Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) is undertaking a broad review of several key areas, from exam pressures to teacher recruitment and support, as outlined by Minister for Education Desmond Lee in his first media interview since assuming the role on January 26.
Reducing Exam Stakes and Refining School Admissions
The MOE is examining ways to lessen the high stakes associated with examinations. This could involve adjustments to exam difficulty and a re-evaluation of how Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) results are used in the secondary school admissions process.
Supporting Teachers and Modernizing the Profession
Teacher recruitment is a priority, with the MOE increasing its hiring targets. More than 1,300 teachers were recruited in 2025, a significant increase from the 950 hired in 2024. Nearly one-third of those hired in 2025 were professionals making a mid-career switch.
To accommodate these diverse backgrounds, the 16-month Postgraduate Diploma in Education program is under review in collaboration with the National Institute of Education. Incoming teachers will continue core training but will have more elective options to support their professional development.
The MOE is also implementing recommendations from a 2024 task force aimed at “reimagining the teaching profession.” All schools now offer flexible work arrangements, including flexible reporting times and, in some cases, opportunities to work from home.
Bilingualism and Mother Tongue Language Education
The importance of bilingualism remains a focus. A new structured reading program, MTL SOAR, was launched in 2025 for Primary 1 and 2 students, dedicating 30 minutes of curriculum time to mother tongue language reading and library activities. This program will expand to all primary levels by 2029.
The ministry is also exploring the use of educational technology and contemporary materials to increase student engagement with mother tongue languages, acknowledging that more families primarily use English at home.
Addressing Demand for Special Education
With rising international diagnoses of autism, the MOE has seen increased applications for special education (SPED) schools. While four new SPED schools have opened since 2022, demand continues to grow. The MOE is collaborating with social service agencies (SSAs) to expand capacity and is developing plans to attract, retain, and develop SPED educators.
SkillsFuture Training Opportunities Expanded
Effective March 1, the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance will be extended to include part-time training. Singaporeans aged 40 and above who pursue part-time training while employed will be eligible for a $300 monthly allowance, as announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Applications open February 9.
Participation in SkillsFuture-supported training has risen significantly, with approximately 500,000 Singaporeans participating in 2025 – a 30 percent increase since the program’s inception in 2015. More companies are also supporting employee training, with 24,000 employers participating in 2024, double the number in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are being considered regarding the PSLE?
The MOE is reviewing how to reduce the high stakes of exams, which could include adjusting their difficulty and how PSLE results are used for secondary school admissions.
How is the MOE supporting teachers?
The MOE is ramping up teacher recruitment, particularly of mid-career professionals, and reviewing the Postgraduate Diploma in Education program to better support diverse entrants. They are also implementing flexible work arrangements for teachers.
What is being done to promote mother tongue languages?
The MOE is implementing the MTL SOAR reading program for Primary 1 and 2 students and exploring the use of technology and contemporary materials to increase engagement with mother tongue languages.
As the MOE continues to adapt to evolving needs, will these changes be sufficient to address the challenges facing Singapore’s education system and prepare students for the future?