Plans to Ensure Singaporeans' Readiness in Technology-driven Economy
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Christopher de Souza’s inquiry on preparing Singaporeans for a technology-driven economy and training them for information technology roles. Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung highlighted a multi-faceted approach starting in primary schools through enrichment programmes like Code for Fun and technology-related Applied Learning Programmes. He noted that Institutes of Higher Learning regularly update STEM curricula and require students to complete baseline modules in data analysis or computational thinking. For adult learners, the government provides subsidised SkillsFuture courses to ensure the workforce remains relevant in a digital workplace. Additionally, those seeking to pivot into the technology sector can utilise the TechSkills Accelerator programmes to acquire in-demand digital competencies.
Transcript
26 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education (a) what is being done to ensure that Singaporeans will be ready for an economy heavily driven by technology; and (b) what is being done now to train Singaporeans to take up jobs in the field of information technology.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Our approach is not to teach technology or information technology through a single subject but through a multi-faceted, immersive experience.
At the Primary and Secondary levels, students have many opportunities to develop their interest in information technology including through enrichment programmes, such as Code for Fun and Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). Secondary students can participate in technology-related Applied Learning Programmes (ALP) and formal Computing subjects.
Moving ahead, these opportunities will be expanded further. For example, starting in 2020, all primary students will now participate in the Code For Fun enrichment programme. Also, starting in 2023, some primary schools will offer ALPs in technology-related areas, such as health science, robotics and coding.
We also need to recognise that the foundation of technology-related competencies lie in Mathematics and Science, which are also traditional strengths of our education system.
We must therefore continue to focus on these subjects in school, and encourage students with the interest to take up STEM subjects or courses. For example, those with a special talent or interest in computing can offer O-Level and A-Level Computing in selected schools, and develop key skills to pursue their interest further at the post-secondary level.
The Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) offer many STEM-related pathways in engineering, information technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence. They regularly refresh the curriculum to ensure that they are up to date with the latest developments in technology and industry demands.
The IHLs also ensure students possess baseline competencies needed in the digital economy. For example, all Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students have to complete a module on data analysis for problem solving, and students at National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU) all undergo modules on computational thinking.
Even after leaving school, Singaporeans can continue to stay abreast with technology through various SkillsFuture courses. These subsidised courses are offered across different proficiency levels, and help Singaporeans stay relevant in the digital workplace. Singaporeans who wish to move into ICT jobs can also take advantage of TechSkills Accelerator programmes to acquire relevant and in-demand digital skills.