Singapore MOE looking to expand opportunities in arts education

SINGAPORE: The Government is looking at how creative arts tertiary education can be developed as many young people in Singapore are interested in this area, Parliamentary Secretary Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said.

“Arts education cultivates creativity, imagination, multiple perspectives, and innovation; each trait is important in forging our future,” he said, speaking at the Ministry of Education’s Committee of Supply session in Parliament on Friday (Apr 8).

He noted that there has been a growing interest in creative arts tertiary education, with enrolment into diploma-level courses increasing by around 30 per cent from 2006 to 2015, and by about 40 per cent in degree-level courses from 2010 to 2015.

The Ministry will study this sector to see how the current landscape can be improved, and better position creative arts graduates that align their skills with industry needs, he said. At the same time, the contribution that industry can make to deepening their skills will be looked at.

“Ultimately, we want these graduates to have good career prospects, contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of our economy and society, and at the same time, keep developing their passion, skills, and love for what they do,” said Assoc Prof Faishal.