Education — Topics

5 Oct 2020

Meaning of National Anthem and Colours and Symbols of Flag as Part of National Education in Lower Primary

The Ministry of Education confirms that lower primary students learn to sing the National Anthem and recite the Pledge, with lessons emphasizing loyalty and belonging to Singapore.
Primary 2 students are taught the meanings of the National Flag’s colours, crescent, and stars during Social Studies, supported by resources like animated videos.
Learning is deepened in later years through repeated exposure and deeper exploration of national symbols in subjects like Music and Social Studies.
Resources such as videos are used to make learning engaging, explaining the anthem’s lyrics, its origins, and composer Pak Zubir Said.
These efforts ensure students understand the significance of daily rituals like singing the anthem and reciting the pledge.

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5 Oct 2020

Measurement of Success of SkillsFuture and Related Continuing Education and Training Programmes in Providing Opportunities for New Careers and Employability

The government tracks placements for placement-related training programmes, with 5,140 placements via Professional Conversion Programmes and 9,554 via SSG's Train-and-Place programmes since 2016.
Longitudinal studies show training improves employability and wages, such as a 5.8% wage premium for WSQ training graduates and a 10% wage premium for SkillsFuture Work-Study post-diploma graduates.
Employer surveys indicate strong support, with 77% of employers saying SkillsFuture programmes helped employees take on more responsibilities and 75% agreeing they aided recruitment and retention.
Industry alignment is fostered through company-led training, including partnerships with firms like Google and IBM and the use of SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies to support SMEs.

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5 Oct 2020

Adequacy of Three Primary Schools in Fernvale Constituency to Accommodate Total Number of Children in 2015 Cohort

Mr. Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the number of children in Fernvale's 2015 cohort and whether the three local primary schools could accommodate them.
Minister Lawrence Wong responded that demand for Primary 1 places in Fernvale is being monitored, with 16 schools within two kilometres and only 70 vacancies remaining after the latest registration phase for the 2014 cohort.
For the 2015 cohort registering in 2021, similar demand is projected as in 2020, after which a decline in P1 demand is expected.
The Ministry of Education will ensure sufficient school places and may adjust P1 intake in some schools based on updated demand estimates.

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5 Oct 2020

Update on Digital Ambassador Outreach Effort since Implementation

The SG Digital Office has mobilized 1,000 Digital Ambassadors to drive e-payment adoption among hawkers and equip seniors with digital skills, resulting in over 7,200 stallholders signing up for the SGQR Unified e-Payment solution.
Digital Ambassadors have engaged more than 21,500 seniors at 34 community hubs, with plans to establish 21 additional hubs at libraries, and a survey shows 95% satisfaction among seniors who completed training.
Efforts with partners like Youth Corps Singapore and grassroots volunteers have amplified digital skilling, leading to a 65% increase in SGQR transactions since the launch of the Hawkers Go Digital programme.
SDO will sustain its outreach to support all Singaporeans in their digitalisation journey, encouraging seniors to visit community hubs for assistance from Digital Ambassadors and volunteers.

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5 Oct 2020

Ensuring Effectiveness and Accessibility of Courses for Elderly During COVID-19

The government transitioned senior learning courses online using platforms like Zoom and Facebook while providing technical assistance to help seniors adapt.
Digital Ambassadors and community hubs offer one-on-one coaching to boost seniors' digital skills, with thousands reached so far.
Traditional media such as TV and radio are used to deliver content in multiple languages, reaching hundreds of thousands of seniors.
A hybrid model combining virtual and in-person classes is now adopted to improve accessibility and convenience for seniors.

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5 Oct 2020

Impact of COVID-19 on Direct School Admission Exercise in 2020

Despite COVID-19, the 2020 DSA-Sec exercise saw about 30,500 applications, an increase from 29,000 in 2019.
Schools conducted DSA selections electronically via video-conferencing from students’ primary schools to ensure safety and fair assessment.
With events like the National School Games cancelled, schools used other information sources such as school records and e-interviews to evaluate applicants holistically.
Selection panels continued to ensure objective and balanced evaluation of students’ achievements, interests, potential, and personal qualities.

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5 Oct 2020

Personal Internet-enabled Device for Each Primary School Student

Ms Hany Soh inquired whether all primary school students will receive a personal device and Wi-Fi access for home-based learning.
The Ministry of Education announced plans to equip secondary students with devices by end-2021 and is studying an extension to primary students, considering impacts on learning and concerns about screen time.
While the study is ongoing, schools currently loan devices to primary students who need them for home-based learning.

