Extending Workplace Protections to Students on Course-Required Internships Not Covered by Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Government will establish minimum protections—such as working hours, rest, harassment, grievance procedures, and workplace injury financial protection—for students on course-required internships lacking a contract of service, as raised by Mr Low Wu Yang Andre. Minister Desmond Lee clarified that interns under a contract of service are covered by the Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act. For mandatory internships, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) set expectations regarding workplace safety, recommended allowances, and maximum working hours, while also providing insurance coverage for all students. Additionally, IHLs offer assistance channels, conduct check-ins, and bar companies guilty of excessive hours, abuse, or unsafe environments from taking future interns. Minister Desmond Lee affirmed that the Ministry of Education will continue collaborating closely with IHLs to safeguard the well-being of student interns.
Transcript
40 Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Education in respect of students undertaking course-required internships without a contract of service and falling outside the Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act, whether the Government will establish minimum protections concerning working hours, rest, harassment, grievance procedures and financial protection for workplace injury.
Mr Desmond Lee: My response will address the matters raised by Members in Oral Question Nos 112 and 113, as well as Written Question No 40 in today's Order Paper. [Please refer to "Statutory Protection for Student Interns and Debarment of Companies from IHLs' Internship Programmes", Official Report, 5 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 34, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
Internship arrangements can be considered a contract of service or contract for service, depending on the nature of the internship. The Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act provide employment protections for all employees, including interns, engaged under a contract of service.
The institutes of higher learning (IHLs) work closely with companies offering mandatory internships to provide a safe learning environment for their students. For example, IHLs set clear expectations for participating companies, including workplace safety, recommended allowance ranges and maximum working hours. Students are also informed of appropriate channels in their IHLs to seek assistance on any concerns faced during the internship. In response to student feedback, IHLs may visit the student on-site and conduct regular check-ins to ensure his or her safety and well-being.
IHLs also provide insurance coverage for all students on mandatory internships.
IHLs have barred companies from taking on subsequent student interns for reasons, such as excessive working hours, workplace abuse and unsafe work environments. Some IHLs already share such information with their counterparts. The Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with IHLs to safeguard the wellbeing of student interns.