Education has always been key in the growth and development of Singapore society, particularly in the years following 1965 when it became an independent republic. Now in the 21st century, where the knowledge-based economy is the driver in the global community, education has become even more critical in shaping our country's future. At the same time, through education, every individual can realise his/her full potential to benefit the community, nation, and lead a personally fulfilling life.
By being in Singapore, you will get a chance to be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence and be part of a progressive, cosmopolitan community.
Over the years, Singapore has evolved from its traditional British-based education system to one that endeavours to meet the needs of individuals and seeks to nurture talents.
The strength of Singapore's Education system lies in its bilingual policy (English with Malay/Mandarin/Tamil) and a broad-based curriculum where innovation and entrepreneurship command a premium. Individuals acquire the relevant skills and abilities to survive in competitive environments, equipped for a brighter future.
Singapore's public schools have a distinctive record of high standards in teaching and learning, illustrated by international comparative studies such as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) that showed the majority of students from Singapore schools outperforming the international average in Mathematics and Science. Our students have also excelled in competitions such as world debating championships (English) and International Olympiads (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology), ousting counterparts from other countries to clinch top prizes and distinctions.
At the tertiary level, in addition to boasting 3 locally grown universities, Singapore has attracted 10 world-class institutions with strong industry links to set up centres of excellence in education and research. Among them are respected names such as the leading French university - INSEAD, the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and leading US business schools such as University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
Even after graduating into the workforce, there are numerous opportunities for further training. Professional and skills-based training are offered and popularly subscribed to. It is not uncommon to see the likes of seminars by management gurus like Michael Porter or lectures by visiting dignitaries.
The presence of such an international mix of institutions, a high quality and rigorous education system, and a nation that believes in investing in education, will together offer students here and all over the world, an enriching and fulfilling learning journey.
With a GDP of S$161 billion in 2003, the island state though small in size and population (4 million people) has become a reputable financial centre, a key regional trading centre, the world's busiest port, and a top location for investment. Often cited as a model for transparency, efficiency and political stability, Singapore has earned recognition from around the world.
Singapore has been rated third among 145 countries in terms of ease of doing business, in World Bank's Doing Business 2005 report. The Swiss-based World Economic Forum (WEF) also rated Singapore as the most competitive economy possessing great innovative ability and a solid macro economy in the world. Even in the recent global battle against SARS, Singapore's diligent and hands-on approach has won recognition from the World Health Organisation.
Singapore is well connected via sea, air and telecommunications to all parts of the world. Singapore Changi Airport serves more than 60 airlines which fly to over 145 cities and has for many consecutive years been nominated as the best airport in the world. Singapore is also probably the most wired country in Asia, with an Internet penetration rate of 42%. Housing ownership is encouraged by the government to give citizens an asset in the country. About 85% of Singaporeans are living in government-built housing.
Seamless accessibility to all parts of the island is available in this country, often recognised for its quality and efficient land transport system. The introduction of an EZ-link card - a contactless stored value card where consumers need only flash the card in front of a card reader that automatically deducts the required travel fare, is an example of the continuous commitment by the government to make travel faster and easier.
The nation's rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) living together harmoniously who have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans whilst still maintaining each race's traditional practices, customs and festivals. In addition, with more than 90,000 professional expatriates living and working in Singapore, they too bring their unique cultures and perspectives, adding colour and vibrancy to cosmopolitan Singapore.
Singapore's high standards of living is also something that students can be assured of. In a survey reported in The Economist in March 2002, Singapore's quality of life surpassed that of London or New York. Thirty-nine factors were considered, including political stability, personal freedom, air pollution and the quality of healthcare, schools, restaurants and theatres.
Singapore may seem like a small dot on the world map, but the island state bustles all over with attractions and activities. Dining and shopping are two of the top-rated activities of locals. Needless to say, this is reflected in the staggering range of foods and cuisine, as well as the proliferation of shops in the city and suburban centres.
Add on to this a thriving arts and cultural scene, especially with the opening of Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, featuring top artistes from all over the world. Ethnic districts such as Little India, Chinatown, Malay Village give a flavour of the culture and history of Singapore. Lots of fun and funky events such as the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Arts Festival, festive light-ups and many others make Singapore a most "happening" place to be in. Singapore is also strategically located at the heart of Asia and can be a hub to explore the Southeast Asian region.
Last updated on 5 December 2006. Source: Education Services Division is located in the Singapore Tourism Board headquarters.
新加坡教育
“新加坡教育”（Singapore Education）成立于2003年，是由新加坡多个政府机构通力合作，共同建立的机构，旨在将新加坡打造成为全球首屈一指的教育之都，并帮助外国学生掌握留学新加坡的各类资讯，以做出正确选择。
“新加坡教育”由新加坡经济发展局发起，并由新加坡旅游局，标新局（SPRING Singapore），新加坡国际企业发展局和教育部提供支援与协助。各机构在“新加坡教育”中的职能如下: - 新加坡旅游局(STB) - 教育服务署
负责“新加坡教育”的海外推广和营销 - 新加坡经济发展局(EDB)
吸引国际知名教育学府在新加坡建立分校 - 新加坡企发局(IE)
支持新加坡知名院校开发教育产业，并设立海外分校 - 新加坡标新局
为新加坡的私立教育机构提供品质认证 - 新加坡教育部(MOE)
监管新加坡的公立教育体系
新加坡旅游局教育服务署的责任
新加坡旅游局教育服务署是“新加坡教育”的推广机构，负责一系列的倡导活动。
教育服务署由三个部门构成，各提供不同服务：
- 教育市场发展部(EMD)
- 主办教育展览和讲座
- 培训教育辅导员
- 与国际媒体建立联系
EMD的核心作业包括幼稚园到研究所教育的推广。EMD通过与教育机构及其他教育服务供应商的密切合作，深入了解业界需要，同时建立推广“新加坡教育”的渠道。推广活动包括参与及主办海外教育路演，以提高目标市场对“新加坡教育”的认识。 - 教育策略行销部(ESM)
- 新加坡教育品牌的广告和宣传
- 竞争力分析和研究
- 产业能力发展
教育策略行销部门旨在推行能够促进教育界长远持续性和成长的活动，尤其是在品牌、定位沟通、全球趋势和竞争力分析方面，提升业界和危机处理的能力。 - 学生服务部(SSD)
学生服务部为国际学生提供服务，包括为新生主办迎新活动，帮助他们适应新环境，或是提供教育辅导服务，让他们更了解本地学校所提供的课程内容。此外，部门也设立了学生反馈制度，提升外国留学生在本地的求学体验。同时，部门也负责管理新加坡教育服务中心(SESC)，提供无预约上门服务，外国学生可随时前来寻求上述服务。海外学生协会(OSA)也为学生提供一系列发展心智、文化、社交、体育、兴趣与技能的机会。
教育服务部设于新加坡旅游局总部 | 
