Online users express anger towards Chan Chun Sing over his remarks of calling people “idiots” and “disgraceful”

[jw5]

Keechiu explores Changkat Changi Secondary School's campus.

Chan Chun Sing​

1h ·
Today's school experiences are more exciting and engaging than ever—imagine soaring through the skies as a virtual pilot or bringing your own designs to life with 3D printing.
Join Joanne Peh and I on ‘A Conversation with Minister’《空中访民情》, as we explore Changkat Changi Secondary School's campus and find out how our students experience their school. It was an engaging time learning how CCSS uses its unique flight simulator in their aviation lessons, interacting with students and teachers, as well as sharing some of my school experiences growing up.
Catch the episode tonight on Channel 8 at 8.30pm and don’t miss out on the adventure! 一起观看吧!

 

[jw5]

Keechiu is not happy with bullies.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Bullying. It is a complex problem - not one that can be solved with simple, one-size-fits-all solutions. It often needs a nuanced approach - one that prioritises the well-being and reform of both victims and perpetrators. I addressed the issue in Parliament today.
Our immediate reactions to bullying incidents could hinder a perpetrator's chance for rehabilitation. For instance, when videos of bullying go viral, counterproductive behaviors on social media such as circulating them, doxxing the students or calling for them to be ostracised may seem justified - but do more harm than good. Expulsion also seems a quick fix - but it often leaves the perpetrator without the guidance they need to mend their ways, and drive them to greater extremes. Society may not be better for it.
Let me be clear: no one is above the law. Wrongdoing must be acknowledged and addressed. But we also cannot forget the importance of helping victims heal and working towards rehabilitating those who have caused harm. Perhaps only then will we able to break the cycle of bullying once and for all.
Each of us has the power - and the responsibility - to support one another.
True justice blends punishment with rehabilitation.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu shares a fun fact.

Chan Chun Sing​

2h ·
A little fun fact about the name National Institute of Early Childhood Development, which is “NIEC” for short.
Early on, we had discussed if it should be called the National Institute of Childhood Education, so that it forms “NICE”. An actual English word, an acronym that’s easy to remember.
The staff from the various ministries and agencies then were clear that that there would be a substantive difference between the National Institute of Early Childhood Development versus the National Institute of Childhood Education.
An early childhood educator’s job isn’t just about education – it’s about helping our children develop holistically and building their socio-emotional skills and values during their formative years so that they will grow into well-adjusted individuals later in life.
I shared three wishes for National Institute of Early Childhood Development - NIEC today, during their fifth anniversary celebrations.
I hope that NIEC will always seek to deepen their professional knowledge and diversity of practices, raise well-rounded individuals, and set healthy partnerships with stakeholders especially parents.
NIEC also announced their ambitions to become the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Leadership and elevate leadership in the early childhood sector, as well as serve as a home for all early childhood educators to foster a more collaborative environment.
May NIEC grow from strength to strength. Congratulations!
#NIEC #NIECSingapore #NIEC5thAnniversary #NIECConference2024

 

[jw5]

Keechiu thought he would try something different.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Thought I would try something different for SIT's Convocation ceremony today. I shared three conversations I had with students. This conversation that I had with various IHL students is one of them:
Student: Minister, life is very hard in the university as we have a lot of homework and assignments to submit.
Me: Oh, I see. So why are you working so hard?
Student: So that I can get good grades and earn big bucks.
Me: Okay, then what do you want to do with the big bucks that you are going to earn?
Student: So that I have more free time.
Me: Okay, then what do you want to do with the free time?
Student: So that I can help people.
Me: But can you help people without making big bucks?
Sometimes in life, we think we have to achieve something, before we have the confidence to contribute and help someone. But we all know deep in our hearts – that's not true. Many of the graduands today are in the allied health sector. May you continue to touch the lives of others and be the difference to everyone around you.
Education isn’t just for a job or money. Instead, we learn because we want to. We want to understand how things work, gain new skills and inculcate in our young - values to keep them grounded and contribute back to society.
Congratulations to all graduands! Graduation marks an exciting and important milestone in your learning journey. Let’s make learning a lifelong habit, and not just an afterthought when time is on our side.
All the best!

