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Developmental paediatrician raises some keen questions about the educational policies on bilingualism

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5 years ago

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Bilingualism will allow Singaporeans to access valuable economic opportunities around the region, said Education Minister Ong Ye Kung at the 8th Mother Tongue Languages Symposium on Saturday (24 August).
The guest of honour said that Asia is the fastest-growing region in the world and that a person’s fluency in their mother tongue would give them the edge for job posting in important markets like China, Indonesia, India, or Malaysia.
“You are more likely to be valued for your bicultural expertise and perspective. Knowing an MTL opens up opportunities and this change will gather pace,” said Mr Ong.
“Many countries recognise this and are pushing ahead with multilingual education policies. Bilingualism is no longer Singapore’s unique advantage.”
Along these lines, the government has pushed for students in Singapore to learn and develop proficiency in their mother tongue. One such effort is the Mother Tongue Support Programme that Mr Ong announced which will be introduced in 2021 for all Primary 3 pupils. The programme will extend to all Primary 4 pupils in 2022.
According to a study by the Singapore Centre for Chinese Languages, a pilot programme showed that students who participated in the pilot programme displayed significantly higher levels of engagement.
On the secondary school level, the Ministry of Education will be introducing a reviewed curriculum for mother tongue languages (MTL) beginning with Secondary 1 in 2021. The new curriculum includes a greater infusion of cultural knowledge and appreciation through discussions on traditions, pop culture, current affairs and more as well as exposure to stories from various native languages such as Chinese novels such as Journey to the West and Dream, the Malay anthology Pahlawan Panggung, and the Sanga Ilakkiyam in Tamil.
The government is clearly sticking to their guns by promoting and encouraging the importance of bilingualism, especially in terms of knowing your mother tongue and they’re doing it most vigorously at the primary and secondary school level. Start them young, as the saying goes.

But is the push for bilingualism actually helpful?

However, a development paediatrician Dr Lim Hong Huay argued that using two languages in the computation of Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) aggregates for Secondary 1 posting disadvantages about 15% of primary school students taking foundational MTL or are exempted from MTL every year.
In an opinion piece published on Today on 23 August, Dr Lim pointed out that it’s perhaps time for the government to re-shape their bilingual policy, specifically when it comes to the PSLE.
Dr Lim said, “In the last two decades, advances in brain and language research have offered many illuminating insights into language learning. Fifty years of bilingualism policy have also taught us many lessons. It is perhaps timely to re-examine the PSLE bilingual policy based on latest scientific and practice-based evidence.”
Dr Lim pointed out that the current PSLE system greatly disadvantages children with special needs who are either exempted from MTL or those who are offered foundational programmes. According to the new PSLE and Secondary 1 posting system, students taking Foundation-level MTL and those exempted from MTL are assigned Academic Levels (AL) 6 to 8, meaning they all receive 45-64 marks which is a low pass for a standard-level subject. This is regardless of how foundation-level MTL students perform in their subject.
Dr Lim elaborates, “While such a scoring principle applies to all subjects, its impact is greatest on MTL because of the unique demands of learning a language on a child and the fact that the system imposes two compulsory languages among the four subjects used to calculate PSLE scores.”

What does the science say?

Dr Lim then illustrates his point by highlighting the science of language learning. Specifically, the doctor notes that research in brain, dyslexia and language in the past two decades have shown that the ability to learn languages is varied in a typical population.
Specifically, “Whilst a minority can master two or more languages, the majority are better in the predominant language at home and in the community. However, even with a conducive environment, about 20 per cent of the population is impaired in their native language.”
“There are 3.9 to 9.7 per cent Chinese dyslexics among native Chinese speakers and 5 to 17 per cent English Dyslexics among native English speakers.”
In essence, different children manage languages differently. On top of that, Dr Lim points out that research has shown that the critical period theory is irrelevant for the learning of a second language. The theory states that language learning has to start in early childhood to ensure a good grasp. But when it comes to learning a second language, children and adults and do so quite well given an enabling environment.
“In other words, there is no urgency to force-feed our children and prematurely kill the joy of learning a second language,” asserts Dr Lim.
On that notes, the developmental paediatrician expounds his point by spotlighting the fact that English is already emerging as the new ‘mother tongue’ of Singaporeans given the fact that English is the official administrative language in the country and is the primary medium in schools.

