DIRECT PURCHASE OF 3-ROOM FLATS FROM HDB

Mr Gerard Ee asked the Minister for Education if he will consider making changes in the education system only after a comprehensive plan has been drawn up instead of regular tweaking of the system which can cause confusion and concern.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: The fundamental objectives of our education system are to develop the individual and mould the citizen. These objectives have not changed. But from time to time, as the environment changes, it is necessary to re-visit our strategies and programmes, to ensure that the education system continues to meet the needs of Singapore society and economy.

During the Committee of Supply debates on the budget estimates for the Ministry of Education in this House in 1997, 1998 and in 1999 just a few months ago, I have laid out the direction in which our education strategies and programmes need to move. MOE has adopted an ability-driven strategic paradigm for education and is re-orientating the education system to this strategic paradigm. The changes which have been put in place or announced recently, for example, the IT Masterplan, National Education, the emphasis on creative thinking, the new university admission system, the quality assurance approach to school appraisal, the curriculum and mother tongue language reviews, the review of the teacher-training system (amongst others) all tie in with our aims to develop and harness the talents and abilities of Singaporeans.

I have outlined the rationale for and the inter-connections among these initiatives in my speeches at the Committee of Supply debate in 1997 and 1998 and again this year. I thank the Members of this House, including the Nominated Member of Parliament, for having contributed their views and ideas during the extensive debates we have had on education. Indeed, a number of these initiatives have been implemented only after extensive consultations, for example, over more than a year for the new University Admission System.

The direction that we are moving in is clear. And the major initiatives needed to operationalise the strategies and translate them into action plans have also been laid out. These are already being implemented. I assure the Nominated Member of Parliament that MOE works closely with our higher education institutions and schools to ensure that our plans and programmes are well thought out and smoothly implemented.

Mr Heng Chiang Meng asked the Minister for National Development what are the reasons for the policy to disallow all applicants classified as "Upgraders" to purchase 3-room flats directly from the Housing and Development Board.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Currently, HDB does not offer new 3-room flats to flat buyers. It buys 3-room flats from the open market and sells them at subsidised prices to low-income first-timer families with household income not exceeding $1,500 per month. The sale of 3-room buy-back flats is one of many HDB schemes to help low-income families own HDB flats.

Upgraders have already enjoyed one subsidised flat. They should therefore not compete with first-timers for a 3-room flat from HDB. They can buy a 3-room flat from the open market with the sale proceeds obtained from the sale of their existing flats.