Education — Topics

8 May 2019

Grants for Kindergarten Education and Provision of Educational Support for Children with Special Needs in Pre-schools

The government supports affordable and quality pre-schools through funding for Anchor Operators, Partner Operators, and MOE Kindergartens, and offers broad-based schemes like Professional Development Programmes and grants for technology and innovation.
Children with mild developmental needs receive support through Development Support and Learning Support Programmes in about 550 pre-schools, while those with mild to moderate needs can access the new Development Support Plus programme for intervention support directly in pre-schools.
Early intervention services were made more affordable from April 2019 through enhanced subsidies and broader income criteria, and oversight of these services will be integrated under ECDA by end-2020.
A cross-sectoral workgroup is studying approaches to extend support for children with moderate to severe developmental needs to more pre-schools.

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8 May 2019

Subject-banding in Accordance with Students’ Ability and Talent Rather Than Schools’ Requirements

The Second Minister for Education confirmed that the Ministry of Education is studying adjustments to the post-Secondary posting system to complement Full Subject-Based Banding (SBB), aiming to recognise students’ strengths and talents, with details to be announced later.
The Minister highlighted the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) as an existing model of flexibility, and stated that such considerations will become an integral feature of the posting system under the new “one Secondary education, many subject bands” approach, extending beyond special schemes.
The government plans to further evolve the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) for Polytechnics and ITE, and Direct School Admissions (DSA) for Junior Colleges, to support aptitude-based admissions.
Students will be supported through Education and Career Guidance (ECG) in secondary school, with teachers and counsellors helping them explore pathways based on their strengths and interests.
The overall goal of Full SBB and expanding aptitude-based admissions is to create multiple pathways that cater to different interests and learning needs, ensuring students choose subject bands and post-Secondary institutions based on their aptitudes and talents.

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7 May 2019

Potential Job Creation in Electric Cars Industry

The government is developing a smart mobility ecosystem in Singapore through investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and auxiliary technologies, which is expected to create many new jobs across hardware and software sectors.
While exact job numbers cannot be provided, the ecosystem will benefit adjacent industries such as semiconductors, telecommunications, and finance, generating diverse employment opportunities.
Government agencies are collaborating with companies, training providers, and unions to prepare Singaporeans through Industry 4.0 training and AI/data analytics programmes to equip them for these new roles.

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6 May 2019

Current Demand for Higher Chinese at Primary 1

The Ministry of Education reports that demand for Higher Chinese at Primary One is healthy, with over a quarter of Chinese students opting for it at PSLE over the past five years.
All primary schools offer Higher Chinese to interested and able students, typically starting from Primary Three, with some beginning from Primary Five to align with lower primary priorities of building foundational skills.
The Ministry will not increase the number of schools offering Higher Chinese at Primary One, as the current approach allows schools to assess students' readiness from Primary One and Two before specialisation.

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6 May 2019

Profile of Healthcare Workers Providing Long-term Care Services and Their Skill and Manpower Gaps

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked for a breakdown of long-term care workers by nationality, education, skill level, rank, and service type, as well as current manpower and skill gaps and plans to address them.
Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that in 2018 there were 12,020 workers in MOH-subvented long-term care providers, with about 40% being locals, but detailed data on education and skill levels is unavailable.
To meet rising demand, training places for nursing have increased by 30% since 2013, recruitment events have brought over 1,000 locals into community care, and efforts are underway to improve productivity through technology and streamlined processes.
Plans to upskill the workforce include subsidised training through AIC-appointed institutes, scholarships via the Community Care Manpower Development Award, and a new Skills Framework to map job roles and competencies for targeted training.

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6 May 2019

Quality of Training at Overseas Medical Schools Dropped from Approved List

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned the Ministry of Health about the concerns with the quality of training at 57 overseas medical schools being removed from the approved list, how these concerns are measured, and whether Singaporean students or graduates from these schools should worry.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that the removal considers factors like the schools' academic standing, rankings, and the performance of Singaporean doctors from these schools, with a focus on those that adapt well to local practice.
He assured that current students and graduates from the affected schools before January 1, 2020, will not be impacted, and all overseas graduates will receive orientation and supervision to adapt to Singapore's healthcare environment.
The list of approved schools is regularly reviewed based on Singapore's evolving healthcare needs, with past adjustments made in 1993 and between 2003 and 2007.

