07 March 2024
Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) recently announced a comprehensive array of measures aimed at enhancing various aspects of the education system. Unveiled on March 4 in parliament, these initiatives encompass skills upgrading, special education enhancements, and a focus on Arts appreciation.
One notable initiative is the nationwide rollout of the Performing Arts-Based Learning scheme for secondary schools. Following a successful pilot program in 2023 involving 22 secondary schools, more students will now have the opportunity to attend live music performances at professional concert venues. This scheme aims to enrich students’ cultural experiences by providing specially produced and staged performances.
To foster greater collaboration and support among parents, the MOE has introduced Support Circles for parent support groups. Starting in 2024, each parent support group will be part of a Support Circle consisting of representatives from around 10 schools. These circles will facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge on topics such as special education needs and student mental well-being.
Acknowledging the importance of supporting students with special needs, the MOE is implementing measures to elevate the quality of special education. Special education teachers will receive higher salaries over the next few years, with salary increases of up to 12 per cent expected between 2024 and 2026. Additionally, teacher aides can anticipate increases of up to 15 per cent during the same period. This move aims to attract and retain talent in the special education sector.
Additionally, in a bid to make special education more accessible, nine special education schools are slated to reduce fees by up to 60 per cent by mid-2025. Approximately 3,500 students are expected to benefit from this fee reduction, easing the financial burden on families with children in special education.
The MOE is also focusing on workforce development through initiatives such as the Skills Profiler tool. Developed in collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore and JobKred, this tool allows employers to assess their employees’ skill sets and receive customised course recommendations to address any gaps. Following a pilot program with 400 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2023, the tool will be made available to an additional 1,000 enterprises in 2024.
To encourage companies to invest in employee training, the MOE is offering significant support for training costs. Employers can tap into the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit, accessing up to $10,000 to defray training expenses. Furthermore, corporate tax deductions for training have been enhanced from 100 per cent to 400 per cent, incentivising companies to prioritize workforce development.
