Ryse Insights

MOE will release PSLE results on 25 Nov, setting the stage for secondary school selection. A process now driven by strategy, not just scores. With many students sharing the same AL scores, your school choices and their order matter more than ever, turning selection into a game theory puzzle. Success depends on factoring in how others might choose. In this landscape, education strategists like Ryse Education can offer families an edge.

As November's open house season approaches, families can visit many secondary schools over the next four weekends. These are more than tours. They are opportunities to experience each school's culture firsthand. Parents should ask critical questions about subject availability at upper secondary levels and CCAs, as these choices will impact eligibility for JC subjects, polytechnic courses and university majors.

SkillsFuture is transforming education in Singapore by promoting lifelong learning and skills mastery. For students, portfolio building complements strong academic foundations, helping them demonstrate practical skills alongside grades. This balanced approach prepares them for competitive admissions and future job markets, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and creative application for holistic success.

Join us for two community sessions designed to guide families through critical education decisions. Learn about post-PSLE secondary school selection (AL scores vs DSA pathways) on Nov 1 at Siglap South CC, and university admissions strategies for local, US & UK institutions on Nov 23 at Thomson CC. Open to all parents and students seeking expert guidance on Singapore's education system.

Singapore may wish to ease its focus on grades, but the truth is global universities still demand them. For ambitious students, standardised exams like the A-Levels remain a crucial leveller as a way to match brighter peers and reach top institutions. The challenge is not to deny grades, but to expand success to include networks, presence, and purpose as launchpads for lasting careers.

NTU's career support is welcome, but let's be honest: Singapore's open economy means graduates compete globally for local jobs. Most desirable industries offer minimal citizen advantage. Success now requires uniquely human skills (creativity, empathy, cultural intelligence) that our academic system undervalues. Students need strategic guidance on becoming irreplaceably human in an AI-driven, globally competitive market.

The US new proposal on 4-year cap on F-1 student visas ends decades of 'duration of status' admissions, creating unprecedented uncertainty for international students. With 80% of Asian students relying on informal guidance, professional educational consultants like Ryse Education become critical for navigating policy volatility and developing strategic alternatives across Asia's rising education destinations.

Singapore PSLE oral exams may favor privileged students with travel experiences, but determined kids from lower-income families can level the playing field. Through YouTube travel vlogs, library books, documentaries and community programs, any student can build rich knowledge to excel. The digital age has democratized access to experiences. Success depends on resourcefulness and preparation, not limited by family wealth. True merit shines regardless of economic background.

Singapore's new School-Based Gifted Education (SBGE) programme expands gifted education to the top 10% in every school, using a holistic approach including screening tests, teacher observations, student work, and recommendations. While more inclusive, concerns remain about fairness, potential favoritism, and how the majority outside SBGE will be supported. The shift also raises questions about coaching pressures and maintaining quality across all schools.

Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative is vital, but upskilling alone isn’t enough in the GenAI era. In a globally competitive market, local workers still face challenges, making it crucial to pair new skills with entrepreneurship and portfolio building. Empower individuals to create value and own their future careers.

As Singapore launches Mandarin-taught university programmes to attract Chinese postgraduate students, local undergraduates increasingly head overseas for broader networks and opportunities. This post unpacks how context and ambition shape educational choices in both directions, reminding us that smart decisions are about finding the right fit, not just following the crowd.

Discover AI-resilient skills like investment coaching, martial arts and financial literacy. These future-proof abilities help students stand out in a changing job market and create unique, monetizable opportunities beyond traditional education.

As DSA season heats up, many parents and students dream of entering top schools. But the journey isn’t always as smooth as it seems. Real stories reveal hidden pressures and unexpected challenges. Before accepting a DSA offer, find out what you’re really signing up for and how expert, objective guidance can make all the difference.

Starting early is key for students aiming at top universities like Oxbridge or the Ivy League. Read how I guided my student Jay from Secondary 3 at ACSI, helping him build a strong academic and super-curricular portfolio, win competitions, and grow in confidence, leading to his Cambridge Engineering offer. Discover why early, holistic preparation matters in today’s admissions landscape, and how you can map your child’s journey too.

My journey from large public universities to MIT’s ESG showed me the power of small-group, discussion-based learning. While Singapore’s higher education system faces challenges scaling this model, true student growth comes from active, holistic engagement, and not passive note-taking or over-reliance on technology. I’m committed to helping students take charge of their own learning and thrive beyond exams.

O-Levels open doors, but strategy determines which ones you walk through. Here’s why engaging a personal educational strategist can transform your JC or Polytechnic journey — and your future.