03 February 2020
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung recently said that education systems have to recognise the growing influence of social media and equip our young with the values, mindsets and skills to live in this digital world.
Education systems are also confronted by two other challenges: Changing education to one that is lifelong and experiential, and changing society’s perception that university degrees are the only avenue to success.
Mr Ong cited how social media had changed the way people give feedback or criticism. Traditionally, one needs to explain the situation, describe why a particular action led to a negative outcome, and share areas for improvement. “Today I’m not sure these skills are observed as most people just click thumbs up or down, and key in some comments, almost unthinkingly. So (social media) really changes the way we interact and give affirmation to each other,” he said.
Similarly, Minister Ong stressed that academic results is no longer the only route to success. Employers today need talents who possess diverse skills that, when combined together, can deliver results.