Expansion Plans for International Schools with Singaporean Curriculum in Southeast Asia

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Elysa Chen, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education whether the Government is exploring the expansion of international schools with Singaporean curriculum in Southeast Asia under the premise that international schools can support inter-regional talent mobility and work opportunities for Singaporeans as well as expansion of Singaporean businesses into regional markets.

Response

1. MOE has no plans to set up new international schools with Singaporean curriculum in Southeast Asia.
2. When Singaporeans move abroad, their children can apply for Leave of Absence from their school. While they are overseas, they can access online learning resources to keep abreast with the local curriculum. This can ease their eventual transition back to our education system. When they return to Singapore, they can be readmitted to the school directly. For those who need to apply to the next level of school (e.g. secondary or JC), MOE also supports their placement into our mainstream schools.