Technology in Singapore’s education vital for the 21st century

With its current high levels of standards in education system and rapid growth in technology, Singapore perceives the implementation of modern technology in schools none other than a necessity for the nation’s growth.

In 2010, the British education minister, Michael Gove commended Singapore’s educational system as one of the highest performing nations in any measures of educational achievement having the most highly qualified teachers. With its current high levels of standards in education system and rapid growth in technology, Singapore perceives the implementation of modern technology in schools none other than a necessity for the nation’s growth.

The current development witnesses the Ministry of Education awarding the tender for Standard Information and Communication Technology Operating Environment (SOE) to National Computer Systems Pte Ltd with an 8-year contract, valued for $850 million. Early 2011, programme in pilot schools will see its implementation of SOE followed by the setup of central infrastructure, processes and governance of the programme. Over the period of 2011 and 2012, Singapore will have established a firm transition to technology-based learning and technology-based teaching. Singapore, having one of the highest internet penetration levels in the world, has facilitated more than 200 schools all around the country with wireless connectivity. Mr Lim Teck Soon, IT Director of the Organization Development, MOE, believes the use of technology and internet for education will create a wider spectrum beyond the classroom providing an authentic environment for learning.

Singapore is moving beyond the scope of technology being used as tools of efficiency. With a long-standing collaboration of MOE and Microsoft, for more than 6 years, numerous initiatives on the improvements of learning and teaching with the use of technology has made Singapore an advanced nation. Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, Ms Grace Fu articulates the necessity for MOE to deeply scrutinize and develop the understanding of how Information and Communication Technology can enable students to develop competencies of the 21st century that are fundamental for their future.

Business Opportunities are by the bountiful in Singapore and the education sector provides one avenue. Schools are open to companies who can offer assistance in the education system, providing methods and means for students to widen their perspectives through the implementation of various technology and tools. Singapore company formation guide provides a clear understanding on processes necessary to start a new company in Singapore. Visualising the education sector to be a business opportunity, mapping out the growth of technology and the current transition phase schools are partaking in, the period for new business entries are now. To register a Singapore company, it takes just 2 steps, that are, approval of company name, which takes less than an hour to know the outcome, and company registration, the incorporation process, which takes just a couple of hours, provided all proper documentations are submitted. It’s that easy.