Statutory Protection for Student Interns and Debarment of Companies from IHLs' Internship Programmes
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns statutory protections for student interns and the cross-institutional debarment of errant companies, raised by Ms Gho Sze Kee. Ms Gho inquired about protections against excessive hours, abuse, and injury, and whether a centralised mechanism exists to prevent barred companies from engaging with other Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Minister Desmond Lee stated that interns engaged under a contract of service are protected under the Employment Act and the Work Injury Compensation Act. He explained that IHLs set expectations on safety and working hours, provide insurance coverage, conduct check-ins, and bar companies for workplace misconduct. He added that some IHLs already share debarment information with counterparts, and the Ministry of Education will continue working with IHLs to safeguard student well-being.
Transcript
112 Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry is aware if companies barred by one Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) for mistreating student interns are automatically debarred from participating in internship programmes at other IHLs; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider establishing a centralised cross-IHL mechanism to prevent such companies from simply moving to another IHL to participate in internship programmes.
113 Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for Education (a) whether students undergoing school-mandated internships, who are not typically covered by the Employment Act and the Workplace Injury Compensation Act, have any statutory protection against excessive working hours, workplace abuse and injury; and (b) if not, what recourse is available to them.
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 "Extending Workplace Protections to Students on Course-Required Internships Not Covered by Employment Act and Work Injury Compensation Act", Official Report, 5 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 34, Written Answers to Questions 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.
The IHLs also provide insurance coverage for all students on mandatory internships.
The 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 well-being of student interns.