National University of Singapore Study Provides Compelling Evidence That Dark Soy Sauce Has Antioxidant Effects (press release)Monday
Soy sauce is a popular condiment in the Asian diet and many commercial soy sauces have been shown to have a high antioxidant activity, though so far this had not been demonstrated in humans consuming soy sauce. A recent study by scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has shown that indeed the antioxidant properties of dark soy sauce apparent in the test-tube are also occurring in humans who consume it.
Led by Professor Barry Halliwell, Head of Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at NUS, the research group found that dark soy sauce is a potent antioxidant that counters damage to human cells and tissues caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are constantly produced in the body and are associated with the etiology of major chronic diseases; for instance, cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. However these detrimental effects of free radicals can be prevented by antioxidants. Many foods have been shown to have antioxidant properties and it is thought that a diet rich in these foods has significant health benefits, but so far this has been very difficult to prove in practice.
The NUS study recruited 24 healthy volunteers (14 males and 10 females with average age of 23 yrs old) who were non-smokers to take part in the study. After a period of fasting, the volunteers were fed either a single dose of 30 ml dark soy sauce mixed with 200g plain boiled rice or 200g plain boiled rice mixed with food colouring (placebo). No other foods were taken over the experimental period. Blood and urine sample were taken before giving the meals to the volunteers and hourly up to 4 hours post-meal for measurements of two accurate biomarkers of antioxidant activity.
The study found that dark soy sauce has a rapid antioxidant effect (3-4 hours after dark soy sauce meal) against lipid peroxidation in the human volunteers. Going forward, the research group hopes to investigate the antioxidant responsible in dark soy sauce.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Singapore luring Indian students
Singapore luring Indian students
T’PURAM: After China, United Kingdom and Russia, it is now Singapore’s turn to lure Indian students for degree-level courses at its universities. The five universities of Singapore including the prestigious National University of Singapore, Nengang Technological University and Singapore Management University as well as the five Government polytechnics - Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Nangang Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic - are on the look out for those who have passed plus-two for various territory level courses there.The students who seek admissions for territory level courses with a duration of three years would have to get a minimum of 75 percent marks in plus-two level. They should also have to pass the entrance test and interview conducted by the universities. The entrance test would have two papers each of 1.30 hours duration. The first paper will be for English and the second paper will comprise of Mathematics and Physics.Singapore Education Services (private) limited representing the universities and five polytechnics, all in the Government sector, has set up an office here.Singapore Education Services Director Ram Raj said that one of the advantages of the Singapore education is that Ministry of Education would provide the 80 percent of the fee for foreign students as scholarship. The tuition fee for degree education for a year would come to Singapore dollars 30,000 to 40,000. But with the 80 percent scholarship, the tuition fee paid by the student would come to only around 6,000 dollars, he said. The students availing of the scholarship have only to give a guarantee that they would work in Singapore for three years, he said. This would also work advantageous for the students as once they receive an appointment letter they would get a permanent resident status. The permanent resident would have all the rights of a citizen accept voting rights, he said.The advantage for Singapore was that the parents of the students would at least once visit Singapore which would give a boost to tourism.Moreover, students studying in Singapore would have a strong relation with the country and if at all they decided to set up any venture in their home country in the future, Singapore would be the preferred destination for their business, he said.
T’PURAM: After China, United Kingdom and Russia, it is now Singapore’s turn to lure Indian students for degree-level courses at its universities. The five universities of Singapore including the prestigious National University of Singapore, Nengang Technological University and Singapore Management University as well as the five Government polytechnics - Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Nangang Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic - are on the look out for those who have passed plus-two for various territory level courses there.The students who seek admissions for territory level courses with a duration of three years would have to get a minimum of 75 percent marks in plus-two level. They should also have to pass the entrance test and interview conducted by the universities. The entrance test would have two papers each of 1.30 hours duration. The first paper will be for English and the second paper will comprise of Mathematics and Physics.Singapore Education Services (private) limited representing the universities and five polytechnics, all in the Government sector, has set up an office here.Singapore Education Services Director Ram Raj said that one of the advantages of the Singapore education is that Ministry of Education would provide the 80 percent of the fee for foreign students as scholarship. The tuition fee for degree education for a year would come to Singapore dollars 30,000 to 40,000. But with the 80 percent scholarship, the tuition fee paid by the student would come to only around 6,000 dollars, he said. The students availing of the scholarship have only to give a guarantee that they would work in Singapore for three years, he said. This would also work advantageous for the students as once they receive an appointment letter they would get a permanent resident status. The permanent resident would have all the rights of a citizen accept voting rights, he said.The advantage for Singapore was that the parents of the students would at least once visit Singapore which would give a boost to tourism.Moreover, students studying in Singapore would have a strong relation with the country and if at all they decided to set up any venture in their home country in the future, Singapore would be the preferred destination for their business, he said.
