Education — Topics

The government has onboarded 221 SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies, selected for their industry standing and ability to influence business networks, such as Bosch Rexroth, IBM, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, and Prudential across various sectors.
These companies receive government support, including funding to deliver training in emerging skills and to hire "Skills Managers" to identify and address skills gaps for other companies in their value chains.
Since July 2019, over 400 companies, 93% of which are SMEs, have benefited from skills development programs delivered by SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies, enhancing workforce upskilling and supporting enterprise transformation.

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16 Feb 2021

Further Safeguards Following Investigation into Recent Detention of 16-year-old Self-radicalised Singaporean

The Minister of State outlined the facts of the case, confirming the 16-year-old was a self-radicalised "lone wolf" inspired by far-right ideology and the Christchurch attacker, and stressed the importance of pre-emptive action under the Internal Security Act.
Legal and operational measures were highlighted, including the strengthened Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act, public denunciations of terror attacks, and community resilience efforts through the SGSecure movement and interfaith initiatives.
Extensive educational and outreach programmes are in place, involving schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, and religious groups, to teach racial and religious harmony, detect early signs of radicalisation, and foster social cohesion.
For the rehabilitation of the young detainee, a holistic approach combining religious, psychological, and social support is used, including tailored counselling, psychological therapy, family involvement, educational support, and a mentoring programme.
ISD regularly engages religious leaders and community groups to brief them on signs of radicalisation and to strengthen collaborative efforts in early detection and prevention.

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2 Feb 2021

MUIS's Injection of $1 Million Training Credits to Cover Non-Islamic Courses

Wan Rizal inquired whether the $1 million MUIS training credits would cover non-Islamic courses such as mental health, coding, financial management, and media literacy.
The ATC scheme focuses on foundational competencies like digital literacy, personal development, grit, and tech-enabled learning, with mental health courses already available under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme.
Advanced skills like coding and media literacy are not covered by ATC but can be pursued using SkillsFuture credits.

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2 Feb 2021

Steps Taken to Build a Better Understanding of Persons with Disabilities amongst School Children

The Ministry of Education trains all teachers in inclusive practices to help students understand and interact respectfully with peers who have special educational needs or disabilities.
Character and Citizenship Education lessons teach students to avoid stereotypes and appreciate diverse strengths, while Values in Action initiatives guide older students to engage directly with persons with disabilities through community projects.
By 2022, all schools will establish peer support structures, including groups led by Allied Educators, to foster sensitivity and provide emotional support for students with special needs.
Through Satellite Partnerships between mainstream and special education schools, students participate in joint activities like sports and community outreach to build mutual understanding and respect.

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2 Feb 2021

Plans to Systematically Compile Preferred Gender Pronouns for Students

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry of Education whether it plans to systematically compile students' preferred gender pronouns with parental consent and ensure teachers respect them in class.
Lawrence Wong responded that the Ministry will not compile pronouns for all students but will instead support each student diagnosed with gender dysphoria on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry will work with the parents and medical professionals in providing this individualised support for such students.

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2 Feb 2021

Expanding Clinical Training and Supervision Programmes for Students of Clinical Psychology to Increase Future Headcount in Public Healthcare System

Leon Perera proposed expanding clinical training and supervision programmes and providing financial support to increase future psychologists in public healthcare.
Gan Kim Yong noted limited local programme capacity and a steady rise in public sector psychologists, with ongoing reviews of national supply plans.
Multiple financial schemes exist, including awards from MOH Holdings and NCSS, scholarships for students, and support for in-service professionals to pursue postgraduate qualifications.

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2 Feb 2021

Impact on Jobs and Trades with Shift Away from Fossil Fuel and Traditional Automotive Industries

Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that the shift to low emissions mobility is not expected to cause significant job losses in Singapore, as the petrochemical industry remains relevant for various products and the specialty chemicals sector continues to grow in demand across Asia.
Existing transport and maintenance workers are adapting to hybrid and electrified platforms, with the government supporting skill upgrades through initiatives like the Singapore Motor Workshop Association training facility to maintain electric vehicle components and charging systems.
Singapore is actively growing the EV industry by attracting investments from companies like Hyundai, Borgwarner, Continental, and Infineon, which are expected to create job opportunities in advanced manufacturing, R&D, design, and software engineering.
Government agencies will collaborate with companies, training providers, and unions to prepare Singaporeans for new roles in the transitioning mobility sector, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

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1 Feb 2021

Measures to Ensure Skills Transfer from Employment Pass Holders to Local Workers to Build Up Local Capabilities

The government prioritizes skills acquisition for locals through initiatives like Skillsfuture, focusing on creating good jobs and promoting employer commitment to fair hiring and progression.
Skills transfer for PMETs is achieved through various pathways including peer learning, structured training programmes, and job changes, rather than linear or prescriptive measures.
Work pass policies are regularly reviewed and adjusted, such as raising qualifying salary criteria for Employment Pass holders and reducing S Pass sub-Dependency Ratio Ceilings in key sectors, to support local employment outcomes.

