Updated: 02/27/2013 07:23

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat says investment in pre-schools will build social and emotional competencies

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said that the investment in pre-schools will represent a very significant change.

This was in response to the government's announcement that it will more than double its spending on the pre-school sector over the next five years to more than $3 billion.

Mr Heng elaborates:

"I am particularly pleased with the additional resources for education. I think it represents a significant investment in education and in pre-schools as well as in our schools. I think it will help us create many more opportunities for students, especially those from lower and middle income groups. "

Mr Heng said the investment will help build a strong foundation for the learning of core skills.

He added that the focus in pre-schools is to build social and emotional competencies as well as the disposition for learning.

He was speaking at the opening of the new campus of ESSEC Business School.