Should Singapore impose stricter regulations on the tuition industry?
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EDUCATION
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Should preschool education be made compulsory in Singapore?
The tuition industry in Singapore is a large and growing market, valued at over SGD 1.4 billion in 2023, driven by high academic competition and fuelled by high per capita income. The rise of the industry can be attributed to students being subjected to high pressure to succeed academically in a rigorous education system from a young age. More recently, the emergence of specialised and non-academic tuition services has further compounded the increase in tuition spending. Despite changes in the grading systems tailored specifically to promote a more holistic education, generations of an ultra-competitive mindset are difficult to shift, and tuition culture is in fact adapting to this ‘new norm’. Combined with the persistent issue of household income inequality, there remains a significant portion of students who receive private tutoring to gain an edge over their peers. This further perpetuates issues such as greater outcome inequality amongst different income groups, an over-reliance on tuition, and the surfacing of unethical promotional tactics that further pressure parents and students into signing up for more tuition. Therefore, in this Cabinet, representatives should consider the economic and social implications of stricter measures on the tuition industry while highlighting the potential benefits, such as reduced academic competition and enhanced student well-being.
Preschools are essential in promoting early childhood development through a focus on pedagogy and curriculum, and detecting children with underlying conditions and familial issues early. Yet in Singapore, children are not required to attend early childhood care and education (ECCE). Over the past decade, the preschool sector has continued its growth, expanding from about 100,000 full-day spots in 2013 to over 200,000 in 2023, while enrolment rates for children aged 3-4 have increased to roughly 90%. Yet, with the expansion and increased focus on the ECCE sector, there remains a shortage of qualified and experienced teachers and staff to facilitate these childcare centres. Lower-income families may also struggle to find quality, affordable and accessible pre-school education. This raises the question of whether preschool education can be made compulsory in Singapore due to factors such as affordability, the ability of preschools to cater to students with medical conditions that require specialised care, and trained manpower shortages.
Image drawn by Aurelia Keisha Rahman
Image drawn by Aurelia Keisha Rahman
