Small Country, Big Success

Many admire Singapore’s excellent achievement in international educational benchmark exams like PISA, but few realize the hard work it took to get there. Last week, students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education had the opportunity to have an informal conversation with Pak Tee Ng, associate dean of leadership learning at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. From the country’s philosophical position on high-stakes testing, to the methods of efficiently implementing policies, Ng answered questions about the thought process behind education reform in Singapore over the previous decades, and the secrets to its success.

Ng explained that half a century ago, the current metropolis was just a rock in the ocean. Reeling from race riots, and faced with the possibility of failure, Singapore had no option but to build political consensus and focus on education as a pathway to future national success. Despite ethnic and linguistic diversity, the country has been able to shoot to the top of economic and educational rankings and work towards its goal of providing stability for its future generations. Eschewing the use of the word “tolerance” due to negative connotations, he explained how students are instead taught about “respect” and embracing diversity, along with the traditional subjects.

While acknowledging the benefits of being a small country in terms of efficiency and impact of education reform, Ng made it clear that there was more to Singapore’s success than its compactness. Alluding to a Chinese saying, The sparrow may be small, but all its vital organs are present, he explained that the nation took pains to ensure not just that all its parts were working well, but also that they were working in tandem. Having the best teachers, schools, or policies is not sufficient; it is about having a broader understanding so that the parts work together. Education policies in Singapore may start from the top down, but all stakeholders are always involved in the discussion.

Over the course of the conversation, Ng explained that because of its size, Singaporean people are the country’s most valuable resource and that each and every child is important. It was made clear that Singapore is focusing on equity and ensuring that every child is able to achieve his or her own version of excellence. He stressed the importance of providing children alternative pathways to success, and facilitating their development in whichever field they opt for. Recognizing multiple intelligences, however, doesn’t mean reduced rigor. Ng explained the Singaporean view that while testing isn’t everything, it should be rigorous enough to encourage excellent practice of knowledge and skills, and lend meaning to qualifications.

In talking about what other nations could learn from Singapore’s experiences, Ng was very transparent about the country’s idiosyncrasies, such as its small size and unusually efficient political machinery, which contributed to its educational success. Yet, he explained that building respect and trust, while keeping in mind the bigger picture — the students — can be a valuable practice for any country trying to improve its educational systems. It was also clear, from the passion that Ng brought to the conversation, that any country serious about education reform would do well to inculcate a culture of hard work and commitment to education. These are the same qualities that ensure that rather than resting on its educational laurels, Singapore is always looking for ways to further improve.

— McKay Roozen and Danish Faruqi are currently students in the International Education Policy master’s program at the Ed School.