'We must break this cycle': PM Wong on reducing stakes of single exams, grades

S'pore has to move to a broader, more inclusive meritocracy to keep social mobility alive: PM

- Kok Yufeng

More will be done in this new term of government to reduce the stakes of single examinations and change the way that workers are hired and promoted, by valuing their skills rather than grades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

"I know for many parents, education still feels like an arms race," he said during the debate on the President’s Address in Parliament on Sept 24.

He said parents want to cut back on “endless tuition”, but hesitate to take that step, as they fear their child will lose out. Many families thus feel like they are stuck on a treadmill, running harder and harder to avoid falling behind.

"We must break this cycle," said PM Wong.

Singapore has to move from a narrow meritocracy based solely on grades to a broader and more inclusive one that values a diversity of talents, he said.

"That’s how we keep social mobility alive, so every Singaporean can rise on the strength of their contributions and will be respected."

PM Wong outlined plans to keep the social escalator here moving, including by expanding government schemes that provide financial aid and resources to lower-income families.

He noted that inequality in Singapore is narrowing, with the Gini coefficient now at its lowest level in more than two decades. This is despite this figure rising slightly after a revision in the way it is calculated.

Many other societies have become more stratified, with privilege becoming entrenched, PM Wong said.

"In extreme cases, your caste and social class determine who you are, what you can do, and what you can become," he added.

While Singapore is starting from a stronger position in terms of social mobility compared with elsewhere, it cannot stand still, PM Wong said.