What’s the alternative?

Dr Lim asserts, “The official mother tongues are becoming the “second languages” among younger Singaporeans, as English is found to have permeated the average Singaporean’s life in all aspects.”
As such, Dr Lim suggests that it’s unrealistic to expect all Singaporean children to be equally proficient in two languages by the time they are 12 years old.
“High-stakes educational decisions based on the current PSLE policy will bias and prematurely curtail their future prospects,” warned Dr Lim.
So what’s the alternative? Well, Dr Lim suggests that the PSLE aggregate be calculated using the best three out of four compulsory subjects, with a required pass in English.
“This allows children born with good language ability to pursue excellence in linguistic achievement, whilst those strong in Maths, Science, Art or Sports are not compromised or discriminated against by their relatively weaker linguistic skills.”
“All children are hence given equal freedom to pursue success in life,” said Dr Lim.

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Hotel Properties Limited suspends trading ahead of Ong Beng Seng’s court hearing

Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), co-founded by Mr Ong Beng Seng, has halted trading ahead of his court appearance today (4 October). The announcement was made by HPL’s company secretary at about 7.45am, citing a pending release of an announcement. Mr Ong faces one charge of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts and another charge of obstruction of justice. He is due in court at 2.30pm.

Published

12 hours ago

on

4 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), the property and hotel developer co-founded by Mr Ong Beng Seng, has requested a trading halt ahead of the Singapore tycoon’s scheduled court appearance today (4 October) afternoon.

This announcement was made by HPL’s company secretary at approximately 7.45am, stating that the halt was due to a pending release of an announcement.

Mr Ong, who serves as HPL’s managing director and controlling shareholder, faces one charge under Section 165, accused of abetting a public servant in obtaining gifts, as well as one charge of obstruction of justice.

He is set to appear in court at 2.30pm on 4 October.

Ong’s charges stem from his involvement in a high-profile corruption case linked to former Singaporean transport minister S Iswaran.

The 80-year-old businessman was named in Iswaran’s initial graft charges earlier this year.

These charges alleged that Iswaran had corruptly received valuable gifts from Ong, including tickets to the 2022 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, flights, and a hotel stay in Doha.

These gifts were allegedly provided to advance Ong’s business interests, particularly in securing contracts with the Singapore Tourism Board for the Singapore GP and the ABBA Voyage virtual concert.

Although Iswaran no longer faces the original corruption charges, the prosecution amended them to lesser charges under Section 165.

Iswaran pleaded guilty on 24 September, 2024, to four counts under this section, which covered over S$400,000 worth of gifts, including flight tickets, sports event access, and luxury items like whisky and wines.

Additionally, he faced one count of obstructing justice for repaying Ong for a Doha-Singapore flight shortly before the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) became involved.

On 3 October, Iswaran was sentenced to one year in jail by presiding judge Justice Vincent Hoong.

The prosecution had sought a sentence of six to seven months for all charges, while the defence had asked for a significantly reduced sentence of no more than eight weeks.

Ong, a Malaysian national based in Singapore, was arrested by CPIB in July 2023 and released on bail shortly thereafter. Although no charges were initially filed against him, Ong’s involvement in the case intensified following Iswaran’s guilty plea.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had earlier indicated that it would soon make a decision regarding Ong’s legal standing, which has now led to the current charges.

According to the statement of facts read during Iswaran’s conviction, Ong’s case came to light as part of a broader investigation into his associates, which revealed Iswaran’s use of Ong’s private jet for a flight from Singapore to Doha in December 2022.

CPIB investigators uncovered the flight manifest and seized the document.

Upon learning that the flight records had been obtained, Ong contacted Iswaran, advising him to arrange for Singapore GP to bill him for the flight.

