Knowing Asia

The shift in the global economic centre of gravity towards Asia offers new opportunities for Singapore enterprises and our people.

To prepare our students to engage with Asia, in particular the ASEAN region, the humanities curriculum will deepen our students’ understanding of the histories, cultures, geographies and economies of our regional neighbours and our connections to them. Students will also benefit from more opportunities for overseas exposure trips to our region during their time in higher education.

Enhancing Humanities curriculum at secondary and pre-university levels

Humanities curriculum, including Social Studies, History, Geography and Economics, will be enhanced for a deeper understanding of Asia, including ASEAN.

More Conversational Chinese and Malay Programmes (CCM)

More schools encouraged to conduct CCM.
CCM to be enhanced through opportunities for cultural exposure and existing resources on SLS.

School-led ASEAN trips

Students to continue to undertake overseas trips to ASEAN countries to better understand the region.
Students to undergo a 10-hour language and cultural exposure component as part of pre-trip preparations. This includes the provision of digital learning resources for Thai and Vietnamese.

‘70-70’ target

70% of Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) students will participate in overseas exposure programmes.
70% of this group will have exposure to ASEAN, China or India.
This will double the current proportion of local IHL students who go for regional exposure programmes.

Minister Explains: Knowing Asia