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SINGAPORE – The learning environment and infrastructure of all schools in Singapore will be enhanced, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Aug 18. This includes redesigning libraries, science laboratories and learning spaces, as well as making better use of technology for learning, he said during his National Day Rally speech at the ITE College Central. “We will ensure a conducive environment for teachers to work, and for students to learn, interact and collaborate with each other.” Additional resources will also be given to schools which have more students from disadvantaged backgrounds, or students with greater learning needs, said PM Wong. These schools will receive more funding, and more teachers and staff to support them. “We will also do more to help these students build social networks that they can tap later in life,” he said. Not all are convinced that “every school is a good school”, said PM Wong, as they will have their own preferences and considerations regarding school choices. But he said the Government is committed to ensuring every child in Singapore gets a good education, regardless of the school they attend. “Every child is different – they come into our school system with different abilities,” said PM Wong. “We take care of all of them – not just the early bloomers and high-ability students; but also those like me – growing up in the heartland, attending PCF (PAP Community Foundation) kindergartens and neighbourhood schools.” “Whatever the starting points, we will help everyone to learn, develop and grow, and realise your full potential,” he said, adding that the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnics cater to students who are more talented in vocational and technical skills. “In particular we are supporting ITE graduates to progress in their careers and earn higher wages.” He cited which was announced during his Budget speech on Feb 16. The award provides ITE graduates aged 30 and below with a total of $15,000 in top-ups when they enrol in and complete a diploma programme, as part of efforts to better support them financially and professionally. One such recipient is Mr Mohamed Irfan, who graduated with a Higher Nitec in civil and structural engineering design in 2016, said PM Wong. Wanting to go further after developing an interest in IT, he recently enrolled to pursue ITE’s work-study diploma in data centre infrastructure and operations. PM Wong said that some students can go further after earning their ITE or polytechnic diplomas, but need a different learning approach that draws on their strengths. “That’s why more than a decade ago, when I was at MOE (Ministry of Education), I helped to set up a different degree pathway,” he said. Known as “applied degrees”, they are more closely linked to industry, with more hands-on learning and work-study programmes, said PM Wong. Two autonomous universities – the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) – now offer such applied degrees. He said that with SIT later in 2024, there will be more avenues for industry collaboration. More opportunities will also be created for Singaporeans to pursue degrees in areas like early childhood education and social work, when SUSS moves to a new campus. The arts and sports also should not be neglected, said PM Wong. That is why Singapore has schools like the School of the Arts, and two arts institutions – LaSalle College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa). LaSalle and Nafa joined hands to which offers degrees in its own name and welcomed its first intake in 2024. PM Wong said the Government will support the university as it develops plans for new facilities, and will provide matching grants for its fund-raising efforts. Singaporean students at the new university will also receive subsidies to the same extent as students in autonomous universities, he added. “So when we talk about multiple pathways, we mean it seriously – we are backing these goals with resources, and fully committed to nurturing the diverse abilities of every Singaporean.” He gave the example of how Mr Jensen Low, a former ITE student who graduated with a Nitec in baking, first joined Marche restaurant as a team leader, before progressing to become assistant general manager in less than three years because of his good performance. After being sent by the company to Switzerland for further training, Mr Low became the director of operations in Canada, and is now back in Singapore as the vice-president of food service and operations in Marche’s parent company. Said PM Wong: “I want to see a Singapore that produces many more success stories like Jensen. Where we don’t pigeonhole, or typecast people based on their backgrounds or the schools they go to. Where everyone can strive and excel, take pride in what they do, and be recognised for their efforts and work.”