Education Minister Desmond Lee sets out what MOE is looking at next

Key Concepts

• Social Mixing: Increasing diversity within schools to broaden student experiences.
• Forward Singapore & Education Conversations: Addressing competitive pressures related to high-stakes exams.
• CCE & CCA Refresh: Updating Character and Citizenship Education and Co-Curricular Activities for holistic development.
• DSA Pathway: Direct School Admission, focusing on talents beyond academics.
• Preschool-Primary Transition: Streamlining the educational journey between preschool and primary school.
• Bilingualism: Strengthening language proficiency in schools and the community.
• AI in Education Framework: Implementing a structured approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence into learning.
• Teacher Recruitment & Support: Increasing the number of teachers and improving their professional development.
• ComLink: Strengthening collaboration between schools/higher learning institutions and social services to support disadvantaged students.
• Special Education (SPED) Capacity: Expanding resources for students with autism and intellectual disabilities.
• Bullying Review: Implementing recommendations to address and prevent bullying in schools.
• Lifelong Learning & SkillsFuture Level Up: Supporting mid-career Singaporeans in upskilling and reskilling.

Enhancing Social Environments & Addressing Academic Pressure

The Ministry of Education (MOE) is prioritizing increased social mixing within schools to foster a more diverse and inclusive learning environment for children. This initiative aims to better prepare students for a complex world. Simultaneously, the MOE is launching education conversations under the Forward Singapore umbrella. These conversations are directly addressing the escalating “arms race” observed in preparation for high-stakes examinations, indicating a concern about excessive pressure and competition within the education system. Complementing these efforts are planned refreshes of both Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) and Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), reinforcing a commitment to holistic education. The Direct School Admission (DSA) pathway will continue to be utilized, recognizing and nurturing talents and strengths beyond purely academic achievements.

Streamlining Transitions & Strengthening Core Skills

Efforts are underway to smoothen the pathway between preschool and primary school, building on initiatives mentioned in the previous year. A key focus remains on strengthening and refreshing the approach to bilingualism within schools and the broader community, highlighting the continued importance of multilingualism in Singapore.

Integrating AI & Supporting Educators

Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the MOE plans to roll out an AI and Education Framework for mainstream schools, Polytechnic Education (PET) schools, and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). This framework will serve as a guide for AI-related initiatives, aiming to empower learning rather than hinder it. Crucially, the MOE is committed to supporting teachers. The recommendations from the Reimagining the Teaching Profession Task Force (released in 2024) are being actively implemented, including a significant increase in teacher recruitment – 1,300 teachers were recruited in 2023, compared to 950 in 2022. The MOE intends to maintain this increased tempo of recruitment to attract qualified individuals to the profession.

Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities & Inclusive Education

The MOE recognizes the vital role of education as a social leveler. Under the ComLink initiative, schools and IHLs will deepen their collaboration with Social Service Offices (SSOs), Family Service Centers, community groups, and Student Support Assistants (SSAs). This collaboration aims to provide enhanced support for children and students from low-income families facing complex and interconnected challenges. Furthermore, the MOE is responding to a growing need for special education (SPED). An increasing number of children with autism and intellectual disability are applying to SPED schools. Consequently, the MOE plans to ramp up the capacity of SPED places, with further details to be announced. New SPED schools were launched between 2022 and 2024 to address this growing demand.

Combating Bullying & Promoting Wellbeing

A comprehensive action review on bullying was initiated last year, and the resulting recommendations and measures will be shared with the public in the second quarter of the current year. These measures include providing more resources to schools, enhancing restorative and therapeutic practices, strengthening values education through real-life scenarios and role-playing, and strengthening the school-home partnership to foster mutual support between teachers and parents.

Investing in Lifelong Learning

Acknowledging the importance of lifelong learning, the MOE is expanding support for mid-career Singaporeans through the SkillsFuture Level Up program. Specifically, the training allowance for mid-career, older Singaporeans undertaking long-form training while working part-time has been extended, effective March 1st of the current year. This demonstrates a commitment to enabling continuous skill development throughout an individual’s career.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The MOE is undertaking a multifaceted approach to education, focusing on inclusivity, holistic development, and future readiness. Key initiatives include addressing academic pressure, strengthening core skills like bilingualism, integrating AI responsibly, supporting educators, and providing targeted support for vulnerable students. The emphasis on lifelong learning and skills upgrading underscores a commitment to equipping Singaporeans with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The planned actions demonstrate a proactive response to emerging challenges and a dedication to maintaining education as a cornerstone of social mobility.