The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore is planning significant infrastructure improvements across all 330 primary and secondary schools in the coming years. These upgrades will include enhanced network coverage, increased accessibility with additional lifts and ramps, and modernized libraries and science laboratories. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing announced that the ministry will make a substantial investment in these enhancements to better support evolving teaching and learning needs.
In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong revealed plans to improve the learning environment and infrastructure of schools in Singapore. The aim is to create a more supportive setting for teachers and a better space for students to learn, interact, and collaborate. Chan Chun Sing added that modern classrooms need to be more adaptable and incorporate advanced technology to enhance learning.
The ministry will also progressively upgrade network coverage in schools, and allocate more cloud storage capabilities for students and teachers. Facilities in secondary schools such as libraries and science laboratories will also be upgraded to allow for more student-initiated activities and group discussions. Students with mobility difficulties will also have better accessibility in schools, through the provision of more lifts and ramps.
In late 2023, the library at Bendemeer Secondary School was renovated and reopened in February 2024 to create a more inviting space for reading and learning. At Montfort Secondary School, five Secondary Three classes received flexible furniture in January 2024. Principal Kelvin Lim noted that, at the Secondary Three level, students engage in subjects like social studies that benefit from increased discussion and interaction.
MOE is also exploring ways to share facilities across schools and with the community. It will continue to work with Sport Singapore to design and open more school facilities, such as indoor sports halls, fields and game courts, for community use under the Dual-Use Scheme. Facilities in selected schools, such as performing arts studios and rock-climbing walls, will also be shared across schools. Measures such as using cool paint, providing more fans and rain shields, and increasing greenery will be implemented in schools, as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
To minimize manpower requirements, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is considering the use of centralized kitchens to prepare and distribute food to schools and installing full-height turnstiles at school entry points. Additionally, teacher workspaces will be updated to include more versatile and supportive environments. This will feature improved pantries, areas for discussions, and private booths for recording online learning materials. Said Mr Chan: “Every project is in itself an experiment to try out new ideas so that we have a faster evolution of our schools in terms of the infrastructure to support our students, our teachers, and also the future”.
