“I used to be a student from a high school (SMA) in Indonesia. In Indonesia, high school students are divided into two specializations, namely Social Sciences (IPS) and Natural Sciences (IPA) classes. In your opinion, is the education system like this already proper?” asked Zahwa, a student of Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Universitas Indonesia (FISIP UI) to the Minister of Education of Singapore Chan Chun Sing, during a visit to FISIP UI, last Wednesday (19/10).
Answering the question, Mr. Chan Chun Sing said that the best solution to the current education system, especially in Indonesia, is through research. An understanding of education in a region can support the evaluation of whether the education system is good in terms of quality. This evaluation is important because work environment in the current era is very varied and different from the conditions in the previous generation.
“The best thing to do as a student or worker is to learn as much as possible and not stick to one subject or one skill. We must continue to develop and think ahead in solving problems that we may face in the future,” said Chan Chun Sing.
On that occasion, he shared his experience when he first visited Indonesia 13 years ago. At that time, he was a student exchange participant. He believes that Indonesia is a big country when compared to Singapore. Both have close ties as neighboring countries and have established a lot of cooperation. He hopes that Indonesia and Singapore can develop together and the next generation will have more opportunities for a better life.
The Minister of Education of Singapore then gave his perspective on teaching. In the world of education, teachers usually find out the ability of students based on their age level. From a teaching perspective, the range of students’ abilities will likely be the same. However, as time goes by, this cannot be used as a reference. The variety of subjects makes one have to have different strategies in teaching or learning.
“My teacher always pairs students who are good at math with students who are less proficient in mathematics because as students who understand more about mathematics it is their responsibility to teach it to others. This can be emulated in the learning or teaching process. From this talk show, we can share perspectives because I believe UI is one of the prestigious universities filled with the best young people in Indonesia,” said Chan Chun Sing.
The Dean of FISIP UI Prof. Dr. Semiarto Aji Purwanto said that the arrival of the Minister of Education of Singapore to FISIP UI is an honor. The talk event held at Mochtar Riady SPRC Auditorium, FISIP UI was expected to inspire students to think forward and be responsive to efforts to solve social issues in society.
“We have 53 representative of undergraduate and postgraduate students from 7 departments who attended this event. We are ready to start new research as a follow-up to the social and educational issues we discussed today,” said Prof. Aji.
During this visit, Minister Chan Chun Sing was accompanied by the Ambassador of Singapore to Indonesia H. E. Kwok Fook Seng; the Deputy Secretary for Higher Education and Skills Melissa Khoo, and delegates. This dialogue was also attended by the Deputy Dean for Education, Research, and Student Relations Nurul Isnaeni, Ph.D.; the Vice Dean for Resources, Finance, and General Administration Dr. Jajang Gunawijaya; Faculty Secretary Dwi Ardhanariswari Sundrijo, Ph.D.; and UI academic staff.
The event was closed with an appreciation speech from one of FISIP UI students, Hendri Joveto, who expressed his hope that Indonesia and Singapore can build equitable and affordable education. Building a fair and humane education is the key to further development of both countries. To advance the world education, students are ready to be involved in it.
