Education — Topics

5 Aug 2019

Number of Recipients of Scholarships under Community Care Manpower Development Award

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked the Minister for Health about the number of students, mid-career switchers, community care staff, and general practitioners who have received scholarships under the Community Care Manpower Development Award since its launch and whether the targets have been met.
The Community Care Manpower Development Award was launched in April 2017 with a budget of about $12 million up to 2020 to attract new entrants and develop in-service staff in the community care sector.
To date, close to $8 million has been committed to support around 250 individuals in training and skills upgrading, with over 200 awardees being in-service staff, about 10% of whom are mid-career candidates.
The remaining awardees include students and general practitioners, covering fields such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and gerontology.
The Minister did not directly state whether the numbers have met the targets, but the committed funds and awardee figures indicate progress under the programme.

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5 Aug 2019

SkillsFuture Credits for Young Adults with Special Needs Aged 18 and Above

Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed extending SkillsFuture credits to young adults with special needs from age 18, citing limited post-secondary options for them.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the government already provides support through programs like the School-to-Work Transition and allows use of Post-Secondary Education Account until age 30.
He noted that SkillsFuture credits are available at age 25 for all citizens, and encouraged employer partnerships to create more training and job opportunities for those with special needs.

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5 Aug 2019

Strategic Plan for Mental Health Education for Schools

MOE implements a holistic approach to student well-being through lessons on Character and Citizenship, Form Teacher Guidance Period, and Physical Education, while also using co-curricular activities and outdoor education to build character and social-emotional skills.
The curriculum has been enhanced to raise awareness of common mental illnesses, normalize help-seeking behavior, reduce stigma, and promote peer support, with teachers monitoring student well-being and collaborating with parents and counselors.
Schools partner with external organizations like the Ministry of Social and Family Development, mental health professionals, and Family Service Centres to provide community-based support for students and their families.

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5 Aug 2019

Job-readiness Training at Day Activity Centres

Intan Azura Mokhtar asked about enhancing job-readiness training at Day Activity Centres (DACs) for adults with special needs, including collaboration with ITEs and securing full weekly placements from Monday to Friday.
The Minister of State outlined existing support, including DACs, Sheltered Workshops, MOM’s Adapt and Grow initiatives, and wage credits for employers, while committing to ongoing improvements through the Enabling Masterplan.
Parents have reported difficulties securing full-time placements at DACs, prompting a call for better coordination between DACs and Sheltered Workshops to cover all weekdays.
The Minister confirmed that DACs and Sheltered Workshops are open Monday to Friday for eligible participants and urged reporting specific cases to address any placement gaps.
An integrated approach across MSF, MOE, and MOM is being pursued under the Enabling Masterplan to align education and training from preschool to work-readiness, with workgroups focusing on early intervention and employment opportunities.

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5 Aug 2019

Average Teacher-Student Ratio in Schools

The Ministry reports that the average pupil-teacher ratio is 15:1 for Primary schools, 12:1 for Secondary, and 11:1 for Junior Colleges, which is comparable to many OECD countries.
The government has decided against broad-based reductions in class sizes, arguing that doing so would require either increasing teacher workload or significantly raising costs, with the preferred approach being targeted resource allocation for students with greater needs.
Efforts are ongoing to alleviate teachers' administrative duties through technology like e-platforms and apps, which has reduced such work by 1.5 hours per week since 2013.
The Ministry is looking to recruit more Allied Educators to support teachers with teaching and classroom management, while also considering their career progression and professional training.
Additional teachers from declining student cohorts are being deployed for pull-out classes and specialized support programmes for weaker students, rather than across-the-board class size reduction.

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5 Aug 2019

Number of Foreign Students who Have Defaulted on Tuition Grant Bond Obligations

The Minister for Education stated that about 4% of international students defaulted on tuition grant bonds over the last three years, with the annual grant amount for defaulters at roughly $5.5 million, and recovery efforts are ongoing, including actions to prevent defaulters from working or residing in Singapore.
Png Eng Huat questioned the drop from a $30 million unaccounted amount in 2016 to the current $5.5 million annual figure, seeking clarification on actual recoveries and how MOE has tightened the recovery process to prevent defaulters from evading consequences.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the earlier $30 million included uncontacted students and active defaulters, but thorough contact efforts clarified the default rate, and tightened measures like improved tracking and border controls are in place, though some defaulters may still avoid recovery overseas.