Israeli minister in Singapore to exchange ideas on education
Israeli minister in Singapore to exchange ideas on educationBy Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 26 July 2007 2355 hrs
SINGAPORE: Students of River Valley High School welcomed a special guest on Thursday - the Israeli Education Minister. Professor Yuli Tamir, who is in Singapore for a four-day visit, toured the school to find out how it was developing thinking skills among its students. Professor Tamir and her delegation also took the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences with the school. The minister later visited Henry Park Primary School and Raffles Institution, followed by a meeting with Singapore's Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. - CNA/yy
SINGAPORE: Students of River Valley High School welcomed a special guest on Thursday - the Israeli Education Minister. Professor Yuli Tamir, who is in Singapore for a four-day visit, toured the school to find out how it was developing thinking skills among its students. Professor Tamir and her delegation also took the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences with the school. The minister later visited Henry Park Primary School and Raffles Institution, followed by a meeting with Singapore's Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. - CNA/yy
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Get it right on education
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2001 to ensure that 190 million children in the age group of 6-14 would be able to attend school and receive quality preliminary education by 2010. In 2001, the number of out-of-school children in India was estimated to be about 39 million. Independent surveys estimate that this number has fallen gradually to around 10 million in 2005. Could we then say that the Abhiyan is close to meeting its target? Quantitatively yes, but if we talk about quality education, India is far from achieving its goal. The Annual Status of Education Report, a yearly survey conducted by an NGO, reveals that at least 50 per cent of these children cannot read a simple two-line passage. It further says that a greater proportion of about 65 per cent of the targeted population currently cannot do a simple two-digit division. Is this too much to expect of a child in class II? All the praises won by pushing children into school will be lost if we keep churning out students, who would be considered as literates by the census but wouldn't be suitable for employment. Who do we hold responsible for this failure? There are scores of NGOs who run schools or weekend classes. The response that these NGOs get is overwhelming. Some even charge a small fee, which is happily paid by parents. There are classes held in tiny rooms, where students say they are much happier than in a government school. Just before we start blaming government, we should see if it actually has a positive intention to achieve its goal of universal education. The Centre increased its allocation for the Abhiyan from about Rs 1,600 crore in 2001 to close to Rs 7,000 crore in 2005. To ensure smooth funding, it even levied a 2 per cent education cess from 2004. So government has taken a few positive steps. Who then is guilty? The poor results can be traced to two causes: first, govern-ment is not always the best agency to run schools; and, second, the lack of accountability. It is estimated that it costs Rs 800 per month per child to run a government school. Compare this to an AC Nielsen Survey result, which says that the average fee per student charged by a private primary school is Rs 241 per month. One could argue that a government school invests in better infrastructure, even if it is not in a usable state. It is also true that a government school teacher gets paid nearly seven and half times higher than a teacher from a private unrecognised school. However, if the payout is not commensurate with productivity, such high payments are certainly not justified. Moving to accountability, it is almost non-existent. The staff cannot be questioned for non-performance. Excessive security of job leads to leniency. In a survey conducted in Rajasthan, over 25 per cent of teachers in primary schools were missing. To add to it, 10 per cent schools had no teachers. Having said that, one of the solutions could be a change in the way government is currently financing education. It could be a payer rather than a provider. Schemes like voucher funding could give students a choice to source their education. Vouchers are coupons given by government that cover total or partial cost of education at any school of the parent's choice. Government instead of bearing the cost of running the school merely funds the students. The revenue collected from students takes care of the costs of running a school. This helps in addressing both the issues mentioned above. The voucher gives parents the purchasing power that enables them to differentiate between a good and a poor school. Thus, it creates an incentive for schools to perform well. Schools that do not perform well would have to leave the market as the government would not bear any of its expenditure. Also, schools become accountable to parents rather than govern-ment. Parents could then question the school for non-performance just like any other consumer.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Analysis of American Schools
