SINGAPORE STUDENTS ABROAD

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Education, with a record jump of Singapore students going abroad for further studies, what measures his Ministry has taken to ensure (i) that the potential of these students is being maximised with proper guidance for their career choices in relation to our national needs; (ii) that we are getting value for the huge amount of money spent abroad; and (iii) that we are keeping in touch with these students while they are abroad.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: (i) In the last few years, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has put in more efforts to promote career guidance in schools. The primary objective is to ensure that our pupils will be better able to choose their course of study in relation to their aptitude, interest and future career. Each secondary school and junior college has two teachers appointed as Career Guidance Coordinators to organise and deliver the school's career guidance programme and to provide career counselling. The MOE has been collaborating with the industries to produce print and non-print materials on careers in the respective industries for the schools' career guidance resource centres. The MOE has been updating biennially its career guide entitled "Planning Ahead: A Career and Education Guide". In this guide, there is a section on "Tertiary Education Overseas" which provides relevant advice on measures to take when proceeding for studies abroad. The MOE has jointly published with the Singapore Press Holdings the "Singapore Career Guide" which is available for sale to schools and the public. The MOE has also been involved in staging the annual career exhibitions and seminars with the Singapore Professional Centre since 1989. Students are advised to take into account the employment prospects in Singapore and the national manpower needs in choosing their careers.

(ii) Students who intend to go overseas for their tertiary education are advised to pick reputable institutions and select courses which have good career prospects. They are also encouraged to make the most of their overseas exposure by learning about their host countries and extending their contacts to build up a useful network. As private students, they choose their university courses to suit their needs and interests. Where necessary, the government has taken action to discourage too many students from taking up certain courses overseas.

(iii) Singapore Student Advisors appointed by the Government keep in touch with Singapore students overseas. There are six Student Advisors based in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, where most of the Singapore students are studying. Their role is to look after the welfare of Singapore students abroad and to help them keep abreast of developments in Singapore. The Singapore International Foundation has been distributing its bi-monthly news bulletin "Notes Overseas" and SINGAPORE magazine to 54 Overseas Singapore Clubs to keep their members informed on developments and major events in Singapore.