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5 Aug 2019

Trend for Average Annual Government Spending on Foreign Students over Past 10 Years

The Minister confirmed that government spending on foreign student scholarships and tuition grants has fallen by about 50% over the past decade, with scholarships at approximately $130 million and tuition grants at about $108 million annually, noting these figures represent the worth to students rather than the net cost to the education system.
The debate highlighted that the education budget, around $13 billion yearly, is primarily for local students, with financial aid restricted to Singaporeans, and that international students are admitted only after local students meeting standards are accommodated, ensuring no displacement.
The Minister emphasized the benefits of international students, such as global networks and talent retention, and compared Singapore’s practice to international norms, while the MP argued for calibrating spending based on proven economic multipliers and reciprocity, keeping an open mind on the current level.

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8 Jul 2019

Outreach Efforts to Freelancers and Self-employed Persons below 35 to Create Awareness about Career Opportunities and Progression

The Ministry of Manpower outlines multiple existing efforts to engage younger freelancers and self-employed persons, including education and career guidance in schools, portals like MySkillsFuture and MyCareersFuture, and sector-specific training support and subsidies.
Initiatives such as the Freelancers Fairs by the National Trades Union Congress and industry frameworks like the Skills Framework for Media provide targeted information and funding to help self-employed persons acquire skills and explore career pathways.
The government encourages all individuals, including those below 35, to utilize these resources to learn about career opportunities and progression options available to them.

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8 Jul 2019

Total Government Spending on Scholarships and Other Financial Aid to Foreign Students in Singapore Schools and Universities in Past Five Years

Ong Ye Kung responded that the total government spending on scholarships and other financial aid for foreign students in Singapore schools and universities is about $130 million annually, which represents one percent of the Ministry of Education's $13 billion budget.
He noted that financial assistance and bursaries are exclusively for Singapore Citizens, while scholarships for international students are limited in number, with strict academic monitoring and requirements for scholarship holders to work in Singapore for up to six years post-graduation.
Ong Ye Kung emphasized that such support for international students is a global norm and that Singaporeans also benefit from foreign sponsorships for their studies abroad.

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8 Jul 2019

Number and Percentage of Singaporeans in Latest 10 Cohorts with Bachelor's Degrees from Local and Overseas Universities

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Education for the number and percentage of Singaporeans in the latest 10 cohorts who obtained bachelor's degrees from public, private, and overseas universities.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the government increased subsidised university places at Autonomous Universities, raising the cohort participation rate from 26% to nearly 40% between 2010 and 2019.
The number of Singaporeans admitted to full-time External Degree Programmes at private education institutes decreased from around 8,200 to 6,100 between 2014 and 2018.
The Ministry of Education is unable to track the number of Singaporeans who have obtained bachelor's degrees from overseas universities.

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8 Jul 2019

Outcome of Measures to Reduce Emphasis on Exam-centred Grading

The Ministry of Education has reduced the exam-centric grading emphasis by removing mid-year examinations for specific levels and limiting tests for lower primary students, with more than half of primary schools and over 90% of secondary schools implementing these changes ahead of schedule.
School report cards no longer display class or level positions to decrease peer comparison, and feedback indicates support from educators and parents for these adjustments.
Holistic development is promoted through Character and Citizenship Education, Co-Curricular Activities, Applied Learning Programmes, and Values in Action initiatives, which focus on life skills, character, and authentic learning experiences.
While it is too early to assess the full impact, the changes aim to create more space for engaged learning, curiosity, and the joy of learning beyond exam preparation.

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8 Jul 2019

Engagement and Outreach Activities Conducted by Cyber Security Agency

The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) has conducted various engagement and outreach activities since 2015, including nationwide awareness campaigns, roadshows, school talks, and a Cyber Savvy vending machine in libraries to promote cyber hygiene practices.
Target audiences for CSA’s outreach programmes include the public, enterprises, and students, with specific resources like the Be Safe Online Handbook for businesses and Cyber Safety activity books for primary school students.
Plans are in place to expand public outreach programmes, such as deploying more vending machines in community, commercial, and school settings, and continuing collaborations with agencies like the Ministry of Education to reach more students.

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8 Jul 2019

Efficacy of Home Access Programme and NEU PC Plus Programme in Helping Low-income Families in Adoption and Use of Digital Technology

Prof Lim Sun Sun questioned the Ministry for Communications and Information on how it assesses the efficacy of the Home Access Programme and the NEU PC Plus Programme, and whether low-income families' technology adoption and digital literacy skills are tracked.
The Ministry, via the Infocomm Media Development Authority, reported that the Home Access Programme has benefited over 12,000 households since 2014, with surveys indicating high satisfaction and confidence in using the internet.
The NEU PC Plus Programme has assisted more than 40,000 households since 2006, with surveys showing that most families and students found the programme beneficial for education and independent learning.
Additional digital literacy support, such as introductory training and initiatives like Silver Infocomm Junctions and Digital Clinics, is provided to equip beneficiaries with necessary skills.
The Ministry stated that its support programmes are regularly refined to meet the evolving needs of low-income families.