 

[jw5]

Keechiu congratulates NIEC.

Chan Chun Sing​

Yesterday at 03:09 ·
A little fun fact about the name National Institute of Early Childhood Development, which is “NIEC” for short.
Early on, we had discussed if it should be called the National Institute of Childhood Education, so that it forms “NICE”. An actual English word, an acronym that’s easy to remember.
The staff from the various ministries and agencies then were clear that that there would be a substantive difference between the National Institute of Early Childhood Development versus the National Institute of Childhood Education.
An early childhood educator’s job isn’t just about education – it’s about helping our children develop holistically and building their socio-emotional skills and values during their formative years so that they will grow into well-adjusted individuals later in life.
I shared three wishes for National Institute of Early Childhood Development - NIEC today, during their fifth anniversary celebrations.
I hope that NIEC will always seek to deepen their professional knowledge and diversity of practices, raise well-rounded individuals, and set healthy partnerships with stakeholders especially parents.
NIEC also announced their ambitions to become the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Leadership and elevate leadership in the early childhood sector, as well as serve as a home for all early childhood educators to foster a more collaborative environment.
May NIEC grow from strength to strength. Congratulations!
#NIEC #NIECSingapore #NIEC5thAnniversary #NIECConference2024

 

[jw5]

Keechiu enjoyed a good weekend.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Enjoyed a good weekend meeting our residents and business owners. This week, I also visited Margaret Market.
Hope you are enjoying the weekend with loved ones and friends.

Our Tanjong Pagar
My Buona Vista

 

[jw5]

Keechiu enjoyed his time.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Santai Sabtu di Buona Vista this past weekend was a celebration of music and friendship.
Enjoyed my time at the get-together, meeting new and old friends from our Malay community in My Buona Vista.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu is happy to share.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Happy to share that Ministry of Education, Singapore will build a new 30-storey Goh Keng Swee Centre for Education (GKSCE), which will be an extension to MOEHQ (Buona Vista), by 2029.
This will free up land for other national priorities, bring our headquarters staff together in one location and serve as a key hub for the professional development of our teachers.
Beyond that, we hope that the GKSCE will represent a lasting tribute to the late Dr Goh Keng Swee’s invaluable contributions to Singapore’s education system.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu was happy to have met everyone.

Chan Chun Sing​

4h ·
Happy to have met everyone at the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders Annual Summit 2024 last night.
The Summit brings together pioneering leaders from around the world to connect with one another, and reflect on how we might be able to make it a better place. In a world fraught with troubles, it is all our collective responsibility as leaders to reach for the greater good – even when the journey is tough, fraught with uncertainties and not often appreciated.
Also invited these aspiring leaders to join us in building a Singapore that can inspire a better world with our shared ideals - beyond material success.
In our pursuit of "Singapore Unlimited," we aim to transcend our size, resources, and geography. Rather, we are driven by innovation, interconnectedness, exemplary governance, and principled actions that engender trust with partners and cohesive society that delivers on our promises.
Singapore’s aspirations must extend beyond mere survival. We can show the world how much more a small city-state can and will be.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu had a chilling time.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
It’s spooky season…how’s your weekend?

Had a chilling time with Our Tanjong Pagar and Radin Mas Constituency residents at Enchanted Night 2024.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu thanks his dedicated committee and community partners.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
We’re building a stronger and healthier community!
Thank you to our dedicated committee and community partners for organising Heartbeat for Health this weekend, bringing health and wellness closer to our seniors in My Buona Vista.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu wishes everyone a joyous Deepavali!

