Singapore President, Halimah Yacob, has said that Singapore can learn much from the German education system, which places great emphasis on skills and craftsmanship.
She made this statement in Frankfurt at the end of her five-day state visit to Germany, which focused on education and the workforce.
Halimah noted how the immense contribution of German companies is critical for the success of the country’s dual education system and has contributed to the growth of the country’s industry and workforce.
Under the dual education system in Germany, companies and education institutions collaborate in teaching students over three years.
Students often go on to work full time at the companies they train at, although they are also free to move to another company.
President Halimah has earlier arrived in Germany on a five-day state visit, at the invitation of President Steinmeier, becoming the first Singapore head of state to visit the country.
While in Berlin, she met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Angela Merkel. She also paid a visit to German companies in Berlin, Frankfurt and Heidelberg and met overseas Singaporeans.
Halimah also witnesses the signing of 12 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between Singaporean and German partners from a variety of sectors.
Singapore’s dual education system
Singapore intends for over 12 per cent of every student group to undergo the work-study pathway by 2030, providing students with on-the-job training and classes.
This announcement was made by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, who accompanied President Halimah on her trip to Berlin.
The president and education minister witnessed the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and German electronics company Rohde and Schwarz.
It will offer industrial and educational exchanges for students and apprentices from both countries for at least two weeks.
In Frankfurt, where he also pledges to support the Singapore education Halimah also met Minister-President Volker Bouffier of the Federal State of Hesse in Wiesbaden.
Notably, Germany is Singapore’s 12th largest trading partner globally and its largest trading partner in the European Union, accounting for one-fifth of Singapore’s total trade with the EU.
Climate change and increasing polarisation
During her visit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Berlin Mayor Michael Muller, Madam Halimah discussed issues such as climate change and increasing polarisation in society.
Afterwards, she said they agreed that it’s also essential for both countries to look at new areas of collaboration such as research and artificial intelligence, especially since Germany is going through technological disruptions.
