Govt refreshing approach to tackling inequality, transforming education system: Desmond Lee

To prepare Singapore for the future, the Government is refreshing its approach to tackling difficult social issues such as inequality, and transforming the education system, said Minister for Education Desmond Lee.

- Shermaine Ang

In a rapidly changing world, it is no longer enough to equip younger Singaporeans with knowledge alone, as the knowledge imparted today may well be outdated tomorrow, Mr Lee said during the debate on the President’s Address in Parliament on Sept 25.

What is more important is for younger Singaporeans to be agile and resilient, to be able to think critically and learn continuously, so that they can navigate a more uncertain environment, said Mr Lee, who is also Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.

He gave the example of one student who, despite the abuse she endured from her father, found success in her studies and now works with a therapeutic group home for children where she had once stayed.

This is an example of how not everyone takes the same path to success, and that success can mean different things to different people, he said.

Mr Lee said the education system must provide pathways for children to flourish, no matter their starting point, support them to pursue their aspirations, and cultivate strong values so that they give back to society.

He said Singapore has been moving away from a “narrow meritocracy” that ties achievement solely to grades and paper qualifications, to becoming a society that recognises that success comes in many forms.

“Whether in the arts, technology, sports or other fields, we want to celebrate the diverse talents of every individual and respect the contribution of every worker,” he said.

Mr Lee noted that the shift cannot happen overnight, but is a multiyear effort.