The entire article is concerning the wrong path on which American schools appear to be currently. The authors say that although they are not very fond of invasion of computers in schools, technology has to be used in the educational process. They argue not the mere existence of computers but the way they are frequently used. The main point of the article is the importance of computers as the tools in providing excellent education, not driving students’ attention away from the core significance of learning. The authors also believe that internet is a sufficient instrument for students and teachers in helping structure educational process and provide a unique feeling of being connected to the rest of the world. The primary subject matter of the paper lies in the belief that computers should direct students and teachers in the right path of education, making it easier, entertaining and at the same time more in-depth for both parties. The writers of the article claim that computers often have been causing lots of problems for students because of too many unnecessary disruptive things such as glamour and graphics instead of deep serious education. In spite of this disadvantage computers according to authors are the source of major power in educating course. The main issue brought by the authors is that technology should remain in the background and be of secondary importance, while the child and teacher are using it in practical matters. In other words technology should be like a clear window through which person gets a wider view at the outside world. Another point stressed in the article concerns internet connection, which would serve the teacher and students as planning tool, important for scheduling sources and other activities. In doing so both will have a clear idea of where they are and what path they should choose in order to best suit their current position. The importance of software is stressed in the article as the interactive tool for a more vivid and life educational process. The authors claim that each online school should have a so called "comprehensive log" through which everything a child has ever learned and each paper submitted can be looked up.
By Jeff Stats.
By Jeff Stats.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Fun Careers With An Information Technology Degree
Fun Careers With An Information Technology Degree
by: Andy West
Are you a technology junkie? Do you have all of the newest gizmos and the most modern cell phone? Do you shake with excitement and anticipation every time a new game system is released? Are you the one your friends call when they have problems with their new laptops? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is time put your love of technology into a fun and rewarding career. Don't you think it's time you received an information technology degree? An information technology degree will give you the opportunity to turn your hobby into an exciting career. Computer programming, network security, and network engineering are just the tip of the IT iceberg. With an associate's degree in information technology, a successful, not to mention fun filled, future is practically guaranteed. So what are your options? Your career selection is almost limitless. There is an IT job for all individuals who want to have a fun career, as well as earn a substantial living. The career title Webmaster has a nice ring to it. The Internet is hotter than ever. Everyone wants to be online. Whether you own a small business, such as a pet boutique, looking to expand your clientele by advertising your unique wares online, or a huge international non profit association seeking to explain your mission statement in order to solicit more donations from the tech savvy crowd, you need a web site. As a Webmaster, you will always be in demand. This is why an information technology degree will guarantee you a gratifying career. It's really that simple. With an IT degree as an Internet Webmaster, you will be qualified to build, fix, and expand sites on the Web. Graphic designers are artists who use mostly computer technology to design marketing materials, magazine layouts, websites, logos for businesses, and much more. So, as long as there are magazines, newspapers and web sites, graphic designers will be in demand. In fact, according to some researches, graphic designers are among the five design professionals that are anticipated to have the newest positions available through 2014. Some individuals are employed as graphic designers after receiving their bachelor's degree, but to receive the best paying, more technical jobs, an information technology degree is necessary. By attending a school that offers an IT track, you will receive all of the software certification necessary to become proficient graphic designer. Do you love playing video games? Why not use your imagination and skills to create your own games? With an IT associate's degree you could concentrate on designing your own video games. When you choose this field, your will be offered a well rounded curriculum that teaches the basics of artist design, project management, digital content creation as well as the more advanced courses in 3D modeling and character design. Imagine playing video games as a career. It is definitely possible when you assert yourself and earn your IT degree. As fun and exciting as all of these fields of information technology are, earning your degree is hard work. You need to be dedicated to the world of IT because there are always going to be other people fighting for the same jobs you will be striving for. However, the IT world is expanding daily, and more and more jobs are becoming available. Be a part of the web and earn your information technology degree today.
