A new Milieu Insight study is challenging long-held beliefs about education in Singapore, showing that parents are increasingly shifting focus away from academic performance alone toward mental well-being, soft skills, and alternative learning paths.
The findings highlight a significant cultural transition: while tuition and degrees were once seen as unquestionable necessities, many Singaporeans are now reconsidering what truly defines long-term success for their children.
High Confidence in the Education System
Despite growing debates, trust in the national education system remains strong.
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73% of Singaporeans say they are satisfied with the current education system.
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63% believe it prepares students well for the real world.
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Confidence is highest among those aged 55 and above, suggesting that older Singaporeans continue to value the system’s track record and long-term effectiveness.
Parents also acknowledge the importance of skills beyond the classroom, with 63% agreeing that the system does well in teaching soft skills such as communication and critical thinking.
The Tuition Trade-Off: Big Spending, Growing Doubts
Tuition remains a major investment for young families. Parents aged 25 to 34 are leading in both time and money spent:
However, this comes at a cost. Nearly half (48%) of parents believe their children are under significant academic stress. Despite this, 71% have not stopped tuition due to stress or fatigue, reflecting the deep-rooted belief that perseverance and competition are central to academic achievement.
What is striking, though, is the skepticism surrounding tuition’s actual impact. Only 40% of parents believe their child’s academic performance would worsen if tuition were unavailable. This suggests that even as families continue to pay heavily for extra classes, many question whether the returns justify the cost and stress.
Shifting Priorities: Well-Being Over Grades
When asked what matters most for their child’s future success, parents pointed to priorities beyond academic performance:
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Mental well-being (40%) ranked the highest.
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Communication and collaboration skills (37%) came next.
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Academic results were no longer seen as the sole pathway to success.
This reflects a cultural shift towards holistic growth and recognition that resilience, adaptability, and social skills play an equally important role in preparing children for the future.
The Degree Dilemma
The study also revealed waning confidence in the bachelor’s degree as a guaranteed ticket to success.
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38% of Singaporeans say a degree is only moderately important in today’s context.
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Among degree holders, career opportunities (74%) and earning potential (69%) were top motivations for pursuing higher education.
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Those who downplay the value of degrees often cite real-world experience (68%) as more important.
This signals a broadening perspective on career readiness and the recognition that practical experience can be just as valuable as formal qualifications.
Alternative Learning Paths on the Rise
Across age groups, Singaporeans are showing growing interest in non-traditional education and careers:
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Younger respondents (16–24) overwhelmingly support apprenticeships (73%).
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Adults aged 25–44 favour short, skills-based workshops (over 60%).
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Older groups (45–54) prefer professional certifications (53%).
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Even among those aged 55+, 57% expressed renewed interest in apprenticeships.
The rise of unconventional careers has also influenced perceptions. Close to 60% of Singaporeans say that career paths such as influencers, YouTubers, and streamers have made a university degree seem less essential.
Redefining Success in Singapore
As Juda Kanaprach of Milieu Insight explains, “While academic achievement and degrees still matter, Singaporeans are becoming increasingly mindful of soft skills, well-being, and alternative educational paths. This shift in mindset reflects how education in Singapore is ready to change to meet the changing demands of the workforce and society.”
The key takeaway is clear: Singaporeans are beginning to measure success not only by grades or degrees, but also by how well children thrive, adapt, and prepare for a rapidly evolving world.
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