Education — Topics

9 May 2022

Percentage of Preschool Children Referred to KK Women's and Children's Hospital for Learning or Behavioural Difficulties and Support Programmes Available

Over the last two years, about 2% of preschool children were assessed annually for learning or behavioural difficulties at the Child Development Programme in KK Women's and Children's Hospital and National University Hospital, not including private institution assessments.
Children requiring low levels of support are referred to the Development Support–Learning Support and Development Support Plus programmes, which provide weekly intervention and educator guidance in preschools.
Children needing medium support may join the Inclusive Support Programme pilot, while those requiring medium-to-high support are placed in the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children or the Enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers programme.
All intervention programmes include Individualized Education Plans and close parent collaboration to prepare children for transition to primary or special education schools.

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9 May 2022

Law Students Found Cheating in Bar Examinations and Steps to Address Public Concerns

The Minister for Law addressed parliamentary questions about cheating by trainee lawyers in the 2020 Bar examinations, stating that the Singapore Institute of Legal Education (SILE) has introduced remote proctoring and found no further cheating cases, while the 11 involved are required to repeat courses or exams and face delayed admission to the Bar pending court review.
The Minister emphasized that cheating is a serious breach of honesty for fiduciary officers of the court, with admission decisions resting with the High Court considering views from the Attorney-General, SILE, and Law Society, while cautioning that discussions must be limited due to pending cases.
Parliamentarians sought information on historical cheating incidents and steps to address public concerns, with the Minister clarifying SILE had no prior findings of such cheating and noted safeguards were added post-COVID, while rejecting the notion of unconditional second chances but acknowledging the need for proportionate penalties.
Additional suggestions included conditional calling with community service, but the Minister stressed these are matters for the Attorney-General, Law Society, and courts to decide rather than government policy.

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5 Apr 2022

Public Education Efforts on Urgency of Singapore’s Climate Change Goals

The Government will continue to enhance public education efforts on Singapore’s climate change goals, focusing on awareness, understanding of trade-offs, and galvanizing collective action through initiatives like the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and ongoing stakeholder dialogues.
Public engagement includes co-creating solutions with citizens, such as the Citizens’ Workgroup for local produce and collaborations like the CNA Green Plan series, to inspire and mobilize sustainable practices.
Education institutions are integrating environmental sustainability into curricula, campus infrastructure, and community partnerships to nurture students’ understanding and participation in building a sustainable Singapore.
Upcoming efforts will rally individuals, communities, and businesses to initiate their own sustainability projects in support of the Green Plan.

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5 Apr 2022

Oversight of Contracts for Adult Educators

Saktiandi Supaat asked whether Adult Educators (AEs) in public education institutions are engaged under standard contracts, how the Ministry oversees contractual terms, and if there have been complaints from AEs.
Chan Chun Sing explained that Institutes of Higher Learning procure AE services for various duties, with contracts based on fair market practices and a standard template, but terms are agreed individually between institutions and AEs.
The Ministry of Education does not oversee these contracts, and feedback or complaints are typically handled directly by the institutions.

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5 Apr 2022

Success of Professional Conversion Programmes in Directing Singaporeans into Growing Industries

The Professional Conversion Programmes (now Career Conversion Programmes) placed over 24,000 locals into new jobs in the last three years, a 62% increase from the previous period, with top sectors including Air Transport, Financial Services, and General Manufacturing.
Nine in ten participants remained employed 24 months after starting the programme, and six in ten earned more than their previous salaries, showing the programmes’ effectiveness in skill acquisition and job retention.
The programmes focus on jobs rather than sectors, offering place-and-train for emerging roles and redeployment pathways to reskill at-risk workers, with 11,000 workers reskilled and redeployed over three years.
The programmes are customisable and rapidly scalable, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when over 3,000 workers in impacted sectors like Food Services and Retail were reskilled and redeployed.
To enhance future readiness, the government uses Jobs Transformation Maps to guide sector agencies in mounting relevant programmes, complementing Industry Transformation Maps for long-term manpower planning.

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5 Apr 2022

Take-up Rate of Capability Transfer Programme and Its Effectiveness in Helping Singaporean Workers Acquire New Capabilities

Since October 2017, over 140 companies and nearly 1,000 Singaporeans across 20 sectors have benefited from the Capability Transfer Programme (CTP), with top sectors including Precision Engineering, Air Transport, and Logistics, and funding up to 90% provided for training plans that ensure genuine upskilling.
The programme uses various methods for capability transfer, such as bringing in foreign specialists, overseas training, and remote learning, and has been extended to September 2024, though take-up was low during COVID-19 due to travel restrictions but is expected to rise as borders reopen.
While the government requires companies to commit to training locals and considers expanding CTP to include transfers from existing foreign employees, it has rejected imposing foreign workforce reduction conditions as too blunt, and instead supports broader skills acquisition through other schemes like the Global Ready Talent Programme and Global Rotation Scheme.
The government monitors CTP’s effectiveness through macro employment data, showing strong resident employment growth and low unemployment, but specific funding details for the highest 90% cap have not been provided yet.
Additional suggestions include higher funding for CTP and union involvement via Company Training Committees, but existing support rates and a S$300,000 funding cap have not faced company feedback as restrictive, with ongoing reviews based on uptake.

