Education — Topics

7 Feb 2023

Balloting in Primary Schools in Phase 2B in 2022 and Vacancies versus Registrants in Phase 2B in Last 10 Years

In the 2022 Primary One Registration Exercise, 33 primary schools required balloting in Phase 2B.
Over the last 10 years, these schools had an average of about 40 vacancies each in Phase 2B.
The average ratio of registrants to vacancies in Phase 2B for these schools over the last 10 years was 1.2.

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7 Feb 2023

Primary 1 Registrations made Under Phase 2A and 2B Broken Down by Type of Eligibility

Over the past decade, the proportion of children successfully registered in Phase 2A increased from about 12% to 16% of the Primary 1 cohort, largely due to children from MOE Kindergartens who are eligible for Phase 2A in co-located primary schools.
The proportion of other Phase 2A registrants, such as former students and children of staff members, remained stable over the same period.
The proportion of children successfully registered in Phase 2B decreased from about 6% to 4% of the Primary 1 cohort, mainly because of a reduction in the number of parent volunteers selected by schools based on their needs.
Other Phase 2B registrants, including endorsed members of religious groups or clans that helped establish schools and children of active community leaders, saw stable proportions.
The data reflects the breakdown of registrations under Phase 2A and Phase 2B by eligibility type for each year over the last 10 years.

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7 Feb 2023

Reasons for Widening Salary Gap Between University and Non-university Graduates

The Minister for Education explained that the widening salary gap between university and non-university graduates is driven by factors like differing demand and supply of manpower, productivity variations across sectors, and the accelerated growth of high-wage industries like ICT, which attract more degree holders.
The government emphasizes the need to ensure wage differences do not widen significantly over individuals’ lifetimes and is working with stakeholders to help non-university graduates gain recognition, quality internships, and better career progression.
Initiatives like the TechSkills Accelerator for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance and the APT(M) grant are designed to shift hiring towards skills-based practices and provide structured pathways for graduates in tech and manufacturing sectors.
The success of these efforts relies on companies investing in upskilling, fair compensation based on skills, and enterprise transformation, while consumers may need to support higher wages through their spending.

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7 Feb 2023

Manage Use of Artificial Intelligence Bots in Schools

Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked how the Ministry of Education will manage the use of AI bots like ChatGPT in schools amid the proliferation of AI toolkits.
Chan Chun Sing stated that generative AI tools present both opportunities and challenges, and that MOE provides guidance to teachers on using such technologies to enhance learning while teaching students digital literacy and cyber wellness skills.
Schools have adopted practices to prevent misuse of AI, including teaching students about integrity and plagiarism, and teachers use daily interactions and multiple assessment modes to detect potential AI-generated responses.
MOE will continue to monitor the impact of AI tools on learning and equip students with the skills and values to use technology confidently and responsibly, with approaches evolving as new AI tools emerge.

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7 Feb 2023

Data on Pay Gap between ITE, Polytechnic and University Graduates

Dr Wan Rizal asked whether the Ministry of Education would collect data on the pay gap between ITE, polytechnic, and university graduates over their careers and what steps would be taken.
The Government tracks overall wage levels by qualification and age through the Ministry of Manpower’s Comprehensive Labour Force Survey.
The Ministry of Education is working with Institutes of Higher Learning to pilot tracer surveys that follow graduates’ employment and wages five years after graduation.
These tracer surveys complement the Graduate Employment Survey conducted six months after graduation.
Together, these efforts aim to track key trends in outcomes post-graduation.

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7 Feb 2023

Data on Locally Trained Medical Doctors Accepted into Residency Programmes

Between 2017 and 2021, about 53% of local medical graduates were matched to residency positions, with 96% of residency slots filled by locally and foreign-trained locals, though the process is competitive and may take years.
Many doctors remain in public healthcare after their bond, working in hospitals or polyclinics under schemes like the Hospital Clinician programme to build broad-based clinical skills.
The Ministry does not track career paths of doctors who leave public institutions, but some become general practitioners or pursue further training in family medicine to support the Healthier SG strategy.

