Debate on President’s Address: Janet Ang on ‘re-imagining’ meritocracy

The “Singapore style of meritocracy” should be one which values the dignity of every person, no matter their abilities or achievements. It should uphold the spirit of community, which is more about the “we” and “us” and less about the “I” and “me”. It should also empower attitudes of “always learning” and collaborating, embracing a culture of care and dialogue, compassion and giving, and inspiring each one to strive for excellence together for the common good. This “Singapore style of meritocracy” should also be one that creates an economy that is at the service of society, where no one is left behind. NMP Janet Ang outlined the key elements in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr 18). She stressed the need to “re-imagine meritocracy” in education by going “back to basics” and reminding everyone in the system to embrace the dignity of the child and the joy of learning. To ensure a level playing field, she urged the Ministry of Education to invest in after-school study halls for students. She also called for a rethink of Government scholarships and suggested awarding more to students who have the merit, as well as financial needs. She also urged industry to help themselves by tapping into the polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education to build the pipeline for their workforce. She said more can be done to incentivise companies to hire them as apprentices even before graduation. She stressed the need to “pay for skills, pay for value”.