Assessment of Singapore Citizenship Applicants' Civic Knowledge and English Proficiency and Strengthening Singapore Citizenship Journey Programme
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Diana Pang Li Yen’s inquiry on whether citizenship applicants are assessed on English proficiency and civic knowledge, and if the Singapore Citizenship Journey will be strengthened. Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Mr K Shanmugam replied that while no prescribed assessments currently exist, applicants aged 16 to 60 must complete the mandatory Singapore Citizenship Journey. This programme includes e-learning modules with quizzes, experiential learning at national landmarks, and community sharing sessions to enhance understanding of Singapore’s history and values. These components aim to help new citizens appreciate local norms and responsibilities while building stronger community ties through interactions with local leaders. The Minister stated that the Government will continue studying sensible and practical ways to support the integration of new citizens into Singapore's multiracial society.
Transcript
9 Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there is presently any prescribed assessment of an applicant's knowledge of Singapore's history, institutions, national symbols, basic laws or of proficiency in English, before citizenship is granted; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider introducing such an assessment or otherwise strengthening the Singapore Citizenship Journey programme, to better ensure basic civic understanding among new citizens.
Mr K Shanmugam: There are presently no prescribed assessments of an applicant's knowledge of Singapore or English proficiency.
However, all new citizens aged 16 to 60 years old who have been granted in-principle approval for Singapore Citizenship must complete the Singapore Citizenship (SC) Journey before the completion of citizenship formalities. The mandatory programme helps enrich new citizens' understanding and appreciation of Singapore’s history and development, our norms and values, and to build stronger ties with the local community through the following components:
a) an online e-learning module with quiz components to support learning, covering topics, such as Singapore's history, key institutions and systems, responsibilities of citizenship and shared values and social norms;
b) an experiential learning programme that brings participants to significant historical landmarks and national institutions or a half-day programme to introduce participants to community service in Singapore; and
c) a Community Sharing Session, where local community leaders share with new citizens their experiences of living in a multiracial and multi-religious society and encourage them to be involved in the community.
The Government will continue to study how we can support the integration of new SCs in a sensible and practical manner.