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Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Teacher training at NIE for degree holders to be reduced from 16 months to a year: Desmond Lee
Education Minister Desmond Lee delivering a speech at the Teachers' Conference and ExCEL Fest 2025 on June 3. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Teacher training at NIE for degree holders to be reduced from 16 months to a year: Desmond Lee SINGAPORE - Teacher training for university graduates will be reduced from 16 months to a year, as part of efforts to better support educators and attract more talent. Newly-minted Education Minister Desmond Lee said on June 3 that the Education Ministry (MOE) and National Institute of Education (NIE) are reviewing the 16-month Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme to meet the learning needs of an increasingly diverse teaching force. The programme, funded by MOE, is a full-time programme that equips degree holders with teaching skills for Singapore schools. Going forward, the programme will have a stronger focus on integrating theory and practical application, said Mr Lee, and beginning teachers can expect more avenues to hone their teaching skills in the classroom after graduation. Addressing about 2,000 educators at the Teachers' Conference and ExCEL Fest 2025 held at the Singapore Expo, Mr Lee said that new teachers will also have more flexibility and autonomy to shape their learning, both during their training and when they enter schools. The event is organised by the MOE every two years, to bring together educators to share insights and learning practices as a fraternity. 'We envision a more flexible approach where all teachers will take core learning components which are essential to teaching, while they can choose elective learning components based on their needs and interests,' he said. 'In this way, our new teachers will continue to be well-prepared for your roles, and we can better cater to your diverse backgrounds and learning needs.' More details will be given once the review is complete, said Mr Lee. Teachers are the influencers of every generation, said Mr Lee. 'While technology and AI can enhance teaching and learning, it can never replace what you bring to the classroom – your knowledge, experience and care for your students.' He said the MOE will support teachers in three key areas: growing professional capabilities, attracting diverse talents and partnering stakeholders and the community. The ministry will provide teachers opportunities to keep updated on developments in their subject areas and in the field of education. Educators can also go on stints beyond the education context such as the Teacher Work Attachment Plus programme. Since its introduction in 2022, teachers have joined 3,800 learning journeys and 700 work attachments. 'Whether through learning journeys or short-term work attachments, you can step out of your classrooms to gain fresh perspectives and understand the latest developments across various industries. You then bring valuable real-world insights back to your students and colleagues,' said Mr Lee. And to provide more time and space for learning, MOE is finding new ways to manage teachers' administrative workloads. These include piloting procurement approaches to make it easier to organise cohort camps and make small value purchases. Mr Lee said this will be rolled out to more schools when ready. By end 2025, teachers will no longer need to manually track and collate absentee records as parents will submit documents directly through the Parents' Gateway app. The MOE is committed to grow and strengthen the teaching profession, said Mr Lee. 'In addition to our efforts to retain good teachers, we are also redoubling our efforts to attract individuals with sound values and the right motivations to join our fraternity,' he added. The ministry welcomes teachers with different life experiences and skills, such as mid-career individuals. With greater diversity, newer teachers benefit from the wisdom and practical strategies from experienced educators, and seasoned educators gain fresh insights to enrich their perspectives and competencies. 'This dynamic exchange strengthens our fraternity, which will benefit and enrich our students' learning and growth,' said Mr Lee. Education extends well beyond the school, he added. This means that partnering others in the community, like parents and alumni, is essential to help students grow, he said. 'Collaboration with industry, social service agencies and other community partners opens windows into the world beyond school for our students. They can help our students learn how to navigate real-world challenges and better understand societal needs,' he added. Preparing students for a changing world In his speech, Mr Lee said that the changing world raises fundamental questions for educators about preparing students for the uncertain future. 'We are witnessing seismic shifts in the global landscape - from a fragmenting global order where peace can no longer be taken for granted, to a fragile economic order with the rising tide of protectionism,' he said. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming how people work, live and learn, and social media has democratised access to information while proliferating half-truths and untruths. He added that societal tensions and climate change, if not addressed properly, will also be threats. These issues raise important questions on what aptitudes and skills students need to thrive in this complex world, said Mr Lee, and how educators can help them to build these up. Beyond strong fundamentals in literacy, numeracy and subject matter knowledge, he said students will need to develop new competencies. These inlude the ability to discern critically and think creatively, to communicate and collaborate across cultures and diverse perspectives, and to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. 'More importantly, they will need a strong set of values as their moral compass to navigate this uncertainty and complexity,' said Mr Lee, and teachers play an important role in the process of developing these values. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
3 days ago
- Health
- New Paper
MSF will keep building on collaborative approach in supporting families
