Proposal for Age-Appropriate SkillsFuture Scheme for Primary to Post-Secondary Students from Lower-Income Households

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr David Hoe, Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry will consider studying or piloting an age-appropriate SkillsFuture scheme for primary to post-secondary students from lower-income households to have access to subsidised out-of-school opportunities; (b) if so, what targeting and guardrails such as means-testing, school referral, per-child caps, and approved providers can apply; and (c) how can outcomes such as participation and progression be evaluated.

Response

1. MOE provides all students with opportunities to discover and develop their potential. Our schools curate and structure such opportunities for them, based on their learning needs, interests, and strengths. At the same time, we offer financial support for lower-income students so that they are not deprived of opportunities to access these programmes due to financial constraints. This is a more effective approach than subsidising access to a wider marketplace of out-of-school programmes through a SkillsFuture scheme.

2. In terms of after-school programmes, our schools run a wide range of Co-Curricular Activities and talent and enrichment programmes for their students. For example, for students with sporting potential, MOE runs the Junior Sports Academy Programme, which allows primary school students from all backgrounds to participate in a range of sports and discover their sporting strengths and interests. MOE also gives Opportunity Fund grants to schools for them to subsidise co-curricular development opportunities for students from low-income households.

3. Beyond these, all primary schools have Student Care Centres that provide a conducive and structured after-school environment to develop their 21st Century Competencies. Student Care Centres also work with community partners to offer enrichment in areas such as reading, speech and drama, creative writing, music, art, or explorations in science, engineering, and technology. After subsidies from MSF's Student Care Fee Assistance (SCFA) programme, lower-income families can pay as little as $5 per month for the child to attend the SCCs in primary schools.

4. At the secondary level, schools provide students with out-of-school opportunities, such as befriending and mentoring by community partners and volunteers, as well as interest-based activities that build peer support and relationships. These are provided free-of-charge to all students in the programme, including students from lower-income households.

5. In Post-Secondary Education Institutions (PSEIs), out-of-school experiences are woven into their curriculum through internships and other industry-based programmes. These provide students access to industry networks, and real-world opportunities to apply their skills and gain hands-on work experience. Institutions also work with community partners to provide additional support and opportunities beyond the curriculum, including youth befriending, career exploration and mentoring programmes. In addition, students have access to overseas exposure opportunities through our institutions, with financial support for those who need it.

6. MOE will continue to review and strengthen our programmes and partnerships to bring affordable learning opportunities to students from lower-income families. We are encouraged that there are active community and corporate partners who run or sponsor suitable programmes which complement school efforts to support our lower-income students. In this way, we build a "We First" society in Singapore, and we hope more partners will step forward and participate.