Pre—school investment represents significant change: Heng Swee Keat

SINGAPORE: 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 S$3 billion.

Mr Heng said: "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 on Tuesday.

— CNA/xq