Categorising PSLE Top Scorers by Ethnic Groups

Dr Janil Puthucheary asked the Minister for Education in view of the increasing number of inter-ethnic group marriages (a) whether the practice of categorising PSLE top scorers by ethnic groups is still relevant; and (b) whether there are plans to review this practice.

Mr Heng Swee Keat: I thank the hon Member Dr Janil Puthucheary for the question. In a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Singapore, it is important that we build a sense of national identity while giving space for each community to celebrate its heritage.

After each national examination, there is interest from the media and the various communities on the achievements of students from the different ethnic groups. Since the 1990s, the Ministry of Education has been providing information on top students from the major ethnic groups to facilitate reporting and for the different communities to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

The increase in inter-ethnic group marriages in recent years has indeed led to the need to recognise more diversity among our students. Parents can choose to identify their children using a single or hyphenated race classification. Top students will then be identified by the race classification chosen by their parents.

As Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society, it continues to be relevant for individuals to identify themselves with their own heritage. How MOE releases information on achievements in the national examinations will evolve in line with our move towards recognising a wider range of talents and achievements, and what is most useful.

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