gender, family, education & employment

What is Singapore Women in Tech?

• Movement by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

• Aims to attract, retain and develop female talent in the technology industry.

• Encourages greater gender representation in technology-related careers.

How does SG Women in Tech promote female role models and networking?

• SG100WIT: Celebrates 100 inspiring women who have contributed to technology.

• Organises networking and mentorship opportunities.

• Examples include Asia Tech x Singapore and International Women's Day 2024 events.

What is Singapore's Council for Board Diversity?

• Promotes sustained increases in women's representation on boards.

• Focuses on the top 100 SGX-listed companies, statutory boards and top 100 Institutions of Public Character.

• Encourages more diverse leadership in major organisations.

What is Singapore's Families for Life initiative?

• Encourages stronger family bonds and active fatherhood.

• Promotes shared parenting responsibilities.

• Organises large-scale events such as the National Family Festival and digital campaigns.

What is Singapore's Centre for Fathering?

• Non-profit organisation promoting active and involved fatherhood.

• Encourages fathers to become positive role models.

• Initiatives include Dads for Life and Mums for Life.

• Seeks to strengthen family relationships.

How does Singapore support parents through paid parental leave?

• Government-Paid Paternity Leave: Up to 4 weeks for eligible fathers.

• Government-Paid Maternity Leave: Up to 16 weeks for eligible mothers.

• Supports childcare responsibilities and parental involvement.

What is Singapore's Parenthood Tax Rebate?

• Tax credit helping eligible parents offset income tax payable.

• Amount depends on the birth order of the child.

• Approximately a maximum of $20,000 for each subsequent child under the earlier structure.

• Encourages and financially supports parenthood.

What are Working Mother's Child Relief and Grandparent Caregiver Relief?

• Working Mother's Child Relief: Tax relief for eligible working mothers with qualifying children.

• Grandparent Caregiver Relief: Supports eligible working mothers whose parents or grandparents help care for children.

• Both reduce tax burdens associated with employment and family caregiving.

What was Singapore's "Teach Less, Learn More" educational vision?

• Introduced during the 2000s.

• Sought to reduce excessive content coverage and rote learning.

• Encouraged deeper understanding, independent thinking and student engagement.

How does ITE's apprenticeship-based Technical Diploma support employability?

• Uses an apprenticeship-based learning model.

• Combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience.

• Associated with the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn approach.

• Helps students develop industry-relevant skills.

Why is lifelong learning increasingly important in the gig economy?

• Careers increasingly resemble a "career web" rather than a career ladder.

• Technological change may make existing jobs obsolete.

• Workers must develop adaptability and transferable skills.

• Vivian Balakrishnan's observed that students may not remain in one job throughout their lives.

How does Singapore protect platform workers?

• Statutory protections include stronger CPF contributions.

• Provide work injury compensation and representation through platform work associations.

• Aim to improve workplace safety and retirement adequacy while preserving work flexibility.

How is Singapore reforming its Gifted Education Programme (GEP)?

• Moving beyond the previous model centred on nine primary schools.

• All primary schools will be equipped to identify and support students with higher abilities.

• Allows more students to access subject-specific developmental opportunities.

• Promotes a more inclusive education system.

How do NUS and NTU use aptitude-based admissions?

• Aptitude-Based Admissions Scheme (ABAS) considers achievements beyond academic grades.

• Recognises sports, arts, entrepreneurship and volunteer work.

• The notes state that more than half of NTU freshmen received offers through ABAS.

• Encourages a broader understanding of merit.

What is freeganism in Singapore?

• Freegans obtain goods by sharing, borrowing or salvaging unwanted items.

• An estimated over 10,000 freegans in Singapore.

• Some practise dumpster diving for food, furniture and electronics.

• Reduces waste and dependence on purchasing new goods.

How do digital platforms support freeganism in Singapore?

• Olio and ShareThings: Platforms for obtaining or exchanging free items.

• GoodHoodSG's Giving Day: Connects neighbours through giving and receiving.

• Promotes resource sharing, waste reduction and community connections.