) or https:// as an added precaution.1. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has launched the Education Conversations, a series of outreach efforts that invites Singaporeans to share their views and help shape education policies that strengthen students' holistic development and prepare them for the future.
2. The Conversations began in April 2026 with focused group discussions involving education professionals, parents and youths. MOE will continue them through 2026 and into 2027, both in person and through the Education Conversations microsite, on topics including:
- Moderating examination stakes, such as the use of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) for Secondary 1 posting
- Reviewing the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme to strengthen student development, improve selection, and enhance accessibility
- Strengthening the education experience, including Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) and Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), to nurture values and life skills
Building on Past Conversations
3. As Singapore's education landscape evolves, the Education Conversations build on earlier national dialogues that helped shape our system. Our Singapore Conversation (2012–2013) broadened the definition of merit beyond academic results, while SGfuture (2015–2016) emphasised lifelong learning and laid the groundwork for the SkillsFuture movement. More recently, Forward Singapore (2022–2023) reinforced the need for greater flexibility and paved the way for Full Subject-Based Banding in mainstream secondary schools.
4. Over the years, MOE has made significant shifts to nurture well-rounded individuals by reducing the overemphasis on academic achievement and strengthening students' holistic development. These include replacing the PSLE T-score with broader Achievement Levels (ALs) and expanding DSA opportunities. MOE has also placed greater emphasis on developing 21st Century Competencies, such as critical, adaptive and inventive thinking, through CCE and CCA. Even so, more can be done to help students thrive in a changing world, including reimagining teaching and learning and addressing the education "arms race".
A Collaborative "We First" Approach
5. The Education Conversations provide a platform for the public to share views and ideas on education policies. MOE will organise a series of public sessions, beginning with one led by Minister for Education Mr Desmond Lee on Saturday, 27 June 2026. MOE officials will also reach out to a broad range of partners and stakeholders throughout the series.
6. Mr Lee said, "Looking ahead, the world our children will inherit will be very different from ours. We must do more to move away from seeing education as an arms race, shift beyond an overly narrow focus on academic grades, and enable our children to develop more holistically. The Education Conversations build on earlier efforts by bringing together people who care deeply about our children to help shape a stronger education system for a changing world. We will keep an open mind and listen widely, because no one has a monopoly on good ideas."
Join the Conversations – In-Person and Online
7. To complement the series, MOE has launched the Education Conversations microsite, where members of the public can sign up for in-person sessions. Those unable to attend but who still wish to share their views and ideas can do so in English and vernacular languages via the microsite at https://educationconversations.moe.gov.sg.