Debate on President’s speech: Desmond Lee on tackling difficult social issues and refreshing education system

The government is making two key shifts to prepare Singapore for the future - by refreshing the approach to tackling difficult social issues and transforming the education system, said Education Minister and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee. On tackling difficult social issues, he stressed the need to partner Singaporeans and take a whole-of-society approach to solving problems together. They will need to develop new structures, policies, Standard Operating Procedures and data systems that enable greater collaboration and integration, he said in parliament on Thursday (Sep 25). Turning to the education system, Mr Lee stressed the need to do more to break away from an education "arms race", and provide opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests regardless of starting point. The government will study how to reduce the stakes in examinations and focus on the more important aspects of experiences in school. Mr Lee warned of the "opportunity gap" in the education system, and said the government will enhance resources for schools and deepen partnerships with parents and the community to better support lower-income students, as well as transform teaching and learning to prepare students for a world that is transformed by AI.