Singapore Immigration Focus on Singapore Education: Schools will now be able to leverage the expertise of professionals from various fields to develop on-campus learning programs through the newly established COMPACT initiative, providing students with more diverse experiences.
The Singapore Ministry of Education will invite professionals from various sectors—such as the arts, business management, sports, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—to join the COMPACT (Community of Pathfinders in Action) initiative as partners. Primary and secondary schools can leverage these partners' networks and resources to organize workshops, lectures, internships, and learning journeys for students.
Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat announced this news yesterday at the Ministry of Education Work Plan Seminar. He stated: "Not all schools enjoy the same networks and resources; some newer schools lack extensive alumni networks. We want to help every school by providing them with resources. We want to bring together professionals from all industries so that schools can leverage their strengths to enhance learning programs."
The Ministry of Education will match suitable partners to schools based on their needs, thereby allowing students to be exposed to a wide range of career options. The Ministry's goal is to recruit 300 partners into the program by the end of next year, and expand this to 1,000 by 2018.
Currently, 16 individuals and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have joined the program. Participating individuals include local film director Royston Tan, songwriter Liang Wern Fook, entrepreneur and founder of 77th Street Elim Chew, and Singapore Sailing Federation President Dr. Benedict Tan, among others.
Heng Swee Keat, who has served as Minister for Education since 2011, outlined the key focus of his work plan over the past four years in his speech. From building every school into a good school to helping every student learn effectively, and supporting the professional development of teachers, the annual work has been continuous and interconnected. This year, he is focusing on parents and community partners, emphasizing that nurturing children requires the concerted support of the community.
When citing the cooperation between schools and community partners, he said: "The Ministry of Education can start from the perspective of schools, teachers, and students, but good 'catalysts' can create another effect. The perspectives and challenges they bring from the outside world can inspire students."
The Ministry of Education is "paving the way" for students through policies and programs, providing diverse channels for development, while COMPACT partners assist students in exploring diverse development paths.
Heng Swee Keat pointed out that these successful individuals have also walked their own brilliant paths, and they can redefine success and inspire students. Re-emphasizing during an interview, he noted that parents and the community are important partners of the Ministry of Education. "'Every school is a good school' has achieved quite good results over the past few years. I look forward to us doing better, with the support of more community partners and parents, to create more opportunities for students and encourage them to realize their potential in different fields."