My daughter, Miss Hazel Tan, resigned from the education service (Innova Junior College) in January after more than 10 years. She had applied for no-pay leave to pursue further studies. This was allowed but no replacement would be sent to fill her position as head of department (maths). However, if she resigned, there would be a replacement.

As she is devoted to education, she could not accept no-pay leave at the expense of her students who would be short of one maths teacher. Hence she resigned and went to Melbourne to pursue a PhD in education on a scholarship fully funded by Monash University.

I feel the education system here is not conducive to those who want to enhance their careers as teachers. Two suggestions:

Under the Professional Development Scheme, allow replacements for teachers, heads of department or even principals who pursue further studies under no-pay leave approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

When teachers go on approved no-pay leave, where appropriate, reserve their place in MOE and keep their length of service intact. This is to assure them they have a place in Singapore and can contribute to the education system on their return.

My daughter has said she may stay in Australia after she completes her studies. I feel it is a loss to the education system and, more widely, a brain drain. This is one area where the brain drain can be prevented if MOE adopts a policy to retain teachers and reduce migration.

In my daughter's case, as her PhD will be fully paid for by her university, she is now inclined to stay in Australia as she has no obligation to MOE.

Louis Tan