Public perception on preparedness for Singapore's innovative economy

Abstract

This paper evaluates the education system in Singapore and its adequacy in preparing Singaporeans for the innovative economy. The importance arises from an aging demographic and challenging global economic outlook, of which Singapore as a small country needs to readily prepare its population for. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this paper attempts to understand public perception on the adequacy of the current education system and the possibility of remodelling it, in order to prepare Singaporeans for a successful innovative economy. In general, respondents perceived the current education system to be lacking due to its rigidity and focus on academic attainment. This paper takes the recommendations of its respondents for the education system to include more avenues for creative thinking including CCAs, or other passion projects that students may have to better spark interest in learning, and subsequently contribute passionately to building the Singapore economy.