About Us

About APSC

The Association of Private Schools and Colleges Singapore (APSC) is the apex professional organization for Private Education Institutes (PEI) and providers of ancillary services to the education industry in Singapore


APSC was founded in 1987, with the goal of bringing Singapore’s private education providers under one roof to deliver quality education in response to the government’s push to accelerate continuing education among working adults.


APSC’s focus then had been on greater co-operation and information sharing among members. Today, the dynamics of the industry have changed significantly, with the influx of foreign students from ASEAN, China, and India.

 

The globalization of education also means increased international competition and PEIs need to raise their standards to meet the higher learning expectations of foreign students.


In the face of this changing education landscape, APSC aims to be the national voice and face of private education in Singapore. It will serve as the authoritative source of information on private education, providing, for example, a comprehensive list of the various accredited programmes offered by members. In promoting higher standards of professionalism, ethics and governance, APSC aims to improve the overall image of Singapore’s private education industry. Under the umbrella of APSC, members will enjoy an enhanced reputation in quality control while parents and students can have ,greater assurance of a good tertiary education.

 

Although APSC has made significant strides in the last few years, much work still remains to be done. Given the new regulatory framework for private education, APSC will redouble its efforts and work hand in hand with the various stakeholders to advance the interests of the industry. Going forward, we will continue to set new standards of professionalism and operational excellence for private education in Singapore. We realize that we have a monumental task ahead of us, but we are confident that we can marshal the necessary resources and expertise to tackle the challenges head-on.

Milestones of APSC


1987

  • The Assosciation of Private Schools was founded.

2005

  • Induction of new Management Committee
  • Strengthens association through self-renewal process

2006

Led successful overseas missions to:


  • Education and Training Exhibitions in Shanghai & Hangzhou/Zhejiang
  • China ASEAN Exposition (CAEXPO) in Nanjing

2007

  • Name was changed to Association of Private Schools and Colleges Singapore to reflect its broader and larger role it plays in the education arena.
  • Induction of New Management Committee headed by Dr. Andrew Chua
  • Major revision of Constitution

2008

  • APSC received LEAD Award from SPRING Singapore & IE Singapore to rebrand itself as part of a national programme to internationalise the Singapore Brand of Education
  • Led successful missions to Vietnam and Australia

2009

  • APSC Secretariat was formed
  • Developed a Quality Framework for the Industry through a multi-dimensional suite of programmes and services
  • Developed a Teachers’ Certification Framework and conducted courses to train and later certify the teachers
  • Incorporated APSC Organizational Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics & Student Code of Conduct
  • Instituted an academic and accreditation scheme to cover diploma programmes designed and conducted by our members and recognize recognised and publicize publicised degree level courses offered in partnership with accredited overseas universities
  • Designed staff and management organization skills workshops for our members’ executive and academic staff; and examination and testing services for university entry level English, and Foundation courses
  • Adopted an industry-wide membership to include associate members like all suppliers of education related services, lecturers, tutors, hostel operators, books and stationery providers
  • Created the APSC web-portal as a one-stop information cum marketing resource centre for APSC members as well as for members of the public, including students, parents and overseas partners
  • Activated the Industry-Self Help mechanism and placed more than 200 tertiary students after the close of a private school .
  • Led successful missions to China and Vietnam to promote Singapore as a global education hub