by: Andy West
Are you a technology junkie? Do you have all of the newest gizmos and the most modern cell phone? Do you shake with excitement and anticipation every time a new game system is released? Are you the one your friends call when they have problems with their new laptops? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is time put your love of technology into a fun and rewarding career. Don't you think it's time you received an information technology degree? An information technology degree will give you the opportunity to turn your hobby into an exciting career. Computer programming, network security, and network engineering are just the tip of the IT iceberg. With an associate's degree in information technology, a successful, not to mention fun filled, future is practically guaranteed. So what are your options? Your career selection is almost limitless. There is an IT job for all individuals who want to have a fun career, as well as earn a substantial living. The career title Webmaster has a nice ring to it. The Internet is hotter than ever. Everyone wants to be online. Whether you own a small business, such as a pet boutique, looking to expand your clientele by advertising your unique wares online, or a huge international non profit association seeking to explain your mission statement in order to solicit more donations from the tech savvy crowd, you need a web site. As a Webmaster, you will always be in demand. This is why an information technology degree will guarantee you a gratifying career. It's really that simple. With an IT degree as an Internet Webmaster, you will be qualified to build, fix, and expand sites on the Web. Graphic designers are artists who use mostly computer technology to design marketing materials, magazine layouts, websites, logos for businesses, and much more. So, as long as there are magazines, newspapers and web sites, graphic designers will be in demand. In fact, according to some researches, graphic designers are among the five design professionals that are anticipated to have the newest positions available through 2014. Some individuals are employed as graphic designers after receiving their bachelor's degree, but to receive the best paying, more technical jobs, an information technology degree is necessary. By attending a school that offers an IT track, you will receive all of the software certification necessary to become proficient graphic designer. Do you love playing video games? Why not use your imagination and skills to create your own games? With an IT associate's degree you could concentrate on designing your own video games. When you choose this field, your will be offered a well rounded curriculum that teaches the basics of artist design, project management, digital content creation as well as the more advanced courses in 3D modeling and character design. Imagine playing video games as a career. It is definitely possible when you assert yourself and earn your IT degree. As fun and exciting as all of these fields of information technology are, earning your degree is hard work. You need to be dedicated to the world of IT because there are always going to be other people fighting for the same jobs you will be striving for. However, the IT world is expanding daily, and more and more jobs are becoming available. Be a part of the web and earn your information technology degree today.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Immigration In UK
Immigration In UK
Are there any hopes for Minors (young ones) who are not responsible for their immigration status in the UK'Actually the DREAM Act in the USA applies to students who came to the country as minors, and are therefore not responsible for their immigrant status. According to the US Supreme Court in 1982 explained that the current immigration law provides no legal path to citizenship for these students — they are in limbo — and so once they graduate they cannot become productive members of society. The DREAM Act provides a simple legislative remedy and hope for these Minors.There are obviously many young children who migrated to the United Kingdom many years ago and had since completed their higher education and university degree but have no regular status to carry on as a normal UK citizen.Therefore they can not contribute to the economy in any meaningful way and indeed to their own life and their immediate family.Could these individuals be exposed to crime in other survive in the UK since the legal expense involved in making an application to the UK immigration authority is beyond their reach.What can be done to help these hopeless individual – Suggestion please from member of the public.While I am waiting for response, this is little word of encouragement for anyone in this category.IF YOU HAVE A DREAM – FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU TELL YOU THAT YOUR ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH, OR THAT YOU CAN’T MAKE IT. DO NOT LET YOUR PERFORMANCE BE JUDGE BY AWARDS BUT BE JUDGE BY THE QUALITY OF YOUR PERFORMANCE.Larry Jones
Author Info
Dr.Larry Jones is the director of The london Academy for Higher Education http://www.lahe.org.uk
Are there any hopes for Minors (young ones) who are not responsible for their immigration status in the UK'Actually the DREAM Act in the USA applies to students who came to the country as minors, and are therefore not responsible for their immigrant status. According to the US Supreme Court in 1982 explained that the current immigration law provides no legal path to citizenship for these students — they are in limbo — and so once they graduate they cannot become productive members of society. The DREAM Act provides a simple legislative remedy and hope for these Minors.There are obviously many young children who migrated to the United Kingdom many years ago and had since completed their higher education and university degree but have no regular status to carry on as a normal UK citizen.Therefore they can not contribute to the economy in any meaningful way and indeed to their own life and their immediate family.Could these individuals be exposed to crime in other survive in the UK since the legal expense involved in making an application to the UK immigration authority is beyond their reach.What can be done to help these hopeless individual – Suggestion please from member of the public.While I am waiting for response, this is little word of encouragement for anyone in this category.IF YOU HAVE A DREAM – FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU TELL YOU THAT YOUR ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH, OR THAT YOU CAN’T MAKE IT. DO NOT LET YOUR PERFORMANCE BE JUDGE BY AWARDS BUT BE JUDGE BY THE QUALITY OF YOUR PERFORMANCE.Larry Jones
Author Info
Dr.Larry Jones is the director of The london Academy for Higher Education http://www.lahe.org.uk
Elective Programmes offered in Junior Colleges Singapore
Elective Programmes offered in Junior Colleges
Art, Music & Language Elective Programmes. Humanities Programme.
