This is the Keynote Speech by Mr Masagos Zulkifli BMM, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education, at the Association of Muslim Professionals' (AMP) Community In Review Seminar in January 2008. He speaks about how as a nation, we have moved from a survival-driven phase of education, to an efficiency-driven model and since 1997, towards an ability-driven and aspirations-based model. It is in this phase that the government hopes to cater to and build on the strengths of our students, so that all Singaporeans are set on a path towards excellence from young. He goes on to highlight 3 principles on which we will do so.
1. Every Singaporean has Access to a Foundation for Excellence
2. We Cater to All Strengths
3. There are Multiple Pathways to Success
Below are excerpts from the speech.
"... In many other education systems around the world, there is often a disparity between public and private schools, in terms of facilities, quality, programmes and outcomes. These disparities in the education system often set the stage for widening gaps between those from privileged and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Singapore, we want education to be the levelling ground to bring children of all backgrounds to a high average. Not surprisingly then, Singaporean students - all Singaporean students - emerge among the best in the world when their learning outcomes are measured. ..."
"... We cater for the development of a wide range of talents, and in so doing, have extended far beyond the development of academic talents. We have established new specialised schools in the Arts, Sports, and Maths and Science, so as to bring students’ talents in these areas as far ahead as possible. ..."
"... We created NorthLight School to provide another pathway to success for students who are not well-suited for a conventional academic education, and who found difficulty in assessing the PSLE curriculum. The school uses creative and unconventional teaching methods to stimulate its students, and focuses its efforts on building their confidence. ..."
Read the rest of the speech here or download the pdf.
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