Shortly after getting married in 2021, social worker Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James started trying for a child - something Mr James had always wanted. But two months in, she experienced a sharp abdominal pain which landed her in the hospital. A battery of tests found cancer in both her ovaries. She said: "My oncologist told us the very devastating news that it is not possible for us to have children. "I felt like our world crashed. I had to make a difficult decision to propose an annulment to Timothy since we were still newly married." But Mr James refused: "I did not even want to reconsider. I remembered my wedding vows towards her - in sickness and in health." On May 31, the couple's story was featured in an interactive exhibition at the launch of this year's National Family Festival. The showcase features a selection of stories about the ups and downs of family life submitted by over 500 families for a campaign run by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) called "Real Families, Real Stories". Mrs Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James participated in MSF's "Real Families, Real Stories" campaign because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TIMOTHY AND ELEANOR JAMES Mrs James, now 36, and Mr James, a 43-year-old halfway house operations assistant, chose to participate because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. The launch event was held at the Singapore Expo, and marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli gave a speech at the festival's launch - his first since the general election and being sworn in on May 23. He reiterated the Government's upcoming plans to support families, such as the increase in shared parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks in April 2026, and more benefits for couples who have two or more children announced at the 2025 Budget. He said: "Family is critical to our journey in our life, and also as a nation... As our society evolves, so do the needs of our families. They change, and therefore we must ensure that familial support systems remain relevant and robust." These moves were implemented as part of a plan launched three years ago - "A Singapore Made for Families 2025", he said. "This marked a pivotal shift in how we support and uplift families. Through the plan, we established a collaborative approach, where we integrate government support across every stage of family life, to ensure that families have a comprehensive ecosystem of support." The launch event for this year's National Family Festival at the Singapore Expo marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO MSF will continue to build on the progress of the last three years, Mr Masagos added. At the Forward Singapore engagement sessions, many shared their hopes and concerns for the future, including in areas such as cost of living, housing accessibility and affordability, and fostering more family-friendly practices, he noted. "We have heard you, and will continue to enhance our support for families," he said. The Government's vision is to build a Singapore made for families, but this is not something it can do alone, Mr Masagos said. "We cannot realise this vision on our own. Throughout the decades, we have seen community participation and partnership playing a significant role in the success of our nation, and therefore in fulfilling this vision." With the partnership between the community, corporates and the Government, efforts are amplified and more lives are reached, he added. "We all have a part to play in this journey. Let us continue to build a Singapore in which every family feels valued and supported, wherever they may be in life," he said. One family at the event was retired contractor Toh Chee Keong, 57, and housewife Vu Thi Sam, 42, with their six children aged between four and 18. Mr Toh said having a large family is a joy, but good finances are the most important ingredient in making it work. He said: "I'm lucky enough that I can support my family... We have two helpers to do the housework, which really lessens our burden. So we just enjoy watching our children and playing with them."
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
MSF will continue to build on collaborative approach to supporting families: Masagos
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli reiterated the Government's upcoming plans to support families. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO MSF will continue to build on collaborative approach to supporting families: Masagos SINGAPORE – Shortly after getting married in 2021, social worker Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James started trying for a child – something Mr James had always wanted. But two months in, she experienced a sharp abdominal pain which landed her in the hospital. A battery of tests found cancer in both her ovaries. She said: 'My oncologist told us the very devastating news that it is not possible for us to have children. 'I felt like our world crashed. I had to make a difficult decision to propose an annulment to Timothy since we were still newly married.' But Mr James refused: 'I did not even want to reconsider. I remembered my wedding vows towards her – in sickness and in health.' On May 31, the couple's story was featured in an interactive exhibition at the launch of this year's National Family Festival. The showcase features a selection of stories about the ups and downs of family life submitted by over 500 families for a campaign run by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) called 'Real Families, Real Stories'. Mrs Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James participated in MSF's "Real Families, Real Stories" campaign because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TIMOTHY AND ELEANOR JAMES Mrs James, now 36, and Mr James, a 43-year-old halfway house operations assistant, chose to participate because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. The launch event was held at the Singapore Expo, and marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli gave a speech at the festival's launch – his first since the general election and being sworn in on May 23. He reiterated the Government's upcoming plans to support families, such as the increase in shared parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks in April 2026, and more benefits for couples who have two or more children announced at the 2025 Budget. He said: 'Family is critical to our journey in our life, and also as a nation... As our society evolves, so do the needs of our families. They change, and therefore we must ensure that familial support systems remain relevant and robust.' These moves were implemented as part of a plan launched three years ago – 'A Singapore Made for Families 2025', he said. 