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The education system in Singapore has been geared towards catering to each child according to his ability, taking him as far as he can go.

From now on, however, character and values education will be given a renewed emphasis to imbue the nation's young with moral resolve, confidence and self-awareness - qualities that will see them through whatever comes their way.

To do this, Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) will draw up a "Character and Citizenship Education" curriculum, through which teachers will instill values and build the character of their charges.

Heng Swee Keat, in his first major policy address since becoming Education Minister in May, announced this to 1,800 school leaders at the annual MOE Work Plan Seminar yesterday.

He noted that civics and moral education, national education and co-curricular activities (CCAs) already go some way towards moulding students' character. But to give character development fresh emphasis, these different programs will be brought under one "coherent" curriculum, overseen by a unit in the MOE.

Recognizing the fact that CCAs such as dance, sports and music are integral to building character, the MOE will also review the CCA grading scheme to ensure that it rewards participation as well as achievements.

Heng called on schools to reaffirm the central place of values and character development by demonstrating commit- ment to this cause.

"For instance, periods set aside for Civics and Moral Education must not make way for remedial lessons," he said.

Explaining why this "student-centric, values-driven education" was now necessary, he said that globally, traditional social structures are breaking down.

On home ground, the social context is also changing. Singapore's population is aging, even as people's aspirations change, parents become more educated, and the country, more developed.

He said: "We'll have to recognize that we'll be faced with threats and shocks that'll test our resolve, our cohesiveness and our sense of belonging."

This is why personal, social, moral and citizenship values must be instilled in young Singaporeans, he said.

Sound personal values will give Singaporeans the grit and determination to succeed; social and moral values, such as respect, care and appreciation for others, will make them responsible.

And values of citizenship, when taught, will be the glue that keeps Singaporeans as one in the face of adversity.

Although the minister devoted a sizeable chunk of his speech to character education, he did not forget to address other concerns of parents - that of the competition and stress their children face and how they can be helped to go further.

One worry has been over the issue of university places, he noted, but said this was being studied by a panel headed by Minister of State for Education Lawrence Wong.

On how students can be helped to achieve, he said the MOE will work towards making all schools good schools, rather than have the current divide between good schools and "neighborhood schools".

He told the school principals and teachers that in his view, a good school does not merely churn out straight-A students; a good school is one which caters to the needs of its students well.

"A good school knows who its students are at the point of entry, studies their needs and strengths, states what it would like them to become, and then exercises diligence and imagination to get there," he said.

To build more such schools, he said, the MOE will streamline the award system to recognize excellence and cut schools' administrative workloads so they can focus on developing their students in other areas. The ministry will also offer more resources to schools to free up their teachers' time for this.

Summing up, Heng said schools in Singapore will continue to create opportunities for each child, but also build citizens of good character and with the moral resolve to weather an uncertain future. Schools will, in other words, "future- proof" Singapore and its people, he said.

Principals welcomed the renewed emphasis on character development, and parents were glad the minister addressed their concerns over stress and the squeeze on university places.

Businesswoman Madeline Cheng, 43, the mother of three school-going children, said: "Heng is the new man in charge, so it's good to hear from him.

"Like any kiasu Singaporean parent, I must say I am most concerned about my kids doing well and making it to university. But I agree, character development is just as important."

Reprinted courtesy of Straits Times Indonesia. To subscribe to Straits Times Indonesia and/or the Jakarta Globe call 021 2553 5055.