SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN FINAL YEAR IN NOVEMBER 1960 (Number seeking employment; number planning further education locally and abroad)

Mr Thio Chan Bee asked the Minister for Education (a) how many Secondary School pupils were in their final year in November 1960, in (i) Government, and - (ii) Aided Secondary English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil Schools; and (b) to state the number of such pupils (i) proposing to seek employment in 1961, (ii) planning to continue their education in Singapore, and (iii) going abroad for further studies.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: The total number of Secondary School pupils in the final year as in November 1960 were as follows: Government. Aided. Total. English 2,924 1,801 4,725 (4-year course) Chinese 262 1,579 1,841 (6-year course) Malay Nil Nil Nil Tamil Nil Nil Nil ----- ----- ----- Total 3,186 3,380 6,566 ----- ----- -----

It should be stated that secondary education in the Malay and Tamil media commenced only in 1960.

As regards question (b):

(i) The number proposing to seek employment is estimated at below 5,000.

(ii) The number proposing to continue their higher education in Singapore is estimated at 1,450.

(iii) The number proposing to go abroad for further studies is estimated at 150, at present.

Mr Thio Chan Bee: Mr Speaker, Sir, will the Minister state whether any steps have been taken or will be taken to assist the job-seekers to find jobs in Singapore?

Mr Speaker: It seems to be a different question. Unless the Minister wishes to answer, I rule it to be a different question. Notice could be given by the Member for Tanglin in good time.