Edusave Awards for Full-time Madrasah Students

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider reviewing and extending the Edusave Awards to full-time madrasah students.

The Senior Minister of State for Education (Ms Indranee Rajah) (for the Minister for Education): Madam, Edusave was introduced to support the holistic development of students in MOE-funded schools.

We have recently extended Edusave Contributions to all Singaporeans aged seven to 16, even if they are not in an MOE-funded school, so that they too can receive support for secular enrichment activities.

Edusave Awards recognise secular academic and non-academic achievements in the context of MOE-funded schools. It would not be appropriate to extend the Edusave Awards to students in private schools, including those in the six full-time madrasahs that offer a total curriculum that comprises both compulsory religious and secular subjects.

Madrasah students do receive support. MUIS provides assistance for madrasah students from low income families. In particular, MUIS provides the PROMAS Performance Award to needy madrasah students who perform well in both their religious and secular subjects and exhibit exemplary character.