A “Special” plan: unpacking racial inequality in Singapore's education landscape

Abstract

In the 1970s, the People’s Action Party (PAP) introduced the Special Assistance Plan (SAP) programme in selected primary and secondary schools in Singapore. The plan served as a response to the declining standards of Mandarin among Chinese students amidst the growing importance of English, as the government saw a need to preserve traditional Chinese schools with rich heritage and culture. However, since its introduction, there have also been debates regarding racial and cultural diversity within the education system due to the emphasis on English and Mandarin proficiency in SAP schools. This thesis explores the formation of Singapore's education system and the continuation of SAP schools from the post-colonial period to the early 2000s of Singapore’s history. I delve into the broader socioeconomic factors that influenced perceptions of racial inequality, how the state further perpetuates this, and how the perceived biases of SAP schools towards certain ethnic groups reinforce racial stereotypes.