'This marked a pivotal shift in how we support and uplift families. Through the plan, we established a collaborative approach, where we integrate government support across every stage of family life, to ensure that families have a comprehensive ecosystem of support.' The launch event for this year's National Family Festival at the Singapore Expo marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO MSF will continue to build on the progress of the last three years, Mr Masagos added. At the Forward Singapore engagement sessions, many shared their hopes and concerns for the future, including in areas such as cost of living, housing accessibility and affordability, and fostering more family-friendly practices, he noted. 'We have heard you, and will continue to enhance our support for families,' he said. The Government's vision is to build a Singapore made for families, but this is not something it can do alone, Mr Masagos said. 'We cannot realise this vision on our own. Throughout the decades, we have seen community participation and partnership playing a significant role in the success of our nation, and therefore in fulfilling this vision.' With the partnership between the community, corporates and the Government, efforts are amplified and more lives are reached, he added. 'We all have a part to play in this journey. Let us continue to build a Singapore in which every family feels valued and supported, wherever they may be in life,' he said. One family at the event was retired contractor Toh Chee Keong, 57, and housewife Vu Thi Sam, 42, with their six children aged between four and 18. Mr Toh said having a large family is a joy, but good finances are the most important ingredient in making it work. He said: 'I'm lucky enough that I can support my family... We have two helpers to do the housework, which really lessens our burden. So we just enjoy watching our children and playing with them.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
She proposed a marriage annulment after cancer diagnosis; he chose to stay on
Mrs Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James participated in MSF's "Real Families, Real Stories" campaign because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TIMOTHY AND ELEANOR JAMES She proposed a marriage annulment after cancer diagnosis; he chose to stay on SINGAPORE – Shortly after getting married in 2021, social worker Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James started trying for a child – something Mr James has always wanted. But two months in, she experienced a sharp abdominal pain which landed her in the hospital. A battery of tests found cancer in both her ovaries. She said: 'My oncologist told us the very devastating news that it is not possible for us to have children. 'I felt like our world crashed. I had to make a difficult decision to propose an annulment to Timothy since we were still newly married.' This decision was well-thought out, she told The Straits Times. She said: 'I made this decision since Timothy adores children and always wants to be the father of our children. It would be selfish of me to keep him by my side and rob him of his desire.' But Mr James refused. He said: 'I did not even want to reconsider. I remembered my wedding vows towards her – in sickness and in health. My love for her outweighs my desire to have our own children.' On May 31, the couple's story was featured in an interactive exhibition at the launch of this year's National Family Festival. The showcase features a selection of stories about the ups and downs of family life submitted by over 500 families for a campaign run by the Ministry of Social and Family Development called 'Real Families, Real Stories' . Mrs James, now 36, and Mr James, a 43-year-old halfway house operations assistant, chose to participate because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. They said in a joint e-mail to ST: 'Not having children may not mean the family is incomplete. It can be just spending time and finding ways to keep a marriage strong.' The launch event was held at the Singapore Expo, and marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. The launch event for this year's National Family Festival at the Singapore Expo marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli gave a speech at the festival's launch. He reiterated the government's upcoming plans to support families, such as the increase of shared parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks in April 2026, and more benefits for couples who have two or more children announced in this year's Budget. He said: 'Family is critical to our journey in our life, and also as a nation. '…As our society evolves, so do the needs of our families. They change, and therefore, we must ensure that familial support systems remain relevant and robust.' One family at the event was retired contractor Toh Chee Keong, 57, and housewife Vu Thi Sam, 42 with their six children aged between four and 18. Mr Toh said having a large family is a joy, but good finances are the most important ingredient in making it work. He said: 'I'm lucky enough that I can support my family... We have two helpers to do the housework, which really lessens our burden. So we just enjoy watching them and playing with them.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
K-pop boy band Riize heading to Singapore for Jan 2026 show
K-pop boy band Riize will kick off their new tour in Asia in July, including a stop in Singapore in January 2026. The sextet unveiled a poster showing the cities they will be touring on their social media accounts on May 1. They will begin in Seoul for a three-day run from July 4 to 6, before travelling to other cities such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Tokyo, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila. Riize will perform at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Jan 24, 2026. Ticketing details have not been announced. They previously staged a gig at the Singapore Expo in July 2024 as part of their Riizing Day tour. Riize originally consisted of seven members: Anton, Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan and Sohee. They made their debut with their first single, Get A Guitar, in September 2023 and released their first EP, Riizing, in June 2024. They are scheduled to release their first full-length album, Odyssey, on May 19. Seunghan, now 21, went on an extended hiatus in November 2023 after a picture of him kissing a woman was leaked prior to his debut. The group's agency SM Entertainment made an official announcement about the singer's return to the group in October 2024, before walking back the decision two days later due to backlash from fans.
