From School to Economy: Innovation and Enterprise in Singapore

This paper examines the recent efforts by the Singapore government to promote the spirit of Innovation and Enterprise (I&E) in all schools in Singapore. This paper begins by identifying the ideology of Realism-Pragmatism underpinning education in Singapore. The paper then discusses the motivation and some of the key changes and challenges in the drive towards innovation and enterprise in Singapore education In particular, the policy is motivated by the need to prepare students to meet the demands of a competitive global economy. While the government has introduced many measures to provide more space in the system for experimentation and diverse approaches, this centralized approach towards innovation and enterprise in education still contains challenges and dilemmas for schools. The paper highlights the challenge for school leaders and teachers to be role models in innovation and enterprise. It also explains the challenge for innovation and enterprise to flourish in an examination-driven environment where academic results are still a priority.