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5 Oct 2020

Plans for National School Games (NSG) Competitions and School Sporting Events in Q1 2021

The Minister for Education confirmed that National School Games (NSG) and similar sporting events were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Plans are in place to resume NSG in 2021 with enhanced Safe Management Measures, focusing on minimizing intermingling and ensuring hygiene.
Modifications to some sports may be implemented to allow safe participation, with details to be announced later.
Schools have already resumed some sports co-curricular activities within current national guidelines.
MOE is committed to providing a holistic education while maintaining a safe learning environment.

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5 Oct 2020

Companies Taking Part and Remaining in SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme

About 1,400 companies have participated in the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) since its launch in 2015, with 378 currently active; attrition is not tracked but an MOE survey found 89% of employers intend to continue.
A survey showed 87% of ELP graduates were employed in full-time permanent jobs six months after graduation.
As of October 2019, 59% of graduates remained with the company that trained them during the ELP.

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5 Oct 2020

Assessment of Quality and Effectiveness of SkillsFuture Training

Sharael Taha asked about measures to assess the quality and effectiveness of SkillsFuture training, specifically through competency or company-based outcome assessments rather than just course attendance.
Lawrence Wong outlined that SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) conducts immediate and follow-up surveys to gather trainee feedback and measure post-training outcomes, with 86% of trainees in 2019 reporting improved work performance.
SSG also conducts employer surveys, such as the Public Perception Survey on SkillsFuture and Work-Study Programme Outcomes Survey, to gauge the impact of training on work performance.
Certifiable skills training courses with higher funding support require examinable assessments and clear learning outcomes, including competency-based assessments under the Workforce Skills Qualification system.
The government emphasized its commitment to focusing on training outcomes and ensuring quality support for lifelong learning in Singapore.

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5 Oct 2020

Number of Families Helped by KiFAS Grants and Proposal for Extension of the Scheme

Ms He Ting Ru asked about the number of Singaporean families eligible for and receiving Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) over the last five years and whether the scheme would be extended to all eligible families regardless of childcare provider.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained that KiFAS is a means-tested subsidy for families with children in half-day kindergartens run by Anchor Operators or MOE, with eligibility based on household income, and noted that the income ceiling and subsidies were raised in 2020, increasing the number of children receiving KiFAS from an average of 9,000 to 12,000 annually.
The Minister emphasized that the government prioritizes affordability in full-day childcare centres, which serve most children, and that childcare subsidies are available for all ECDA-licensed centres, with additional means-tested subsidies and plans to lower fee caps.
It was highlighted that over 85% of Singaporean children in preschool attend either childcare centres or Anchor Operator/MOE kindergartens, most receiving subsidies, and that additional support like Baby Bonus and CDA grants help offset fees.
The government is committed to doubling preschool spending to over $2 billion annually in the coming years to improve quality, affordability, and accessibility for all children.

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5 Oct 2020

Removal of Annotation Symbol from PSLE Certificates for Students Granted "Access Arrangements"

Mr Don Wee asked whether the Ministry will remove the annotation symbol from PSLE certificates for students granted access arrangements like extra time.
Lawrence Wong explained that examinations certify academic achievements under standardized conditions to ensure fairness and comparability, and access arrangements are provided for students with special educational needs or medical conditions.
SEAB annotates certificates only for significant modifications to uphold examination integrity and fairness, and this annotation does not affect school postings for secondary education.

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5 Oct 2020

Gap in Digital Talent Supply and Demand

Minister S Iswaran highlighted strong and growing demand for digital tech talent across Singapore’s economy, accelerated by COVID-19 digitalisation, with about 10,000 new tech jobs created annually over the past three years.
The government is addressing immediate gaps by partnering industry to create 6,800 tech jobs, traineeships, and skills opportunities through initiatives like IMDA’s TeSA and WSG’s SGUnited Jobs and Skills.
Over the next three years, local Pre-Employment Training is projected to supply around 20,000 tech graduates, supplemented by at least 6,250 from Continuing Education and Training programmes, including placing 2,500 mid-career professionals aged 40 and above.
Despite current global economic challenges, net job creation in tech roles remains positive, with nearly 10,000 tech job postings reported in mid-September 2020 on WSG’s MyCareersFuture portal.
The government remains committed to building a sustainable digital talent pipeline and urges Singaporeans to actively upskill to participate in the digital economy.