[edit] Centralised Institutes
The Centralised Institutes accept students based on their GCE "O" level results and their L1R4 score (which must be 20 points or below). A Centralised Institute provides a three-year course leading up to a GCE "A" level examination. There is only one Centralised Institute in Singapore currently, the Millennia Institute, which was formed following the merger of Jurong and Outram Institutes. Additionally, only Centralised Institutes offer the Commerce Stream offering subjects such as Principles of Accounting and Management of Business. The standard of teaching and curriculum is identical to that of the Junior Colleges.
[edit] Diploma and vocational education
Ngee Ann Polytechnic is one of the five polytechnics in Singapore.
[edit] Polytechnics
Polytechnics in Singapore provide 3-year diploma courses and, they accept students based on their GCE "O" level, GCE "A" level or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) results.
Polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in various fields, including engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media and biotechnology. There are also specialised courses such as marine engineering, nautical studies, nursing, and optometry. They provide a more industry-oriented education as an alternative to junior colleges for post-secondary studies. About 40% of each Primary 1 cohort would enrol in Polytechnics.[7]
There are five polytechnics in Singapore, namely:
Nanyang Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Republic Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic
Graduates of polytechnics with good grades can continue to pursue further tertiary education at the universities.
Art, Music & Language Elective Programmes. Humanities Programme.
[edit] Centralised Institutes
The Centralised Institutes accept students based on their GCE "O" level results and their L1R4 score (which must be 20 points or below). A Centralised Institute provides a three-year course leading up to a GCE "A" level examination. There is only one Centralised Institute in Singapore currently, the Millennia Institute, which was formed following the merger of Jurong and Outram Institutes. Additionally, only Centralised Institutes offer the Commerce Stream offering subjects such as Principles of Accounting and Management of Business. The standard of teaching and curriculum is identical to that of the Junior Colleges.
[edit] Diploma and vocational education
Ngee Ann Polytechnic is one of the five polytechnics in Singapore.
[edit] Polytechnics
Polytechnics in Singapore provide 3-year diploma courses and, they accept students based on their GCE "O" level, GCE "A" level or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) results.
Polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in various fields, including engineering, business studies, accountancy, tourism and hospitality management, mass communications, digital media and biotechnology. There are also specialised courses such as marine engineering, nautical studies, nursing, and optometry. They provide a more industry-oriented education as an alternative to junior colleges for post-secondary studies. About 40% of each Primary 1 cohort would enrol in Polytechnics.[7]
There are five polytechnics in Singapore, namely:
Nanyang Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Republic Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic
Graduates of polytechnics with good grades can continue to pursue further tertiary education at the universities.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Overview of Singapore Education System
Overview of Singapore Education System
Singapore has long established itself as an Education hub in Asia. Singapore schools are recognised internationally, and students have aspirations for high levels of achievements. Below is a simplified diagram showing the education progression path.
After secondary education, some students may enter Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Qualified students may opt to study in polytechnics, Junior Colleges and Centralised Institutes (CI).Institute of Technical Education (ITE) - A post secondary-school institution that provides pre-employment training to secondary school leavers and continuing education and training to working adults.Polytechnics - Polytechnics were set up with the mission to train middle-level professionals to support the technological and economic development of Singapore. There are currently 5 polytechnics in Singapore.Junior College and Centralised Institute (CI) - The 2-3 years course in Junior Colleges and Centralised Institutes help to prepare students for university education.Students will receive a school graduation certificate after GCE 'A' examination.University - Singpore Universities are highly reputable and recognised worldwide. There are 3 universities now: National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU). The 3 universities offer wide range of courses as well as non academic activities.