Iswaran subsequently paid Singapore GP S$5,700 for the Doha-Singapore business class flight in May 2023, forming the basis of his obstruction of justice charge.

Mr Ong is recognised as the figure who brought Formula One to Singapore in 2008, marking the first night race in the sport’s history.

He holds the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix. Iswaran was the chairman of the F1 steering committee and acted as the chief negotiator with Singapore GP on business matters concerning the race.

 

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Current Affairs

Chee Soon Juan questions Shanmugam’s $88 million property sale amid silence from Mainstream Media

Dr Chee Soon Juan of the SDP raised concerns about the S$88 million sale of Mr K Shanmugam’s Good Class Bungalow at Astrid Hill, questioning transparency and the lack of mainstream media coverage. He called for clarity on the buyer, valuation, and potential conflicts of interest.

Published

2 weeks ago

on

23 September 2024

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On Sunday (22 Sep), Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), issued a public statement on Facebook, expressing concerns regarding the sale of Minister for Home Affairs and Law, Mr K Shanmugam’s Good Class Bungalow (GCB) at Astrid Hill.

Dr Chee questioned the transparency of the S$88 million transaction and the absence of mainstream media coverage despite widespread discussion online.

According to multiple reports cited by Dr Chee, Mr Shanmugam’s property was transferred in August 2023 to UBS Trustees (Singapore) Pte Ltd, which holds the property in trust under the Jasmine Villa Settlement.

Dr Chee’s statement focused on two primary concerns: the lack of response from Mr Shanmugam regarding the transaction and the silence of major media outlets, including Singapore Press Holdings and Mediacorp.

He argued that, given the ongoing public discourse and the relevance of property prices in Singapore, the sale of a high-value asset by a public official warranted further scrutiny.

In his Facebook post, Dr Chee posed several questions directed at Mr Shanmugam and the government:

  1. Who purchased the property, and is the buyer a Singaporean citizen?
  2. Who owns Jasmine Villa Settlement?
  3. Were former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong informed of the transaction, and what were their responses?
  4. How was it ensured that the funds were not linked to money laundering?
  5. How was the property’s valuation determined, and by whom?

The Astrid Hill property, originally purchased by Mr Shanmugam in 2003 for S$7.95 million, saw a significant increase in value, aligning with the high-end status of District 10, where it is located. The 3,170.7 square-meter property was sold for S$88 million in August 2023.

Dr Chee highlighted that, despite Mr Shanmugam’s detailed responses regarding the Ridout Road property, no such transparency had been offered in relation to the Astrid Hill sale.

He argued that the lack of mainstream media coverage was particularly concerning, as public interest in the sale is high. Dr Chee emphasized that property prices and housing affordability are critical issues in Singapore, and transparency from public officials is essential to maintain trust.

Dr Chee emphasized that the Ministerial Code of Conduct unambiguously states: “A Minister must scrupulously avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest between his office and his private financial interests.”

He concluded his statement by reiterating the need for Mr Shanmugam to address the questions raised, as the matter involves not only the Minister himself but also the integrity of the government and its responsibility to the public.

The supposed sale of Mr Shamugam’s Astrid Hill property took place just a month after Mr Shanmugam spoke in Parliament over his rental of a state-owned bungalow at Ridout Road via a ministerial statement addressing potential conflicts of interest.

At that time, Mr Shanmugam explained that his decision to sell his home was due to concerns about over-investment in a single asset, noting that his financial planning prompted him to sell the property and move into rental accommodation.

The Ridout Road saga last year centred on concerns about Mr Shanmugam’s rental of a sprawling black-and-white colonial bungalow, occupying a massive plot of land, managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which he oversees in his capacity as Minister for Law. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, also rented a similarly expansive property nearby.

Mr Shanmugam is said to have recused himself from the decision-making process, and a subsequent investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) found no wrongdoing while Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean confirmed in Parliament that Mr Shanmugam had removed himself from any decisions involving the property.

As of now, Mr Shanmugam has not commented publicly on the sale of his Astrid Hill property.

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