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7 Feb 2023

Number of Vacant School Sites and Average Length of Time of Vacancy

Leon Perera asked the Ministry of Education about the number of vacant school sites, their average vacancy duration, the status of former COVID-19 vaccination and migrant housing sites, and the possibility of short-term leases to generate revenue and optimize land use.
The Ministry of Education currently has 10 vacant school sites, with two being prepared as interim holding sites and two more planned for similar use, while the remaining six are pending reinstatement before returning to the Singapore Land Authority.
There are also six former school sites still in use or safeguarded for COVID-19 operations, which will be returned to the Ministry for interim or permanent school use once no longer needed.
The Ministry regularly reviews infrastructure plans and returns unnecessary vacant sites to the Singapore Land Authority, which may lease them for adaptive reuse or convert the land for other purposes if there are no short-term needs.

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7 Feb 2023

Addressing Manpower Shortage in Biotech Sector

The Ministry of Trade and Industry confirmed a current manpower shortage in the biotech sector, with projected 8% annual growth increasing demand for roles like regulatory affairs and clinical project management.
Initiatives to address the shortage include expanding the talent pipeline through ASTAR’s PhD programmes and university admissions, and developing commercialisation skills via SGInnovate’s Helix Immersion Programme and ASTAR’s STDR initiative.
Additional measures involve the T-Up programme to second researchers to biotech firms and the new Deep Tech Talent Central for apprenticeships, aiming to close the projected 30% talent gap over the next decade.

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7 Feb 2023

Trend of Vaping among School and Tertiary Institute Students

Dr Wan Rizal queried the current vaping trend among students in primary, secondary, pre-university, and tertiary institutions and asked about measures schools and institutes have taken to address vaping on their premises.
The Ministry of Education stated it takes a firm stance against vaping, partnering with health agencies to educate students on the harms of e-cigarettes and vaporizers, and teaching them about Singapore's laws, consequences, and skills to resist peer pressure.
When students are caught vaping or possessing such devices, items are confiscated, parents are informed, and disciplinary actions like suspension or caning may be applied, with referrals to health and counseling programs for cessation support.
Recalcitrant offenders may be referred to the Health Sciences Authority, which can issue fines, and institutions including universities and polytechnics also promote awareness of vaping risks and a vaporizer-free lifestyle.

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7 Feb 2023

Reviewing Enforcement Measures on Users and Sellers of Vaporisers and Related Consumables

The Ministry of Health is reviewing enforcement and education strategies to address the rising popularity of vaping, noting concerns about attractive flavours, online sales, and misconceptions about its harms.
Officials emphasize a multi-pronged approach involving the Health Sciences Authority, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, schools, and health promotion boards to curb illegal imports and raise youth awareness.
Despite existing efforts, there is a worrying upward trend in vaping, prompting calls for stronger community involvement and digital campaigns to counter misinformation and encourage a nicotine-free lifestyle.

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7 Feb 2023

Measures to Close Pay Gap between ITE, Polytechnic and University Graduates

The Ministry of Manpower, along with other agencies, is implementing initiatives such as Work-Study Programmes, curriculum alignment with industry needs, and partnerships like the TechSkills Accelerator to improve job quality and wage growth for ITE and polytechnic graduates.
Employers are being engaged through tripartite guidelines, advisory services from TAFEP, and HR capability building to ensure fair employment practices and prevent qualification-based discrimination.
The government is enhancing upskilling opportunities through modular courses, Career Conversion Programmes, and workplace learning support to help graduates progress and transition to new roles.
Longitudinal studies and tracer surveys are being piloted to track graduates’ employment outcomes and wages over time, using data to inform policies aimed at narrowing pay gaps.
Success requires societal buy-in to recognize all workers’ contributions, as emphasized in the Forward Singapore "Empower" pillar, focusing on career health and informed decision-making.

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7 Feb 2023

Update on Testing and Deployment of Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transport Sector

As of 27 January 2023, 43 autonomous vehicles (AVs) have passed Milestone 1 tests and one has passed Milestone 2 tests in Singapore, with trials since 2014 aiding capability development but highlighting needs for further R&D on local conditions.
The government stated that large-scale AV deployment in Singapore depends on technology maturity, safety, commercial viability, and public acceptance, with a gradual impact rather than a deliberate slowdown or acceleration.
The Ministry of Transport is collaborating with unions and workers, such as the National Transport Workers’ Union, to develop skills roadmaps and update training curricula to prepare bus, taxi, and private hire vehicle drivers for the transition to driverless technology.