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4 Apr 2022

Plans to Implement Use of Clear Masks in Preschool Settings to Enable Infants and Toddlers to Observe Lip Movements of Teachers in Their Language Acquisition

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if there are plans to implement clear masks in preschools so infants and toddlers can observe lip movements during language acquisition.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that while evidence on mask-wearing effects is limited, masks can impact younger children's access to visual language cues, and noted that preschools already have flexibility to use transparent masks, with over 7,000 distributed in 2021 to support children with developmental needs.
The government is gradually easing mask requirements in early education settings, starting March 2022, by allowing selected teachers and students with additional or developmental needs to remove masks during language lessons, with consideration for future expansion.

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4 Apr 2022

Complaints About Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures in Schools, JCs and Polytechnics in Past Six Months

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Education for the number of complaints received regarding Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures in Primary and Secondary schools, JCs, and Polytechnics over the past six months.
Chan Chun Sing stated that access to education remains MOE's priority and COVID-19 vaccination is not required for physical attendance or core school activities.
MOE aligns with national public health measures for higher-risk activities, such as allowing up to 30 vaccinated individuals for larger team sports.
Only a small number of feedback and queries have been received on enhanced requirements for higher-risk activities, which MOE explained are in line with national posture to protect unvaccinated individuals.
MOE has responded to students and parents to clarify that these measures are to safeguard health due to the higher infection risk for the unvaccinated.

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4 Apr 2022

Strategies in Schools to Ensure Children Spot Signs of Disinformation and Online Falsehoods

Schools teach information and media literacy across subjects from Primary to pre-University levels, focusing on critical evaluation of sources and distinguishing fact from opinion.
Starting from upper Primary, students learn age-appropriate strategies to verify credibility, cross-check information, and spot falsehoods, with skills built upon in later years.
Cyber Wellness education within the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum reinforces online discernment, including discussions on real-world issues like POFMA and scams.

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4 Apr 2022

Measures to Prepare and Assist Teachers at ITE to Support Students with Special Needs

The Ministry of Education and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) maintain a comprehensive support system for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including dyslexia, autism, and Down Syndrome.
ITE educators receive foundational training on SEN conditions and strategies, with opportunities for advanced training in learning interventions and behavior management.
Each of the three ITE Colleges has a Learning Accessibility Office staffed with specialists who provide direct support to students and advise educators on effective intervention plans.

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4 Apr 2022

Age-appropriate Discussions in Schools on Complex Foreign Policy and Security Issues

Teachers engage students in age-appropriate discussions on complex foreign policy and security issues through subjects like History, Social Studies, General Paper, and Character and Citizenship Education, using real-world case studies and current affairs.
Specialised training for teachers, workshops by experts, and events like International Friendship Day and Total Defence Day help frame discussions on topics such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Singapore’s relations with the US and China, and hostile information campaigns.
Institutes of Higher Learning incorporate these issues into curricula like LifeSkills, emphasizing critical thinking and global perspectives, while all educational levels teach information and media literacy to counter misinformation.

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4 Apr 2022

Protocol for Students who Test COVID-19-positive with Self-administered Antigen Rapid Tests Prior to School Academic Assessment

Students testing positive for COVID-19 via home antigen rapid tests are not required to produce a medical certificate to justify absence from school assessments, and their absence is considered valid under MOH protocols.
Schools may request photo evidence of the positive test result, and students who miss assessments due to COVID-19 can have their results rebased using other assessment components to reduce stress.
Parents or students facing difficulties with school policies on such absences are advised to contact MOE directly for resolution, as demonstrated by the Minister’s offer to investigate a specific case raised in the debate.

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10 Mar 2022

Central Pool of Relief Manpower under Early Childhood Development Agency to Provide Help to Preschools Affected by Rise in COVID-19 Infections

Ms Ng Ling Ling raised concerns about a central relief manpower pool under ECDA to support preschools affected by rising COVID-19 cases and asked about monitoring teachers' mental wellness amid increased workload.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli outlined ECDA's measures, including flexible staff deployment across classes and preschools, relaxed regulatory requirements during staff shortages, and streamlined contact tracing processes to aid operations.
The government directed preschools to source relief staff via platforms like EzMart or HR agencies, and encouraged monitoring staff well-being through rest breaks, workload rotation, and support from the Health Promotion Board.
Appreciation initiatives like care packs and wellness workshops were provided to preschool staff, and parents were urged to support efforts by keeping unwell children home and vaccinating eligible children.