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8 Jul 2019

Sufficient Workers Involved in Preventive Maintenance of MRT Lines

The Minister confirmed that over 50% of staff at rail operators, numbering more than 4,000, are dedicated to maintenance and engineering, which has led to MRT reliability comparable to Taipei Metro and Hong Kong MTR.
To support the expanding network, the government is working with operators and unions to upskill existing workers and attract new talent, ensuring staffing levels remain sufficient for both current and new lines.
Initiatives like the $12.5 million Public Transport Manpower Development Fund provide training grants and study awards to develop and retain skilled technical workers for the rail industry.
Collaborations with Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore include a Skills Framework and Professional Conversion Programmes to enhance career pathways and enable mid-career transitions into rail maintenance.
The Ministry plans to continue engaging stakeholders to deepen and widen efforts in building a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for preventive maintenance.

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8 Jul 2019

Payment of CPF Contributions by Companies that Employ Interns from Private Universities

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong questioned why employers must pay CPF contributions for interns from private universities but not for those from public universities.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that CPF contributions are generally mandatory for all local employees, including interns, but exemptions are given for interns in MOE-subsidized programs to prioritize internship opportunities aligned with national objectives.
The exemption applies to both public and private institutions if the intern’s program is subsidized by MOE and the training is institution-approved, with details available on the MOE website.
Employers may voluntarily choose to make CPF contributions even if not required.

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8 Jul 2019

Efforts to Educate and Raise Awareness for Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act

Anthea Ong asked about the Ministry’s training plan for Ministers and civil service teams on using the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), and about public education programmes on the Act’s intent and implications for citizens and civil society.
S Iswaran responded that POFMA followed a thorough consultation process and that Ministries, supported by the POFMA Office and legal guidance, have the expertise to assess falsehoods and public interest, ensuring consistent implementation.
The Minister emphasized that POFMA will not affect regular conversations or honest public discourse, with corrections for inadvertent sharing and criminal prosecution reserved for malicious actors.
The Government will work with partners to support information and media literacy programmes, helping people identify falsehoods and be circumspect in sharing information online.

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8 Jul 2019

Cases of Parents Harassing or Abusing Teachers

Mr Leon Perera raised concerns about parental harassment or abuse of teachers, seeking statistics from 2015 to 2018, safety measures, and support channels for affected teachers.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that such cases are very few in Singapore, with parents generally supportive and collaborative with schools.
MOE has issued guidelines to foster positive school-home partnerships and expects mutual respect, with schools and MOE following up on abusive incidents and supporting teachers through counselling and police reports if needed.

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8 Jul 2019

Raising Awareness About Children and Young Adults with Autism

The government partners with social service agencies and runs the "See the True Me" campaign to raise public awareness of autism and promote the inclusion of persons with autism.
Early intervention services are supported through polyclinics, GPs, and subsidised programmes, with recent enhancements lowering costs by 30–70% and introducing more customised options for children with autism.
During schooling years, students with autism receive support in mainstream schools or special education schools, and transition programmes help prepare them for employment with job training and placement services.
Ongoing initiatives, including cross-sector workgroups, aim to improve preschool inclusivity, employment opportunities, and independent living for persons with autism, with a whole-of-society approach to their lifelong development.

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8 Jul 2019

Impact of Protracted US-China Trade War on Job Prospects for Recent Graduates

Mrs Josephine Teo acknowledged that the US-China trade war has created economic uncertainties but noted that the labour market remained stable in early 2019, with youth employment rates high at around 70% and unemployment within historical norms.
She highlighted that government agencies are monitoring the situation and are prepared to enhance employment support through initiatives like Adapt & Grow, MySkillsFuture, and the Career Starter Programme to assist recent graduates.
Singaporean youths were advised to use available career guidance resources, explore different sectors, and consider work-study pathways like the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme to build relevant skills and remain adaptable.
The Minister encouraged job seekers to approach services like WSG's Careers Connect or NTUC's e2i for coaching, workshops, and job matching, emphasizing the importance of being open, agile, and relevant in the job market.

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8 Jul 2019

Achieving Arts Excellence in Singapore

Mr Terence Ho proposed that Singapore achieve arts excellence by grooming top professionals and boosting the arts ecosystem, suggesting the upgrade of arts academies like NAFA and LASALLE into a full-fledged university and establishing clear career pathways for artists.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng acknowledged the importance of arts in nation-building and agreed on supporting talent development, noting the existing range of arts education options and the need to carefully study the proposal for an arts university.
The government highlighted ongoing initiatives to support freelancers, grow audiences, and provide platforms for young artists, while committing to partner with the arts community to sustain a vibrant and globally recognized arts scene.

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