Assessment of Singapore citizenship applicants’ civic knowledge and English proficiency and strengthening Singapore citizenship journey programme

Question:

Ms Diana Pang Li Yen: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there is presently any prescribed assessment of an applicant's knowledge of Singapore's history, institutions, national symbols, basic laws, or of proficiency i n English, before citizenship is granted; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider introducing such an assessment or otherwise strengthening the Singapore Citizenship Journey programme, to better ensure basic civic understanding am ong new citizens.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. There are presently no prescribed assessments of an applicant’s knowledge of Singapore, or English proficiency.

2. However, all new citizens aged 16 to 60 years old who have been granted in-principle approval for Singapore citizenship, must complete the Singapore Citizenship (SC) Journey before the completion of citizenship formalities.

3. The mandatory programme helps enrich new citizens’ understanding and appreciation of Singapore’s history and development, our norms and values, and to build stronger ties with the local community through the following components:

(a) An online e-learning module with quiz components to support learning, covering topics such as Singapore’s history, key institutions and systems, responsibilities of citizenship, and shared values and social norms;

(b) An experiential learning programme that brings participants to significant historical landmarks and national institutions, or a half-day programme to introduce participants to community service in Singapore; and

(c) A Community Sharing Session, where local community leaders share with new citizens their experiences of living in a multiracial and multireligious society and encourage them to be involved in the community.

4. The Government will continue to study how we can support the integration of new SCs, in a sensible and practical manner.