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Elisha Tushara

Correspondent

Elisha Tushara is a correspondent at The Straits Times, where she covers education and community issues. A former secondary school teacher, she made the switch to journalism in May 2023, bringing more than a decade of teaching experience to her craft. As a mother of two and keen explorer of multimedia tools, Elisha hopes to bring unique insights and a passion for storytelling to uncovering meaningful narratives that resonate with readers.

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Latest articles

Republic Polytechnic to expand use of AI in students’ learning

ST20260108_202635800908/etrp08/Shintaro Tay/ Miss Kymberly Uthaya Kumar, 20, a third year RP student pursuing a diploma in engineering design and business, interacting with Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore and Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo and RP Principal & Chief Executive Officer Jeanne Liew at the Republic Polytechnic (RP) Al Transformation Strategy Launch at the Republic Polytechnic Industry Centre on Jan 8, 2026. 

Third year RP student Kymberly Uthaya Kumar (left) speaking with Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo and
ST20260108_202635800908/etrp08/Shintaro Tay/ Miss Kymberly Uthaya Kumar, 20, a third year RP student pursuing a diploma in engineering design and business, interacting with Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore and Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo and RP Principal & Chief Executive Officer Jeanne Liew at the Republic Polytechnic (RP) Al Transformation Strategy Launch at the Republic Polytechnic Industry Centre on Jan 8, 2026. 

Third year RP student Kymberly Uthaya Kumar (left) speaking with Senior Minister of State for Education David Neo and

When adults step back, kids learn to bounce back

Resilience isn’t taught. It’s learnt and built through everyday frictions.
Resilience isn’t taught. It’s learnt and built through everyday frictions.

SATS bentos for Hwa Chong criticised; school says photos online don’t reflect food’s actual standards

A bento set meal prepared by airline caterer Sats, for students at Hwa Chong Institution.


CREDIT: COURTESY OF ST READER
A bento set meal prepared by airline caterer Sats, for students at Hwa Chong Institution.


CREDIT: COURTESY OF ST READER

All Ngee Ann Poly students to learn generative AI from 2026

Third-year Ngee Ann Poly student Miss Sofea Carmila Rohaizat overcame her fear of using AI in her learning when she was taught how to use it using the PAIR framework, developed by Professor Oguz Acar of King’s College London.
Third-year Ngee Ann Poly student Miss Sofea Carmila Rohaizat overcame her fear of using AI in her learning when she was taught how to use it using the PAIR framework, developed by Professor Oguz Acar of King’s College London.

Paddling through loss: National canoeist’s passion endures despite dad’s death during O-level exams

ST20251127-202599800141-Lim Yaohui-Elisha Tushara-etjovi/

Mr Jovi Jayden Kalaichelvan, 24, national kayaker, in front of Water Sports Centre on Nov 27, 2025.  

In 2017, national kayaker Jovi Jayden Kalaichelvan lost his father on the morning of his O-Level exam and, soon after, his cousin. These tragedies, compounded by financial struggles, derailed his academic performance and forced sport to the sidelines. Over time, however, canoeing, which was introduced to him in secondary school and once encouraged by his late father, became a source of stability as he rebuilt his life. The resilience he developed through sport now drives both his sporting goals - aiming for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics while juggling a punishing training schedule. He also has a long-term dream of becoming a pilot, a passion sparked during National Service. Despite uncertainties ahead, he hopes to stay connected to kayaking even after his competitive career ends.

For More Than Grades series.

(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)
ST20251127-202599800141-Lim Yaohui-Elisha Tushara-etjovi/

Mr Jovi Jayden Kalaichelvan, 24, national kayaker, in front of Water Sports Centre on Nov 27, 2025.  

In 2017, national kayaker Jovi Jayden Kalaichelvan lost his father on the morning of his O-Level exam and, soon after, his cousin. These tragedies, compounded by financial struggles, derailed his academic performance and forced sport to the sidelines. Over time, however, canoeing, which was introduced to him in secondary school and once encouraged by his late father, became a source of stability as he rebuilt his life. The resilience he developed through sport now drives both his sporting goals - aiming for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics while juggling a punishing training schedule. He also has a long-term dream of becoming a pilot, a passion sparked during National Service. Despite uncertainties ahead, he hopes to stay connected to kayaking even after his competitive career ends.

For More Than Grades series.

(ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

2026 outlook: What’s next for education and the top stories of 2025

Generic photo of Punggol View Primary School  students with school bags waiting for a public bus on January 4, 2022
Generic photo of Punggol View Primary School  students with school bags waiting for a public bus on January 4, 2022

Two Singaporeans achieve rare milestones at SUTD’s tuition-free coding school

Mr Brian Young (left) and Mr Jeffrey Goh are the first Singaporeans to reach the highest certification levels offered by 42 Singapore.
Mr Brian Young (left) and Mr Jeffrey Goh are the first Singaporeans to reach the highest certification levels offered by 42 Singapore.

Man arrested under anti-terrorism laws after suspicious item found in St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah

At about 1.45pm, a handcuffed man wearing a blue top was led to a white car by police officers.
At about 1.45pm, a handcuffed man wearing a blue top was led to a white car by police officers.

More than his mistakes: Teenager rebuilds life through squash, teacher and parental support

St. Andrew's School student Richard  Durrani Vaz pictured on Dec 17.
St. Andrew's School student Richard  Durrani Vaz pictured on Dec 17.

ComLink+ pre-school incentive scheme sees strong take-up, employment package has slower start

ComLink+ beneficiary Maznah Senen with two of her five children – three-year-old twins Nur Saida Sufian (left) and Mohammad Safiy Sufian.
ComLink+ beneficiary Maznah Senen with two of her five children – three-year-old twins Nur Saida Sufian (left) and Mohammad Safiy Sufian.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.