WP MP Louis Chua urges review of Direct School Admissions scheme

SINGAPORE: Mr Louis Chua Kheng Wee, Workers’ Party (WP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Sengkang GRC, has called on the Ministry of Education (MOE) to review the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme for secondary schools.

He made this suggestion following recent reports that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is investigating a basketball coach for allegedly accepting improper payments to secure spots for students in secondary schools under the DSA scheme.

Mr Chua noted that beyond this case, a broader question he intends to raise with the Education Minister in Parliament next week is whether individuals involved in the selection process for the scheme are required to declare any conflicts of interest (COI) or abstain from the selection process if they have a COI or close affiliation with a DSA candidate, prior to each DSA exercise.

Parliament will commence its session on 6 August.

The DSA scheme allows Primary 6 students and those taking the O-level exams to apply to certain secondary schools based on their talents in sports, co-curricular activities (CCA), and specific academic areas.

Last week, Singapore’s Chinese media outlet Shin Min Daily News reported that the basketball coach, identified as Mr Ling (transliteration), allegedly used his connections to help students gain entry into prestigious secondary schools through the DSA scheme.

The coach is accused of charging parents between S$30,000 and S$50,000 to secure admission for their children into top schools.

According to Shin Min, a tip-off from a member of the public led to the investigation. The tipster claimed to have recorded a phone conversation with Mr Ling, who allegedly boasted over 10 years of experience in “securing student school placements.”

Specific fees mentioned included S$50,000 for Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), S$45,000 for Dunman High School, and approximately S$30,000 for Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), which required an in-person interview for admission.

According to CNA, MOE confirmed that the coach has been deregistered since April and is no longer employed at any MOE school.

The MOE emphasized that while schools have their own DSA selection processes, they must adhere to the ministry’s guidelines, which include principles of transparency, objectivity, inclusiveness, and student-centricity.

According to MOE, schools are required to establish selection panels led by the school’s leadership team to evaluate applicants.

Non-school staff, such as coaches, may play a supportive role but do not have the final authority on admissions. Coaches are also required to declare any potential conflicts of interest.

The MOE assured that it will continue to ensure the DSA selection process remains fair and accessible to all students.

Additionally, the Sport Singapore statutory board has suspended Mr Ling’s membership with the National Registry of Coaches.

The CPIB has cited confidentiality concerns and is therefore unable to confirm or provide further details regarding the ongoing investigation into the coach.

Concerns and calls for reform of the DSA scheme

Commenting on Mr Chua’s Facebook post, some netizens emphasized the importance of developing objective criteria for assessing students.

They raised concerns that the current scheme could potentially be exploited and suggested that national bodies or Sport Singapore should assess the DSA criteria to prevent corruption.

There were also suggestions to abolish the scheme, citing reasons such as the unfairness that arises when wealthy parents can afford expensive coaching, giving their children an undue advantage.

Additionally, the comments highlighted that the scheme contradicts the government’s assurance that all schools are good.