encourage continuous upskilling, though detailed list sharing for career guidance is balanced against the accelerating pace of change in the job market.

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