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6 May 2019

Enhancing Measures to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning

Ministers Indranee Rajah and Ong Ye Kung outlined current measures in schools and institutes of higher learning, including disciplinary frameworks, counselling support, campus security enhancements like CCTV and improved hostel locks, and education on respect and consent.
Parliamentarians raised concerns about the adequacy of past responses, the need for tougher penalties, publicising punishments, and whether infrastructural changes and support for victims should have been implemented earlier, especially after high-profile cases like the NUS voyeurism incident.
The government emphasised that while autonomous universities have autonomy, moral suasion and policy guidance are used to ensure consistent standards, and all institutions are reviewing their approaches to prevent sexual harassment and support victims holistically.

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6 May 2019

University Students Involved in Voyeurism and Sexual Harassment Cases

The Minister for Education reported that over the past three years, Autonomous Universities handled 56 sexual misconduct cases involving students (42 on-campus and 14 off-campus), with voyeurism accounting for 66% of cases and an incidence rate of about 0.2 cases per 1,000 students annually.
Of the 56 cases, 37 were reported to the Police, with 31 under investigation or having evidence; 10 resulted in jail terms, while university disciplinary actions included official reprimands, suspensions, dorm bans, and only one expulsion (later reduced to suspension).
The Minister emphasized the need to review disciplinary frameworks to balance deterrence, victim redress, and offender rehabilitation, citing growing concerns over voyeurism and announcing that all Autonomous Universities will strengthen penalties and campus safety measures.
The Minister acknowledged public outrage over recent cases but urged respect for due process, discouraging trial by media and mob justice, while affirming the government's commitment to improving victim support and campus safety holistically.

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1 Apr 2019

Attracting Local Workers in Senior Care Industry

Based on 2018 data, 40% of the 12,000 workers in the Long Term Care sector were locals.
The government is enhancing job attractiveness by raising awareness, providing training, and increasing salary competitiveness through partnerships with agencies like AIC, WSG, and e2i.
Specific initiatives include the Community Care Traineeship Programme, on-the-job training support, and the Community Care Manpower Development Award to support skill development.
MOH has provided funding to raise wages, resulting in a 30% aggregate increase from 2012 to 2017, and plans to continue efforts to attract more locals.

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1 Apr 2019

Demand for and Supply of MOE Kindergarten Places

Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Education about the current number of MOE Kindergarten (MK) places in primary schools, whether demand is being met, if expansion plans are sufficient for future needs, and whether building more MK centres should be expedited.
Ong Ye Kung responded that MOE currently runs 24 MKs with a K1 intake capacity of around 2,700 in 2019, and about 85% of places are taken up, with plans to increase to 50 MKs by 2023.
MOE will continue to monitor demand with the Early Childhood Development Agency to ensure an adequate supply of quality and affordable preschool services through MKs and other operators.

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1 Apr 2019

Mandatory Cybersecurity Courses for Government and Private Sector Employees

The Government has made cybersecurity training mandatory for all public officers through an IT security awareness programme launched in 2018, with additional measures like annual conferences and regular cyber exercises to build awareness and response capabilities.
For the private sector, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) promotes cybersecurity through talks, online resources, and programmes like "Cyber Tips 4 You," while Critical Information Infrastructure owners must meet legal obligations to establish employee awareness programmes and participate in exercises.
The Government is committed to working with the private sector and individuals to strengthen Singapore's Digital Defence by instilling a strong cybersecurity culture across all levels.

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8 Mar 2019

Number of Singaporeans above Age 65 Who Have Made Use of SkillsFuture Credits

As of end 2018, over 58,000 Singaporeans aged 65 and above have used their SkillsFuture Credits.
The most common courses taken by seniors were in ICT, productivity and innovation, personal development, and leadership and people management.
SkillsFuture Singapore collaborates with partners to offer affordable, senior-friendly courses, including IT classes and National Silver Academy programmes, alongside SkillsFuture Advice workshops for all ages.

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6 Mar 2019

Children from Transnational Families Receiving Learning Support and Enrolled in Special Education Schools

Anthea Ong asked about the number of children from transnational families receiving learning support or enrolled in special education schools, and whether language interpreters are used to help parents understand their child’s needs.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that schools provide support to all students who need it but do not track numbers specifically for transnational families, noting 129 such students were in SPED schools as of February 2019.
Schools partner with parents to deliver customised programmes and have not reported major language barriers, using family members or school staff to communicate when needed.