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1 Feb 2021

Types of Assistance Made Available to Singaporean Students Studying Islamic Studies Abroad During Pandemic

MUIS collaborated with government agencies and overseas missions to repatriate 410 Singaporean students studying Islamic studies abroad, providing financial subsidies totaling $102,000 for 180 students with financial constraints.
To minimize learning disruption, MUIS facilitated online university examinations, Arabic classes, and placement tests for students enrolling in overseas Islamic courses during the pandemic.
MUIS organized 41 workshops, webinars, and engagements from August to December 2020 to equip repatriated students with skills for employment in the Islamic religious sector, along with arranging internships, part-time employment, and roles as Safe Distancing Ambassadors.

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1 Feb 2021

Number of Secondary School Students Absent from School for More Than Six Months in Past Three Years

The Minister reported that the number of secondary school students absent for more than six months has remained low at about 3 per 1,000 students over the past three years, with about one-third of such students ultimately discontinuing their schooling.
Absenteeism is attributed to a mix of personal and family issues, desire to work, negative peer influence, and academic difficulties leading to loss of motivation.
Schools implement early intervention through form teachers, counsellors, and welfare officers, including home visits and collaboration with Family Service Centres to encourage attendance.
Upstream measures include after-school programmes to build engagement and peer relationships, while the UPLIFT taskforce works with community agencies in pilot areas to address emerging absenteeism.
For chronic cases or dropouts, MOE partners with social service agencies and self-help groups to provide continued support, such as through the Enhanced STEP-UP Programme.

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1 Feb 2021

Employment and Wage Outcome of Tertiary Graduates from Private Education Institutes and Efforts to Strengthen Pedagogy Quality and Industry Relevance Over Last Three Years

Over the last three years, private education institute (PEI) graduates from full-time bachelor's External Degree Programmes saw stable employment outcomes with an average overall employment rate of around 80% and full-time permanent employment near 50%, while median gross monthly salary ranged from $2,650 to $2,800.
SkillsFuture Singapore conducts and publishes an annual PEI Graduate Employment Survey to provide decision-making information but does not endorse the academic quality or market relevance of PEI programmes, with baseline standards enforced under the Private Education Act.
PEIs are responsible for working with industry to review curricula and ensure relevance, while SSG shares Job-Skills insights to help them understand market demands, and certain programmes like nursing and early childhood education require prior accreditation from regulatory bodies.

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1 Feb 2021

Accrediting Requirements for Private Educational Institutions

Christopher de Souza inquired about the accrediting requirements for private educational institutions offering diplomas and the measures ensuring minimum education standards.
Lawrence Wong explained that the Committee for Private Education regulates institutions through the Enhanced Registration Framework, which sets minimum standards in governance, student fee protection, and teacher qualifications.
The EduTrust Certification Scheme distinguishes institutions maintaining high quality, with public information available on their status.
The regulatory framework does not accredit individual diploma programmes due to the diversity of offerings in the private education sector.

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1 Feb 2021

Initiatives to Equip People with Mental Health First Aid

Christopher de Souza asked whether the Ministry of Health will roll out initiatives to equip people with mental health first aid.
Gan Kim Yong outlined existing efforts such as school programmes, workplace training, community campaigns, and online resources to promote mental health literacy and support.
The government plans to continue working with agencies and community partners to expand mental health first aid outreach across different sectors.

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1 Feb 2021

Awareness of Need for Cervical Cancer Checks

Joan Pereira asked for statistics on awareness and practice of cervical cancer screening in Singapore and whether the Ministry will collaborate with tertiary institutions to educate students.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong provided screening guidelines and shared that 88.5% of women aged 25–74 are aware of cervical cancer tests, with about half having been screened in the last three years, though awareness is lower among younger women.
The Ministry and Health Promotion Board are working with partners on public education campaigns, school curricula, and student-led initiatives to raise awareness about cervical cancer and early detection.

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