Forum: Preparing students to be AI-ready goes beyond the mathematics curriculum
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We thank Forum writer Terence Sim ( Maths syllabus needs to evolve to prepare students to be AI-ready
The mathematics syllabuses provide essential foundational knowledge for all students, supporting different learning paces and pathways. At the pre-university level, H2 mathematics and further mathematics equip students with core concepts and skills necessary for diverse tertiary studies, such as computing and engineering courses. Students who wish to pursue computing in greater depth can also offer the subject at the O and A levels, which covers developments in artificial intelligence.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) regularly reviews the mathematics curriculum to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of both students and society. Recent reviews have, for example, integrated the development of computational thinking skills into the O-level curriculum. This complements topics such as set theory, and probability and statistics, which are foundational in computing and AI. Certain topics like graph theory are more effectively learnt at the tertiary level in specialised courses.
Beyond mathematics and computing, MOE takes a holistic approach to nurturing our students’ AI-readiness by helping them develop 21st century competencies – such as critical thinking and information skills – as well as digital literacy and technological skills. Through initiatives like the Code for Fun programme at primary and secondary levels, our students learn to be discerning and ethical users of AI who can appreciate its capabilities and understand its potential risks.
We thank the writer for sharing his views and perspectives, which help inform our curriculum development as we review and refine our mathematics curriculum. MOE and schools will continue to equip all students with the requisite skills to harness AI and thrive in the new future.
Ong Kong Hong
Divisional Director, Curriculum Planning & Development 1
Ministry of Education
