Decision on Introducing Free Premium AI Access for Students in Institutes of Higher Learning

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education (a) what oversight role the Ministry plays in institutes of higher learning's decisions to introduce free premium AI access for students; (b) what considerations, including risks of cognitive offloading and over-reliance, are made in assessing such plans; and (c) what safeguards will be put in place to prevent adverse effects on learning outcomes.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Ministry of Education provides guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and assessment to the institutes of higher learning (IHLs). In line with these guidelines, all IHLs have institutional policies to ensure that AI use support learning, with guardrails against misuse and adverse impact on learning.

The IHLs safeguard learning outcomes by reviewing their curricula, pedagogy and assessment practices to address risks, such as cognitive offloading and overreliance arising from AI use. For example, AI use is prohibited where students are required to demonstrate independent mastery of concepts and understanding. Where AI use is allowed, assessments are redesigned to continue testing students' knowledge, judgement and application of learning, such as through presentations and projects. IHLs also train students to understand AI's limitations and use it discerningly.