$600k boost for 200 students from specialised schools to aid further studies, careers

SINGAPORE – More than 200 students, including those with special education needs, are set to receive a leg-up in their transition to further studies and the workforce, backed by a boost in funding from charity SIM People Development Fund (SIMPDF).

The charity will be injecting an additional $600,000 to Assumption Pathway School, NorthLight School, Crest Secondary School and Spectra Secondary School, to further support their students through two initiatives – the SIMPDF Progression Awards and SIMPDF Apprenticeship Awards.

The additional funding was announced by Minister for Education Desmond Lee on March 25, during a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at the Singapore Institute of Management campus in Clementi.

From 2026 to 2028, each of the four specialised schools will receive an extra $50,000 annually.

The SIMPDF Progression Awards provide financial support for graduating students from disadvantaged backgrounds as they move into higher vocational training or academic levels, Mr Lee said.

Meanwhile, the SIMPDF Apprenticeship Awards provide stipends to support internships and work placements, allowing students to gain industry experience that will help them transition into meaningful employment after graduation, he added.

The Progression Awards, previously called study awards, started in 2022. Meanwhile, the Apprenticeship Awards began in 2025 and were given to 45 students.

The two awards have also been made available to students across secondary schools, universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education.

“These schools play an important role in our education ecosystem,” Mr Lee said of the four specialised schools, noting that they cater to students who thrive in hands-on learning environments.

They also nurture students with confidence and resilience to enable them to meaningfully contribute to society, he added.

“Yet, we recognise that some of our students from disadvantaged backgrounds face additional challenges when making the transition from school to the next phase of their lives,” Mr Lee said.

These could be financial barriers in accessing higher-education opportunities, difficulties in securing internships or potential employers who do not yet fully recognise their strengths and abilities, he added.

SIMPDF chairman Patrick Tay said the fund identified these four schools for additional funding because of their high concentration of students with special education needs, who make up 50 per cent to 60 per cent of their cohorts.

“I think the biggest challenge in Singapore is figuring out what’s next for them after they leave (school),” he said. “We will try to make them assimilate as seamlessly as possible, so they can be self-independent.”

Spectra Secondary principal Tan Teck Hock said this funding acts as an equaliser during the school’s mandatory three-week work attachment. While some industry partners offer training, some cannot afford to pay students.

He added that it also allows the school to look beyond traditional sectors like food and beverage or hospitality, and support its students in other industries like manufacturing and technology.

“Through this funding, all these students will feel that they are equal. It’s a big thing to them,” he said. “At the back of the students’ minds, they may not know how this fund works, but to them, it’s about it being the first time in their life that they are going to (earn money) and travel independently to a workplace other than school.”

This confidence is important to them, said Mr Tan, and he sees a change in their behaviour and sense of responsibility after working.

For Spectra student Alvian Chia, 15, this confidence enabled him to step out of his comfort zone and interact with different people during his three-week work stint at a hotel.

Describing himself as introverted, Alvian said adjusting to unfamiliar environments has always been a challenge.

But at his work attachment, he learnt practical tasks like clearing tables and stacking plates, as well as how to serve guests politely.

“I also discovered the importance of being punctual and looking professional at work,” Alvian said, adding that he was thankful for the opportunity and stipend that this initiative gave him.

“This experience has encouraged me and shown me that I can succeed in challenging situations.”

The impact of this funding extends beyond individual recipients, said Mr Lee, adding that each success story helps shift societal perception.

“Each student who successfully transitions to further education or meaningful employment becomes a role model for others,” he said.

“Each employer who provides an internship opportunity also experiences first-hand the ability of our students and takes an important first step to understanding how to work with our students, how to guide them and how to unlock their full potential.”

Mr Lee reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to supporting the four schools and students with special education needs.

“Inclusive education is not just about providing access,” he said. “It is about ensuring that every student in our schools receives the support that they need to reach their full potential.”