In recent years, many countries around the world have become more competitive. These countries include China and India. The increased competition has made the Singapore government realised the importance of changing some aspects of the education system to meet the changing global demands. Although these changes are good and relevant, more must be done to ensure that Singaporeans, especially the youths, are well prepared for the rising global demands. In this essay, the changing global demands, changes in the education system like introducing compulsory education will be covered, and more changes will be suggested.

Changing global demands have made changes to our education system necessary. The biggest globe change is increasing competition from up and coming countries like China and India. The large populations of China and India mean that both countries have the capacity to provide a big market for business and abundant labour to attract multi-nation companies to set up factories in both countries. Another change is the integration of the global economy. Today, it is important for Singapore companies to work together with foreign companies or set up businesses on foreign soils. Hence, there is a need to nurture a new generation of Singaporeans who are creative and well prepared for the changing global demands.

The government has introduced compulsory education recently. In the past, many parents, mostly poorly educated, did not send their children to be educated at primary schools. The government realised that this was a harmful trend, as it would prevent Singapore from having enough people who are educated, and this trend would affect the growth of the economy. By introducing the policy of compulsory education, it ensures that every single child in Singapore will attain at least a primary level of education and remain competitive in the global economy. It also minimise the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor. Therefore, compulsory education is the first and effective step to counter global demands.

The government introduced a new ‘O’ Levels subject called ‘Social Studies’ in 2002, after realising that many students are ignorant of recent world developments. A youth nationwide survey, conducted by the National Youth Council in 2000, also shows that Singapore youths lack interest in political issues. ‘Social Studies’ covers a range of topics, from the history of past conflicts among countries and economy of Japan. This particular subject creates an awareness of world developments and these developments affect the lives of everyone in the world. However, an examination subject that requires students to know developments around the world does not fully ensure that they will be prepared for changes around the world. Hence, more must be done to instill values and skills in students, to be prepared for the changes.

At junior college level, SAT (stands for scholastic aptitude test which is conducted by an American educational agency) and project work have become requirements for university entries. The SAT is a test that assesses the basic ability of students in mathematics and usage of the English language, while project work develops students to be team players and have skills like giving an oral presentation. These changes are good and relevant to the changing global demands. The SAT test ensures that students do not just rely on memorising facts to pass examinations; the ability to work together in a team and communicate with others and solve practical problems ensures that students have the ability to work with foreigners and set up companies abroad.

However, the recent changes in our education system are insufficient to ensure that Singaporeans are prepared to face challenges from other countries in the world. Singaporeans have to be as creative as Japanese and as outspoken as Americans to not only survive, but remain on top with the global changes. The first step is to place less emphasis on facts and more questions that require creativity to answer in school examinations. This ensures that the students are more versatile in their thinking. The second step is to introduce more project work and classroom interactions in schools, until both become part and parcel of every student’s live.

Global changes in the economy and competitiveness cannot be removed. Hence, Singaporeans have to cope with the changes by changing their attitudes in the way they lead their lives. The recent changes in our education system may have caused unhappiness among both students and parents, but they are no doubt necessary changes that meet up to the changing global demands like stiff competitions from India and China. Furthermore, more changes are necessary to ensure that Singapore remains on top in the competitive world of today.

18th August 03'

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