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Education vital, but soft skills are part of the package

I refer to the reports “Skills mean more than just ‘some manual form of work’” (Sept 9) and “Aspire ‘not about dissuading S’poreans from getting degrees’” (Sept 10).

The Government has created an educational platform such that people from all walks of life can achieve their hopes in education and career at any time. Today File Photo

The Government has created an educational platform such that people from all walks of life can achieve their hopes in education and career at any time. Today File Photo

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Angelina Tan Lian Tee

I refer to the reports “Skills mean more than just ‘some manual form of work’” (Sept 9) and “Aspire ‘not about dissuading S’poreans from getting degrees’” (Sept 10).

Senior Minister of State (Education) Indranee Rajah said individuals must acquire the hard skills of technical knowledge and its application as well as soft skills such as communication and leadership.

With this mindset, one would certainly be geared to make the right decisions and goals for oneself. When it is coupled with experience, one will find a niche in the workplace, job satisfaction and hope for the future.

The Education Minister said later that the Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review is about creating opportunities and keeping pathways open to all.

This is unlike in the 1970s, when such pathways were in their infancy. The Government has created an educational platform such that people from all walks of life can achieve their hopes in education and career at any time.

Degrees would still remain worthwhile. Those who are interested to acquire and enrich their knowledge in a specific field of study can apply that knowledge to their career and life.

It is also true that a degree would diminish in value if one takes it up only to attain a paper certificate, to land a higher-paying job, but is not interested in applying the knowledge to achieve self-actualisation.

I support the Social and Family Development Minister’s position that for early childhood teachers, the focus should be on their care for children. (“Non-grads with right attributes ‘will still be trained as teachers’”; Sept 10)

Besides the importance of imparting knowledge, this soft skill should be a prerequisite for any teacher, whether one is a graduate or not.

A teacher without this passion to relate to pupils may do harm to the future generations and hence society.

Children’s attitudes, behaviour and hopes for fulfilment as well as meaning in life and work are influenced by the teachers they come across during their academic years, besides their parents and loved ones.

To uphold Singapore’s position in this world of fast-growing technology and globalisation, every citizen has a part to play in daily life, provided we have the right qualities and attitudes of respect and understanding towards others.

Education, be it academic, moral or civic, is thus of utmost importance to all citizens. It will assure us that our nation can weather external pressures and that we can succeed in all ways.

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