The ongoing debate around tuition culture in Singapore has resurfaced following recent remarks by Minister Chan Chun Sing and the Bukit Panjang MP incident. Parents face increasing pressure to enrol their children in tuition—not necessarily out of necessity, but due to school expectations, aggressive tuition centre marketing, and social comparisons. However, is tuition truly the answer to academic success?
For Emil Lim, the founder of First Principles Education (FPE), his personal experience with tuition shaped his perspective on learning. While tuition helped him in primary school, he struggled in secondary school without it. This realization led him to establish FPE, a mentorship-driven approach that focuses on teaching children how to learn effectively, rather than just drilling them with more content.
Through mentoring in SG, Emil and his team empower students to develop essential life skills like time management, independent thinking, and self-discipline, freeing them from reliance on tuition. But how does this mentorship model work, and how can parents support their children’s learning without succumbing to tuition pressures?
The Pressures of Tuition Culture in Singapore
Many parents believe that more tuition equals better grades, but Emil argues this is a misconception. While tuition may provide short-term academic boosts, it does not necessarily build the skills needed for long-term success.
“Many assume that if a child is struggling, the only solution is more tuition classes and practice papers. But often, what students lack is not more content, but the right study habits, time management skills, and independent learning strategies.” – Emil Lim
Additionally, parents often enrol their children in tuition out of fear and external pressures rather than genuine necessity. Schools emphasize academic results, and tuition centres capitalize on this by marketing their programs as a “must-have” for success. Social comparisons also play a role—when parents see others sending their children for tuition, they feel obligated to do the same.
Instead of automatically turning to tuition, Emil advises parents to assess the root problem:
- Does the child struggle with understanding the subject?
- Or is the issue ineffective study techniques and poor time management?
If it’s the latter, tuition may not be the best solution.
Mentoring in SG: A More Sustainable Approach
Rather than reinforcing tuition dependency, Emil believes that students should be guided towards independent learning through mentorship. Unlike traditional tuition, mentorship focuses on how to study rather than just what to study.
At First Principles Education, mentorship includes:
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Time management strategies
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Memory techniques based on neuroscience
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Note-taking and active recall methods
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Stress management and exam strategies
“Tuition creates dependency while mentoring in SG builds independence. A student who completes our program will no longer need tuition because they’ll have the skills to succeed on their own.” – Emil Lim
This approach shifts students from a passive learning mindset (waiting for answers from tutors) to an active learning mindset (taking initiative in their studies).
Helping Parents Reduce Education Anxiety
Many parents experience education anxiety, fearing that without tuition, their children will fall behind. Emil offers three key strategies to reduce this stress:
- Shift the focus from grades to skills. Instead of measuring success purely by marks, celebrate improvements in study habits and problem-solving abilities.
- Allow children to take control of their learning. Give them space to set their own study schedules and goals rather than micromanaging.
- Find relatable mentors. Children often resist parental advice, but they respond better to mentors closer to their age, whom they see as role models rather than authority figures.
Success Stories: Transitioning from Tuition Dependency to Independent Learning
Carol & Rory
Carol, a confidence coach and mother of two teenagers, struggled with her daughter Rory’s resistance to tuition. Rory felt overwhelmed by the demands of school, and additional tuition only intensified her stress, leading to conflicts and emotional distress.
At her breaking point, Carol turned to mentoring in SG through FPE. Rory was paired with a mentor closer to her age, who helped her develop effective study techniques without the rigid structure of tuition. Over time, Rory became self-sufficient, managing her own study schedules and workload with confidence.
Alexia & Xavier
Alexia, a doula and mother of three, wanted her eldest son Xavier to develop a love for learning on his own terms. Being a highly sensitive child, Xavier struggled with academic pressure and found it difficult to meet expectations.
Through mentoring in SG, Xavier worked with a mentor who helped him build self-confidence and study at his own pace. Instead of feeling forced to study, he discovered learning strategies that suited his personality, making his education journey much more enjoyable and effective.
What’s Next for Singapore’s Education System?
Singapore’s education landscape is evolving. The Ministry of Education has been removing mid-year exams and de-emphasizing grades, signalling a move toward a more holistic approach. Email predicts:
- A shift toward study skills coaching rather than traditional tuition
- More emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving
- A rise in mentorship and self-directed learning models
FPE aims to be at the forefront of this change, offering mentoring in SG as a long-term alternative to traditional tuition.
Conclusion: Breaking Free from Tuition Dependency
The pressures of Singapore’s tuition culture are real, but parents have the power to make informed decisions. Instead of defaulting to tuition, consider whether the real issue is a lack of study skills and independent learning strategies.
With mentoring in SG through First Principles Education, students can break free from tuition dependency and develop the confidence to succeed on their own terms.
“Our mission is to help parents break the cycle of tuition dependency and give students the tools they need to succeed confidently and independently.” – Emil Lim
