SINGAPORE: As technology continues to disrupt industries and jobs, Singapore must recognise that lifelong learning has become necessary, said Education Minister Ong Ye Kung on Wednesday (Jul 25), adding that the continuous pursuit of knowledge is the way for the young to prepare for their future.
Speaking to economists and industry leaders at the Economic Society of Singapore Annual Dinner on Wednesday, Mr Ong stressed that this will not, however, change the foundation of what is being taught in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning, such as values, digital literacy and soft skills.
Advertisement This is despite a major global reconfiguration of what a young person needs to learn and when, in order to satisfy the need for this lifelong learning.
Mr Ong said: “I hope we don't end up trying to redesign the education system. It has been painstakingly built up and is good in many aspects.”
“There must be joy in learning and sustained curiosity. Without it, we cannot be motivated to learn, keep up or stay ahead of changes,” he added.
Mr Ong said a shift in the education system is needed but trade-offs and tensions are inevitable.
Advertisement Advertisement He added that Singapore must make the necessary adjustments to further improve the quality of the education system, so it remains strong and instils the joy of learning in the young.
While the public might debate about whether it is an academic degree or skills that will help the young chart their path towards success, Mr Ong said: “The difficult question we should really ask is: Does a young person necessarily need a degree in order to do well in his or her career? The answer is ‘it depends’.”
While a degree certainly helps open doors, especially in Singapore where universities are well-regarded, he stressed that employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications in hiring and promoting staff.
“They are looking for demonstrated skills and competencies. Not just qualifications that suggest that a person may possess those skills and competencies. It may take a while for this human resource approach to be truly widespread. But the macro trends are clear.”
INEQUALITY REMAINS A “COMPLEX ISSUE”
Mr Ong also spoke about inequality, saying it remains a “complex issue, with inherent paradoxes” and, as such, Singapore must continue to step up efforts in addressing the opportunity gaps that arise from it.
He said one way to tackle inequality would be for Singapore to have faith in meritocracy, where talent and ability are recognised over wealth and circumstances of birth.
Mr Ong said education also acts as a social integrator since all students share the same educational experience, considering that they all attend national schools in Singapore.
He added that education plays the role of leveler in the social landscape, since it provides all students with the "same keys" to access various opportunities.
Mr Ong said the aim is to uplift more poor families, so that their challenges are not translated to their children’s performances in school.
“It may take a generation for the concept and our effort to evolve and mature, but the journey has begun,” he added.
Let's block ads! (Why?)
More...