No relationship between class size and learning outcomes: OECD

No relationship between class size and learning outcomes said oecd singapore

The culture of seeking tuition is coded into our people’s DNA. This phenomenon has little to do with the efficacy of school teachers. It has got more to do with the mentality of wanting to be ahead, to have an edge over others. This, in itself, is not a bad thing because that is how […]

Jamus’ bold suggestion ignores the deterrent effect of criminal records

Jamus' bold suggestion ignores the deterrent effect of Criminal Record Singapore

A Zaobao article by Giam Meng Tuck describes WP Jamus Lim’s proposal to eliminate criminal records of non-violent crimes as naive and lacking in research. Mr Giam also pointed out that while the Opposition often fights for transparency, what the Government tries to do is balancing transparency with what is in the best interest of […]

Addressing the issue of bullying in schools and our vulnerable young

Bullying in schools

The heart-wrenching story of a 13-year-old girl who overdosed on painkillers after being bullied in school brought bullying in school to the fore once again. There is a sense that her pleas have fallen on deaf ears and in that sense, the school has let her down. No case of bullying in school should be […]

Social justice warriors, respect the privacy of the vulnerable please!

social justice warriors : anti pap activist gilbert goh

Respect the privacy of vulnerable people including the homeless. Homeless persons are already without a physical shelter. To take even their dignity from them has got to be one of the worst robberies. The last thing a homeless person wants is to have his or her photo plastered all over social media and become the […]

NTUC Care Fund to benefit more Singaporeans

NTUC care

As the pandemic affects lives and livelihoods, NTUC has stepped up measures to extend more assistance to union members through the NTUC Care Fund. During its first exercise, the NTUC Care Fund (Covid-19), supported 30,000 union members with a total payout of $8 million. A further $17 million is expected to be disbursed to union […]

Preparing for Growth with Premium Increases

MediShield premium increase

As Singapore ages, so does our healthcare structure. To oil the machine of our healthcare, the government has set aside a portion of the MediShield Life Premiums for the future to moderate premium increases as people age, said Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon on Monday (Nov 2). The Health Ministry had announced […]

Our Helpers & Us: finding the right balance for a mutually happy relationship

helpers CDE

The law is clear on the deployment of FDWs. But reality is less clear as it is not always possible to draw a clear line between household chores arising from caregiving and household chores of other family members. The solution is to work out a mutually agreement arrangement to avoid misunderstanding or ambiguity.

Providing care and support to workers in COVID-19 time

NTUC Job Security Council

The strong tripartite relationship between unions, employers and government is what sees Singapore through each crisis.

A weak labour movement cannot represent workers properly. It cannot get a fair deal from employers, cannot protect workers. What is bad for workers is bad for Singapore.

On the other hand, a strong labour movement but hostile, antagonistic and focused only on short-term interests of their members will hold back the country, and eventually, workers will get hurt.

A strong labour movement with strong support from workers, with a seat at the table, working closely and constructively with the government and employers working constructively to get the best deal for workers and find win-win solutions to all and advance national interests.

Alyssa Marie Loo is sole recipient of President’s Scholarship 2020

school, alyssa, marie, loo, li-ann, president's, scholarship, 2020

Recently, the online community has focused heavily on the ruler by which our government measures recipients. A major complaint is the effectiveness of this system for grooming leaders. Elitism An elitist culture is one of the concerns raised in this outcry. The success of our education system has long been lauded. A handful of schools […]