Each S'porean to get at least $300,000 in lifetime support for education, upskilling

Callings can be pursued in different seasons Of life, says Chan Chun Sing

- Gabrielle Chan

Many Singaporeans worry that the system gives them only one shot at success, and that their future is set in stone after their first 15 years of schooling.

The reality is that there is a lifetime to find one's purpose and calling, and to pursue them in different seasons of life, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said on March 1, as he outlined the Government's efforts to invest more in individuals through a lifetime journey of education and upskilling.

In total, Singaporeans will each receive $300,000 or more in subsidised school fees and government support across their lives, he said during the debate on his ministry's budget.

"We will continuously invest in our people to help them to do well not just for the first 15 years in school, but over the next 50 years and beyond," said Mr Chan.

On average, the Government invests more than a quarter of a million dollars in every Singaporean child to prepare them for their first career, said Mr Chan.

Around $200,000 is invested in each student up to the secondary school level, followed by more subsidies to support students at the post-secondary level to obtain an Institute of Technical Education (ITE) certificate, a diploma or a degree, he added.