APSC History

The Association of Private Schools, founded in 1987, began with the modest objective of bringing together private education providers and ensuring the delivery of quality education in response to the government's initiative of encouraging continuing education among working adults.

Early in its history, Association members initiated a number of skills and vocational training and education courses to support the government's policy of facilitating further part-time education by those who for reasons of finance or the lack opportunities were not able to continue their studies through traditional pathways.

When the government subsequently promoted the upgrading of the skills of the workforce to meet the increasing demands for skilled manpower to meet the needs of accelerating industrialization, association members were among the pioneers to work with relevant authorities to create opportunities for further training and education. Notable in this area was the IT programme for office workers (IT Power) administered by the NCB and the SDF. Association members also worked with ITE to promote the Certificate in Office Skills, the Certificate in Business Studies and other courses of a more vocational nature.

From the perspective of Association mission, the earlier years were focused on developing co-operation and information sharing among members and in general to act as the voice of the private education industry.

With the changing economic scenario and the re-structuring of the Singapore economy to move up the technological ladder, a strong impetus was given to the provision of tertiary level part time education to match the rising aspirations of Singaporeans to acquire diploma and degree qualifications. In his 1995 anniversary dinner message to members, the then President, Mr Tee Tong Chiew wrote:

"The vision of the association has always been to support Singapore's state as an excellent 'educational hub' in the region. This achievement is made possible through the offering of high standard programmes ranging widely from certificate to degree level on both distance learning and classroom study mode. Very often, the programmes are run in collaboration with well-established foreign universities. Such programmes span a diverse variety of subjects including fine arts, music and dance as well as those usually recognized as more vocational in nature."

How do we respond to the new challenges facing the industry, characterized by better informed consumers not only from among Singaporeans but increasingly from potential students from the region, especially from ASEAN, China, and India; increasing demand for degree and post-graduate degrees from good universities; expectations of more effective learning delivery; and vastly increased competition from multinational education providers?

As the association enters into its 20th year of existence, the backdrop against which we continue business is becoming clearer. First there is the need for increased customer orientation. Members have to pay closer attention to the needs of students. Here we wholeheartedly support the government's efforts in the direction of formalizing a Student Protection Scheme.

Next is the imperative to ensure that our association members are professionally managed with proper systems, policies and procedures in place. This will ensure quality management leadership practices. Finally we need to make sure all our members receive help and support in their endeavours to focus on the quality of their courses, programmes and services. Accreditation of courses is the keyword.

In this context, the Association changed its name to Association of Private Schools and Colleges Singapore reflects a broader and larger role it plays in the education arena. Over the next few years as the association embarks of leadership succession and renewal, the challenge to the new leaders will be to focus on the following:

• Continuously review and update its constitution to ensure better corporate governance
• Expanding its membership base to include associate members like all suppliers of education related services - lecturers, tutors, hostel operators, books and stationery providers.
• More transparent, more inclusive leadership with a greater sense of mission, accountability and more responsive to the training and development needs of our various constituents
• Effectively represent the wide, diversified range of players in this growing industry.
  

We invite all education service providers to join us in making this a reality.

Contact Us:

9 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329975
Tel: 6351 7870

secretariat@apsc.org.sg