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5 Oct 2020

Detailed Study on Effectiveness of Continuing Education and Training Schemes

Patrick Tay asked for a detailed study on the effectiveness of CET schemes in supporting job placement, progression, and social mobility, as well as future skills needed in growth sectors.
Lawrence Wong noted that MOE and SkillsFuture already collaborate on research, including the Workforce Development Applied Research Fund to evaluate CET impacts and future skills needs.
He affirmed willingness to commission more detailed studies with unions and employers in the suggested areas.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Admit all Singaporean Students with Grades that Qualify for Local Universities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Henry Kwek asked the Minister for Education if university enrolments could be increased to admit all Singaporeans with qualifying grades amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawrence Wong responded that the Ministry of Education and Autonomous Universities have already provided more degree places and extended application windows to accommodate disrupted overseas study plans.
Approximately 2,000 additional offers were made to local applicants across various courses in anticipation of higher demand.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and adjust university places as needed, considering both student qualifications and national manpower demands.

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5 Oct 2020

Overview of Government's Strategy to Emerge Stronger from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The government will provide continued support for businesses and workers through extended wage subsidies, training packages, and loan programmes to cushion the economic impact of COVID-19, with a focus on hard-hit sectors like aviation and tourism.
Singapore aims to emerge stronger by remaking itself as a Global-Asia node for technology and innovation, enhancing physical and digital connectivity, and investing in research and sustainability to drive future economic growth.
To foster inclusive growth, the government will expand skills upgrading initiatives and the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors, helping workers, especially vulnerable groups, transition to better jobs and raise their wages over time.

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5 Oct 2020

Training for Public Service Staff in Procurement and Measures to Tackle Recurrent IT Lapses Highlighted in Auditor-General's Reports

The government is automating IT systems to address recurrent lapses in privileged user reviews and account access controls, with phased implementation targeting high-priority systems by end-2023 and all systems by end-2024, while also enhancing officer training on cyber security and data protection.
To strengthen procurement and contract management, the government is increasing specialized training, providing updated guidance, and requiring compulsory e-learning for officers involved in tenders, with new frameworks and resources being developed by BCA and GovTech for construction and IT procurement.
The Finance and Procurement Academy has been established to offer formal and informal learning, support continual skills development, and promote best practices in procurement and contract management across the public service.
Public service leadership is held accountable for governance and compliance, with performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed, while agencies conduct further investigations into lapses highlighted in the Auditor-General's reports to prevent recurrence.

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5 Oct 2020

Timeline for Universities and Schools to Return to Normalised Face-to-face Classes

Ms Foo Mee Har queried the Ministry of Education about allowing universities and schools to return to more normalised face-to-face classes when TraceTogether tokens are widely used with safe distancing.
The Minister for Education, Mr Lawrence Wong, noted that schools have resumed daily lessons and Institutes of Higher Learning have increased on-campus activities with safe management measures.
The Ministry is studying ways to safely resume more in-person activities, including a wider range of co-curricular activities, to provide a holistic educational experience while managing risks.

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4 Sep 2020

Local Species of Flora and Fauna Classified as Extinct and Endangered and Efforts to Raise Students and Young Singaporeans' Awareness of Biodiversity Conservation Issues

No species of flora or fauna native to Singapore has been classified as presumed extinct in the last five years, while 857 species are critically endangered and 352 are endangered.
NParks runs youth engagement programmes like Greening Schools for Biodiversity and Biodiversity Friends Forum to raise awareness and involve students in conservation efforts.
These initiatives aim to equip students with knowledge and skills for habitat enhancement and nurture future leaders in biodiversity conservation.
NParks continues to explore new ways to engage young Singaporeans in biodiversity conservation as part of transforming Singapore into a City in Nature.

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4 Sep 2020

Take-up Rate of SG United Traineeships Across Sectors and Need to Raise Awareness

Over 1,000 fresh graduates have taken up traineeships, primarily in growth sectors like ICT, Media, Professional Services, and Financial Services, with more placements expected as the selection process continues.
Outreach efforts are being expanded through partnerships with educational institutions and digital media to raise awareness among fresh graduates about the traineeship programme.
Traineeships do not automatically convert to permanent jobs, but companies are encouraged to hire trainees based on fit and business needs, supported by incentives like the Jobs Growth Incentive.
For trainees not retained, the experience builds industry-relevant skills and credentials, with continued government support for job searches through career matching services.

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