May 2005
Article by Byon Ong Singapore Education, Schools, Tuition and Courses
Singapore has long established itself as an Education hub in Asia. Singapore schools are recognised internationally, and students have aspirations for high levels of achievements. Below is a simplified diagram showing the education progression path.
After secondary education, some students may enter Institute of Technical Education (ITE). Qualified students may opt to study in polytechnics, Junior Colleges and Centralised Institutes (CI).Institute of Technical Education (ITE) - A post secondary-school institution that provides pre-employment training to secondary school leavers and continuing education and training to working adults.Polytechnics - Polytechnics were set up with the mission to train middle-level professionals to support the technological and economic development of Singapore. There are currently 5 polytechnics in Singapore.Junior College and Centralised Institute (CI) - The 2-3 years course in Junior Colleges and Centralised Institutes help to prepare students for university education.Students will receive a school graduation certificate after GCE 'A' examination.University - Singpore Universities are highly reputable and recognised worldwide. There are 3 universities now: National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore Management University (SMU). The 3 universities offer wide range of courses as well as non academic activities.
May 2005
Article by Byon Ong Singapore Education, Schools, Tuition and Courses
Education in Singapore
Education in Singapore is managed by Ministry of Education (MOE), which directs education policy. The ministry controls the development and administration of public schools which receive government funding but also has an advisory and supervisory role to private schools. For both private and public schools, there are variations in the extent of autonomy in their curriculum, scope of government aid and funding, tuition burden on the students, and admission policy.[1]
Children with disabilities attend special special education (SPED) schools run by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), which are and partially funded by the Ministry of Education. Education spending usually makes up about 20 percent of the annual national budget, which subsidises public education and government-assisted private education for Singaporean citizens and furnishes the Edusave programme, but the costs are significantly higher for non-citizens.
In 2000 the Parliament of Singapore passed the Compulsory Education Act,[2] which codified compulsory education for children of elementary school age, and made it a criminal offence if parents fail to enroll their children in school and ensure their regular attendance.[3] Exemptions are allowed for homeschooling or full-time religious institutions, but parents must apply for exemption from the Ministry of Education and meet a minimum benchmark.[4]
In Singapore, the English language is the first language learned by half the children by the time they reach preschool age and becomes the primary medium of instruction by the time they reach primary school. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, especially mathematics and the natural sciences, except where other languages are concerned. Certain schools, such as secondary schools under the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) which encourages a richer use of the mother tongue may teach occasionally in English and another language. There are also other schools which have been experimenting with curricula that integrate language subjects with mathematics and the sciences, using both English and a second language.
Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew related the idea of English as a common language in Singapore that both connected citizens of all ethnic-cultural backgrounds, so no ethnic group is forced to learn the language of another, and tied Singapore to the world economy.
Children with disabilities attend special special education (SPED) schools run by Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), which are and partially funded by the Ministry of Education. Education spending usually makes up about 20 percent of the annual national budget, which subsidises public education and government-assisted private education for Singaporean citizens and furnishes the Edusave programme, but the costs are significantly higher for non-citizens.
In 2000 the Parliament of Singapore passed the Compulsory Education Act,[2] which codified compulsory education for children of elementary school age, and made it a criminal offence if parents fail to enroll their children in school and ensure their regular attendance.[3] Exemptions are allowed for homeschooling or full-time religious institutions, but parents must apply for exemption from the Ministry of Education and meet a minimum benchmark.[4]
In Singapore, the English language is the first language learned by half the children by the time they reach preschool age and becomes the primary medium of instruction by the time they reach primary school. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, especially mathematics and the natural sciences, except where other languages are concerned. Certain schools, such as secondary schools under the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) which encourages a richer use of the mother tongue may teach occasionally in English and another language. There are also other schools which have been experimenting with curricula that integrate language subjects with mathematics and the sciences, using both English and a second language.
Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew related the idea of English as a common language in Singapore that both connected citizens of all ethnic-cultural backgrounds, so no ethnic group is forced to learn the language of another, and tied Singapore to the world economy.
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