Forum: AI-driven education solutions can reduce reliance on tuition
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The article highlighting that families in Singapore spent $1.8 billion on private tuition in 2023 reflects a critical issue of systemic inequity in education ( Spending by S’pore families on private tuition rises to $1.8 billion in 2023
While the Ministry of Education (MOE) has made strides in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into public education, these efforts must be accelerated to address inefficiencies and bridge inequalities.
This tuition expenditure amounts to 12 per cent of MOE’s $14.75 billion budget for FY2024, or about 23 per cent of the $7.61 billion allocated to general education programmes. Such figures underscore the societal dependence on private tuition to supplement education, reinforcing disparities as lower-income families struggle to afford these additional resources.
MOE’s current AI initiatives, like enhancing the Singapore Student Learning Space with personalised tools, are commendable. However, scaling these efforts is essential to tackle the root causes of reliance on private tuition. By allocating $150 million (1 per cent of the MOE budget) to AI-driven education solutions, the Government could create a transformative impact by:
Delivering personalised learning: AI can identify and address individual students’ strengths and weaknesses, ensuring tailored support without the need for private tuition.
Promoting equity: Accessible AI-powered teaching platforms can democratise quality education, levelling the playing field for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Reducing financial strain: With effective public AI tools, families can reduce reliance on costly private tuition, alleviating the financial burden on middle- and lower-income households.
Empowering educators: AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, freeing teachers to focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking in students.
By accelerating AI integration in public education, Singapore can address these systemic challenges, ensuring every child receives the support they need to succeed, regardless of their background. As a global leader in innovation, Singapore has the opportunity to pioneer an equitable, future-ready education system.
Desmond Tay