Chan Chun Sing​

4h ·
Wishing everyone a joyous Deepavali!
As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, let’s embrace the values of hope, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
May the light of Deepavali inspire us to build a brighter future together as one

: VD Photography

 

[jw5]

Keechiu has a workout.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Happy Deepavali!
Morning workout. #guesswhere
*Hint (signage behind me)

 

[jw5]

Keechiu visited ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Visited ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre this evening. Grateful for the connections and warm conversations.
Our Tanjong Pagar
My Buona Vista

 

[jw5]

Keechiu is shifting the conversation.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
We’re making some strides to shift the conversation - from an overemphasis on grades - to valuing industry-relevant training and skills. But much more needs to be done.
At the SkillsFuture SG Fellowship and SkillsFuture Employer Awards Ceremony today, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Patron of the Awards, presented 13 SkillsFuture Fellowships to individuals and 22 SkillsFuture Employer Awards to companies. The awardees have shown dedication and commitment towards skills development in their respective communities.
But I hope our industry and enterprises can go beyond. Our companies and employers are a key pillar of our SkillsFuture movement. They play a big role in signalling what skill sets are needed for specific jobs. With their help, we can send the message that “I will employ you not based on your generic credentials - but I will employ, value and renumerate you based on your specific skill sets.” And they can then work together with training institutions to provide more industry-relevant training
There is no time bar or age limit when it comes to upskilling. So let us continue to work closely together to firmly establish the culture of lifelong learning in Singapore - where every Singaporean has that DNA within to always better ourselves.
With Gan Siow Huang 颜晓芳
#SkillsFuture #Lifelonglearning #SFEA

 

[jw5]

Keechiu spoke with ASEAN youth leaders.

Chan Chun Sing​

Yesterday at 06:35 ·
Spoke with our ASEAN youth leaders at National Youth Council Singapore and Singapore International Foundation’s 6th ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF).
We talked about the critical role of trust and confidence in each other, tackling today's challenges as one ASEAN, and the need for a unified vision.
Our edge lies in our diversity. But we need to compete as a collective to tackle global uncertainties.
Programmes like the AYF help build relationships among ASEAN's youth leaders, reinforce the ties in the region. By collaborating closely and investing in our next generation of leaders, we can forge a more competent, confident and cohesive ASEAN.
#AYF2024 #nycsg

 

[jw5]

Keechiu with Simon Tay.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu had a good discussion.

Chan Chun Sing​

·
Glad to attend the 20th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation and related Joint Steering Council meetings yesterday, co-chaired by DPM Gan Kim Yong and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
We had a good discussion on the progress of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) project during the SIP Joint Steering Council meeting, where I spoke on our vision for the SIP to be a beacon illuminating China’s connections with Singapore, and the rest of the world in its next phase of development. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the SIP this year, our mission to inspire cooperation, confidence and connection with the world remains as relevant as it was 30 years ago.
At the same time, both countries will continue to promote people-to-people exchanges at all levels. Singapore MOE and China MOE also signed two Action Plans for Educational Technology and University Cooperation. These Action Plans outline how both countries will strengthen education cooperation and work together to co-create solutions that benefit the global community. The “6+6” or “六加六计划” will see six universities from both countries pair up to engage in research to address pressing global challenges, such as sustainability and ageing. Education professionals from both sides will also come together regularly to discuss applications of new technology and pedagogies to improve teaching and learning in Singapore and China.
Concrete collaborations between our two countries is only possible due to the strong foundation of mutual trust and understanding shared between our people. The people linkages we share underpin our strong bilateral ties.
Educational cooperation has been and will continue to be instrumental to forging the bonds of friendship between future generations of Singaporeans and Chinese.

 

[jw5]

Keechiu is exploring a diversity of canteen operating models.