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5 Mar 2019

Committee of Supply – Head K (Ministry of Education)

The Ministry of Education announced a major reform to phase out the Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) streams by 2024, replacing them with a single secondary education course with subject-based banding to reduce stigmatization and allow students to take subjects at different difficulty levels.
A JC Rejuvenation Programme will upgrade and rebuild several junior colleges starting in 2022, while new pathways in Institutes of Higher Learning, such as expanded aptitude-based admissions and work-learn programs, will be introduced to support skills development.
The UPLIFT taskforce will strengthen support for disadvantaged students through enhanced after-school care, community partnerships, and a dedicated programme office, while ComCare assistance rates will be increased from July 2019 to better support low-income and vulnerable families.

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4 Mar 2019

Incorporating Counselling of Victims and Witnesses of Traumatic Events in Psychological Preparedness and Training in Community Emergency Exercises

Joan Pereira asked whether psychological preparedness and training for counselling victims and witnesses of traumatic events could be incorporated into community emergency exercises.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been focusing on community psychological preparedness, especially after terror attacks, through initiatives like the HEART Team, which includes psychologists and mental health practitioners.
MHA and HEART Teams collaborate with the People’s Association to integrate psychological first aid into community emergency exercises, using skills-based role-playing to train grassroots leaders and Community Emergency Response Team members.
Over 1,100 community responders and 350 public service officers have been trained in psychological first aid, and several HEART Team exercises have been conducted as part of Community Crisis Response Exercises.

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4 Mar 2019

Committee of Supply – Head K (Ministry of Education)

Multiple members called for abolishing academic streaming and expanding Subject-Based Banding to reduce labelling and improve inclusivity, while proposing changes to high-stakes exams like the PSLE and revising recognition schemes for schools and teachers.
Parliamentarians emphasized the need for enhanced support for students with special educational needs, including more allied educators, structured approaches in mainstream schools and IHLs, and lifelong learning pathways for persons with special needs.
SkillsFuture was discussed extensively, with suggestions to improve course quality, industry relevance, and employer recognition, as well as calls for stronger tripartite collaboration and streamlined regulations for training providers.

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4 Mar 2019

Risks Associated with Buying Health Products Sold Online

Ms Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry of Health will work with the Ministry of Education to inform students about the risks of buying health products online.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that the Health Sciences Authority already runs public education campaigns, including online videos and advisories, to highlight these dangers.
He added that efforts are specifically targeted at school students through collaborations with the Health Promotion Board and direct outreach to tertiary students.
The Health Sciences Authority will continue working with the Health Promotion Board and Ministry of Education to educate students on the risks and the need for discernment when purchasing health products online.

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1 Mar 2019

Funding to Special Assistance Plan Schools and Non-Special Assistance Plan Schools

The Ministry of Education provides an average baseline funding of about $15,000 per secondary school student annually, with additional resources allocated based on student needs and specialized programs.
Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools receive an additional $300 per student per year for Chinese language studies, while non-SAP schools do not receive this specific funding but may get extra support for other programs.
Funding for schools varies, with some receiving up to 30–50% more than the baseline, such as schools with Normal (Technical) students, and additional resources are provided for language elective programs.

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1 Mar 2019

Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for FY2018/2019

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira raised concerns about the budgeting process for the Ministry of Education's matching grants to Autonomous Universities, noting the volatility and scale of donations, and moved a symbolic reduction of $100 to the Head K allocation.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education responded that the Ministry plans for lumpy expenditures using a long-term horizon and a $2 billion trust fund (Singapore Universities Trust), and collaborates with universities to estimate matching grant needs.
The amendment to reduce the allocation was withdrawn following the Ministry's explanation, and the total sum for Head K and other Heads of Expenditure were approved as part of the Supplementary Estimates.
Parliament agreed to the resolutions for the Supplementary Main Estimates of $1,322,085,100 and the Supplementary Development Estimates of $294,912,500 for the financial year 2018/2019.
The debate concluded with the Minister for Finance reporting the Committee of Supply's resolutions and Parliament formally agreeing to them.

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26 Feb 2019

Background and Academic Qualification Check of Mikhy Farrera-Brochez by Polytechnics

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that Temasek and Ngee Ann Polytechnics conducted standard pre-employment checks, including verifying certificate copies with originals, before hiring Mikhy Brochez, but noted no system can fully prevent deceit.
Following the incident, the polytechnics have tightened verification processes to check qualifications directly with issuing institutions and now conduct reference checks with previous employers, though some practical limits remain.
The MOE official provided details on Brochez's limited teaching tenure and impact, clarifying he taught only a small fraction of students and his work was confined to module delivery, with no evidence found of a child psychology clinic being established.

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