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10 Mar 2022

Breakdown on Resignation of Teachers between First and 10th Year of Service in Past Five Years

Louis Ng asked the Minister for Education for the number of teachers resigning each year in the past five years by their year of service from first to tenth.
Chan Chun Sing responded that the average annual resignation rate of teachers in their first 10 years of service has been low and stable, at 2% to 3%.
He noted a slightly higher resignation rate of 3% to 4% for teachers around three to five years of service, compared to very low rates in the first two years due to bonds and about 2% for more experienced teachers.
Overall, teacher resignation rates are lower than other schemes in the Civil Service.

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10 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

The debate emphasized the need to strengthen Singapore's social compact, address emerging fault lines from the pandemic like racism and economic inequality, and support vulnerable families, particularly in the Malay/Muslim community, through programs like M3 and Project DIAN@M3.
Ministers outlined strategies to build a competent, future-ready workforce and community, focusing on education, lifelong learning, scholarships, mentorship, and partnering with industry to create opportunities in growth sectors for the Malay/Muslim community.
Parliament also discussed enhancing the community dispute resolution framework, promoting racial and religious harmony through refreshed IRCCs, and supporting the arts, culture, heritage, and sports sectors in their post-pandemic recovery and sustainability.

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10 Mar 2022

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

Ministers Masagos Zulkifli, Desmond Lee, Sun Xueling, and Eric Chua emphasized families as the core of Singapore's social compact, outlining initiatives like the Year of Celebrating SG Families, enhanced financial support such as ComCare and grants, and community programs like ComLink to support low-income and vulnerable families through holistic, coordinated approaches.
The debate highlighted efforts to uplift the low-income and persons with disabilities, including expanding job opportunities, training subsidies, and the Enabling Masterplan 2030, while addressing challenges like family violence through accepted taskforce recommendations and improved support services.
Discussions covered preschool accessibility and quality, with plans to increase places and lower fees, alongside initiatives for early childhood educators and support for children from low-income families via KidSTART, while clarifying policies on single parents and digital assistance for vulnerable groups.

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9 Mar 2022

Profile of Students Admitted to Gifted Education Programme in Past Five Years

Leon Perera requested a five-year breakdown of GEP admissions by housing type, parents’ education, race, and financial assistance status.
Chan Chun Sing highlighted that GEP students come from about 60% of primary schools annually, with around 45% living in HDB flats.
The Minister noted that schools offer diverse programmes, including GEP and school-based provisions, to support high-ability learners.

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9 Mar 2022

Creating More Inclusive Environments in Public Schools Beyond Special Education Schools

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education about expanding inclusive environments in public schools for special needs children to learn alongside peers while meeting their specialized needs.
Chan Chun Sing highlighted existing initiatives like Satellite Partnerships, which facilitate joint activities such as Values-in-Action, CCA, and camps between SPED and mainstream schools, including examples like shared facilities and online interactions during the pandemic.
Pre-pandemic, partner organizations used arts and sports programs like the National School Games and Play Inclusive to foster inclusivity, and some have continued online despite disruptions.
These interactions help mainstream students appreciate diversity and develop empathy, while SPED students gain opportunities for community engagement and societal inclusion.
MOE will continue collaborating with schools to strengthen these partnerships for shared learning and growth among students.

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9 Mar 2022

Plans for Continued Education and Training for Special Needs Children after 18 Years of Age

The Ministry of Education (MOE) supports special needs students through mainstream schools, Special Education (SPED) schools with customized curricula, and a Transition Planning Coordinator who develops Individual Transition Plans for post-school pathways.
Work-capable students can pursue vocational programs leading to certificates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) or Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ), with internships and further training options at ITE and external centers.
The MOE-MSF-SG Enable School-to-Work Transition Programme provides up to two years of customized job training and internships for students needing more time to become work-ready.
Persons with Disabilities, including SPED graduates, can access lifelong learning through SkillsFuture subsidies, Open Door Programme grants, and customized courses from training providers.

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9 Mar 2022

Ratio of Singaporeans to Foreigners in Autonomous Universities for Faculty Members

Leon Perera requested data on the ratio of Singaporeans to foreigners among faculty in Autonomous Universities over the past 10 years, broken down by overall, Humanities and Social Sciences, tenure track, and non-tenure track.
The Second Minister for Education stated that the proportion of Singaporean faculty overall has remained stable at around 50% over the past 10 years, and about 50% in Humanities and Social Sciences departments over the past five years.
In universities with tenure systems, Singaporeans make up around 40% of tenured and tenure-track faculty, while on the non-tenure track, the proportion is higher at around 60%.
The government is working to build a strong Singaporean core by attracting overseas Singaporean academics and supporting local talent through schemes like the Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent Scheme (START).
As of the report, 162 START award recipients have been supported to pursue academic careers in Autonomous Universities.

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