Chan Chun Sing​

3h ·
The future of food options for schools.
It’s a topic I often discuss with students during our school visits. Many enjoy and want canteen food – and hope that it will continue to be provided. Some of us have even formed bonds with our canteen uncles and aunties over the schooling years.
I was asked how MOE support our canteen vendors and how we intend to ensure that our children continue to have access to quality, affordable food in school canteens.
We work with schools to monitor canteen food quality, quantity and prices. Canteen stall operators pay much lower rental of $5-$15 per month on average, and rentals are waived during the school holiday period. To keep their business costs sustainable, we also regularly review the food pricing guidelines for schools, so that stallholders can continue to provide healthy and affordable meals for students – which adhere to the Health Promotion Board’s guidelines.
However, not enough of our people want to operate a stall in school canteens.
Finding stallholders will become increasingly challenging, especially as more of them retire. We also face competition for good stallholders from food courts, hawker centres and other public eating houses, which serve a greater customer base. The idea of how canteen models will look like will be quite different - compared to what we experience today.
To prepare for this reality, MOE is working with schools to explore a diversity of canteen operating model. For instance, at schools like Yusof Ishak Secondary School, meals can be pre-ordered and prepared at a central kitchen before they are delivered to schools.
We will need to be open to alternatives, to transitions.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

New canteen models for schools an option soon as MOE tackles stallholder shortages​

There are 65 advertisements from primary and secondary schools listed on the MOE website for stallholders as at Nov 12. PHOTO: ST FILE

Gabrielle Chan
UPDATED

NOV 12, 2024, 10:42 PM

FacebookTelegram

SINGAPORE - As more stallholders retire and filling vacant canteen stalls may become more challenging in future, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is in discussions with schools on new ways to run their canteens.
Acknowledging the difficulties of some schools in finding stallholders, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said on Nov 12 in Parliament that his ministry is discussing with schools that are keen and ready to adopt a different operating model.
For instance, meals can be pre-ordered and prepared at a central kitchen before they are delivered to schools, he said, adding that this model has been piloted at Yusof Ishak Secondary School and shown to be effective.

“Where there are existing stallholders impacted by such a transition, schools will help by referring them to nearby schools or recommending them for employment by the central kitchen operator,” he said.
Mr Chan was responding to questions from several MPs – Mr Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC), Ms He Ting Ru (Sengkang GRC) and Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang) – on school canteen stalls.
Mr Chua asked about the possibility of providing direct subsidies to school canteen vendors to offset rising costs of healthier ingredients and complying with nutritional guidelines, while Ms He raised questions about meeting the nutritional needs of children from lower socio-economic backgrounds during school hours.

In April 2024, The Straits Times reported that schools in Singapore, including Yusof Ishak Secondary School, have been exploring alternatives as they face difficulties in finding suitable canteen stall vendors, or are looking to improve students’ dietary habits.

Yusof Ishak Secondary School and Blangah Rise Primary School did away with manned stalls and turned to catered food from airline catering and logistics company Sats, while Spectra Secondary School caters from Select Group.
An MOE spokesman said then that most schools currently have an “adequate” number of stalls to meet the needs of students. But from time to time, some schools may struggle to find stallholders, for example when the vendors retire.
There were 65 advertisements from primary and secondary schools listed on the MOE website for stallholders as at Nov 12.
Mr Chan said the ministry will continue to explore options, which include the central kitchen delivery model and vending machines, as well as the conventional option of having stall operators.

Responding to Ms He, who asked if vending machines can provide nutritious meals for students including those from lower-income backgrounds, Mr Chan said they would be used mainly for snacks and drinks, and are just one option for schools.
This would help free up the manpower in the canteen to provide hot meals for students, said Mr Chan.
“So, we will use all models to provide various options for the different schools according to their different needs,” Mr Chan said, adding that MOE works with schools to monitor the quality, quantity and price of food.
Canteen stallholders are required to serve meals that follow the Health Promotion Board’s guidelines, covering the four main food groups to ensure the nutritional needs of students are met, he said.
Stall rentals – which range from $5 to $15 a month – are waived during school holidays for stallholders, and the ministry regularly reviews food pricing guidelines to help stallholders keep their costs sustainable, Mr Chan said.
He added that students from lower-income families receive school meal subsidies, and schools are also given additional funds to provide more help for students in need.