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7 Feb 2023

Ready Availability of Mobile Devices and Impact on Youth Education on Harms of Drugs

The Central Narcotics Bureau uses social media, youth advocates, and school collaborations to deliver anti-drug education through videos, campaigns, and curriculum integration.
Authorities engage tech companies to remove drug-related content and enforce laws against online dissemination of harmful drug information, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The most commonly abused drugs among youths under 16 are methamphetamine, cannabis, and new psychoactive substances, with efforts continuing to adapt to emerging trends.

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6 Feb 2023

Recognition of Early Childhood Education Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Institutions

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the criteria the Ministry uses for the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to recognize foreign early childhood education qualifications without requiring conversion or diploma courses.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that ECDA sets minimum educational standards for early childhood educators and evaluates foreign qualifications based on the coverage and relevance of course modules.
He added that foreign qualifications fully meeting ECDA’s requirements can be certified without additional training, while those not fully meeting the standards may require stipulated training before certification.

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6 Feb 2023

Ensuring Integrity of Online Examinations and Assignments Given Availability of Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Chan Chun Sing acknowledged the dual opportunities and challenges posed by generative AI tools like ChatGPT, emphasizing that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning have measures to prevent misuse, including supervised online exams and secure networks.
He outlined existing safeguards such as clear rules on academic dishonesty, remote supervision for online examinations, and teaching students about integrity and the consequences of plagiarism to deter cheating.
The Minister noted that educators use multiple assessment modes and monitor student performance to detect uncharacteristic, AI-generated responses, while committing to evolving approaches as new AI tools emerge.

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6 Feb 2023

Breakdown of Grades Received by Officers who Left Education Service in Last Five Years

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Education for the breakdown of the last performance grades (E, D, C-, C, C+, B, and A) received by officers who left the Education Service in the last five years.
Chan Chun Sing responded that over the past five years, resigned teachers had a generally weaker performance profile compared to in-service teachers.
About 8% of the resigned officers were in the D or E performance grades.
The response did not provide the full breakdown of grades across all categories as requested.
The debate highlights concerns about the performance distribution of departing education officers.

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6 Feb 2023

Proposal to Make Principles of Accounts a Compulsory Subject for Upper Secondary Students

Mr Don Wee proposed making Principles of Accounts a compulsory subject for upper secondary students to enhance financial literacy.
Chan Chun Sing responded that financial literacy is already integrated into existing compulsory subjects like CCE, Social Studies, and Food and Consumer Education.
He noted that Principles of Accounts is an elective suited for students with specific interest in accounting and making it compulsory is unnecessary for basic financial education.
The Ministry of Education will continue reviewing the curriculum to ensure all students receive adequate financial literacy training.

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6 Feb 2023

Training for Public Transport Staff and Drivers on Accommodating Passengers with Disabilities

The Minister confirmed that all public transport operators have training programmes developed with social service agencies to assist passengers with disabilities, including those with invisible conditions, and use initiatives like the "May I Have A Seat Please" identifier to aid staff in identifying and helping commuters in need.
Since 2016, bus captains have undergone mandatory inclusive commuter training under the Enhanced Vocational Licence Training Programme, with over 6,450 graduates, and training materials are regularly updated based on feedback from the public and social service agencies.
Public transport operators ensure their customer service hotlines are fully staffed during operating hours, with manpower planned for peak periods and contingencies such as cross-training employees and offering alternative feedback channels.

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6 Feb 2023

Definition of “Optional Enrichment Programme” for Child Development Account Usage

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the criteria for defining "optional enrichment programmes" under the Child Development Account (CDA) and whether after-school care programmes with an educational component could be approved for CDA use.
The Prime Minister, represented by Indranee Rajah, explained that CDA funds are intended for preschool curriculum fees and associated costs, but cannot be used for optional enrichment programmes that are outside the core curriculum approved by the Early Childhood Development Agency.
Indranee Rajah added that the government is considering allowing CDA funds for after-school care programmes and will provide an update later, while noting that low-income families can access subsidies for such expenses through the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

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6 Feb 2023

Primary and Secondary Schools Supported by Roving Student Welfare Officers

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Education for data on the number of primary and secondary schools supported only by roving student welfare officers (SWOs) and the total number of students they supported each year over the past five years.
Chan Chun Sing explained that roving SWOs, introduced in 2022, serve schools without a school-based SWO and with lower levels of student welfare needs, such as prolonged absences, legal issues, or child protection cases.
In 2022, there were seven roving SWOs supporting approximately 100 students across 40 primary and secondary schools.

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