Maliki Osman on correlation between PSLE results and socioeconomic status

Students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds tend to perform better, as their parents have more resources to give them a head start. However, Singapore must work against the natural tendency of societies to "stratify", said Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman. Replying to an MP's questions in Parliament on Monday (Mar 7), he outlined the efforts of the Ministry of Education to give students a good start in life, regardless of their background. He said the education system plays a crucial role in levelling up opportunities and support for students from less advantaged backgrounds to develop their potential. It pays close attention and provides significantly more support to students with higher needs. He added that students from less advantaged backgrounds do well compared with their international counterparts. The outcomes have been "encouraging" so far, he said.