Meaningful Engagements at SEAB
Fostering International Partnerships in Educational Assessment
SEAB welcomed two international delegations in August 2025, one from Thailand's National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) and another from the Brazilian Congressional Education Caucus (Frente Parlamentar Mista da Educação, FPME). Both visits underscored SEAB's esteemed role in the assessment community at the international front.
Delegates from Thailand's National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) with SEAB’s senior management team and colleagues from Assessment Planning and Development Division (APDD) and Research Development Division (RDD).
Delegates from the Brazilian Congressional Education Caucus (Frente Parlamentar Mista da Educação, FPME) with SEAB’s senior management team.
On 11 August 2025, in a meaningful reunion marking 10 years since their last visit to SEAB in 2015, a 17-member delegation from NIETS, led by its Director, Assistant Professor Sirida Burachat, returned for another exchange. This visit was also particularly significant as it coincided with NIETS' 20th anniversary. NIETS is responsible for overseeing and conducting educational assessments in Thailand. This includes administering standardised high-stake and mandatory examinations, such as the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) and other tests for different school levels.
On 18 August 2025, in a pioneering engagement with Brazil, SEAB hosted a big delegation from the Brazilian Congressional Education Caucus (Frente Parlamentar Mista da Educação, FPME). Led by Mr Rafael de Goes Brito, Leader of the National Education Plan and Federal Representative, the delegation comprised 24 parliamentarians who champion quality public education in Brazil, with key priorities including universal access to education, early childhood development, and the expansion of technical and vocational training. The delegation's visit to SEAB was part of their broader study trip to Singapore's educational institutions, including Ministry of Education (MOE), Institute of Technical Education (ITE), National Institute of Education (NIE), and the Academy of Singapore Teachers (AST). This comprehensive tour reflects their commitment to understanding Singapore's education achievements and gathering insights to inform Brazil's educational changes while fostering bilateral collaboration between both countries.
The visits for both organisations began with a tour of SEAB's exam operations facility, where the delegation gained firsthand insights into our secure facilities and digital infrastructure. The delegates showed keen interest in SEAB's digital transformation journey, particularly our e-Examinations platform and suite of adaptive testing tools - innovations that align closely with their own strategic direction towards digital assessment. The visit was marked by candid exchanges between SEAB and both organisations about practical challenges and experiences in educational assessment, fostering an environment of mutual learning and trust.
The tour of the exam operations facility was one of the highlights of the visits for NIETS and BCEC
The open dialogue with NIETS allowed for rich discussions about assessment innovations and challenges.
NIETS' visit was particularly memorable with an exchange of commemorative gifts marking their 20th anniversary.
An engaging dialogue in action between SEAB and the Brazilian delegates
These visits from international delegations reflect SEAB's growing role in international educational assessment discourse. Through such exchanges, we not only share Singapore's assessment expertise but also gain valuable insights into global educational developments and challenges. These visits strengthen our international partnerships and contribute to the continuous improvement of assessment practices worldwide. As we continue to host delegations from various countries, SEAB remains committed to fostering meaningful collaborations that advance educational assessment both locally and globally.
SEAB wraps up 2025 Conversations sessions with teacher participants
SEAB recently welcomed teacher participants from NIE's Management and Leadership in Schools (MLS) Programme and Teacher Leaders Programme (TLP) for specially curated engagement sessions on 12 August and 25 August 2025 respectively. Building on the success of previous Conversations with SEAB sessions throughout the years, this final run of 2025 was equally fruitful in fostering meaningful connections with the education community.
Representatives from the Assessment Planning and Development Division (APDD) delivered insightful presentations on making assessments engaging, relevant and authentic. The sessions resonated strongly with participants, who appreciated the comprehensive and thought-provoking content shared. The programme also included a guided tour of SEAB's Heritage Gallery where participants learned about the history of national examinations and SEAB’s work.
The dialogue sessions with SEAB management, which serve as the cornerstone of every Conversations with SEAB session, provided a conducive environment for teachers to raise questions about national examinations. These interactive exchanges also enabled participants to offer valuable feedback, helping SEAB continuously improve and refine our assessment processes.
These engagement initiatives reflect SEAB's ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships with the education community and sharing our recent developments and initiatives on assessment. As a thoughtful gesture to commemorate Teachers' Day in advance, each participant was presented with a cupcake, acknowledging their dedication to the teaching profession and SEAB's appreciation for educators as key stakeholders.
Insightful presentations from Ms Koh Li Min, Assessment Officer (Sciences) (left) and Mr Muhammad Sufian Ramli, Assessment Officer (Malay Language) (right) from Assessment Planning and Development Division (APDD).
Left: The participants found out more about the history of national examinations during the Heritage Gallery tour.
Right: The 1897 question papers shared by Cambridge Archives are popular among visitors at SEAB’s Heritage Gallery.
The breakout discussions also served as a valuable networking opportunity for educators to connect and exchange feedback and insights.
The candid dialogue sessions with SEAB's senior management consistently emerge as a programme highlight, fostering open and authentic exchanges.
MLS participants (top) and TLP participants (bottom) were all smiles upon receiving cupcakes!
Feedback from the coordinator, on behalf of MLS participants The visit to SEAB offered a comprehensive view of how SEAB continues to evolve national examinations to be more relevant, engaging, and authentic, with a strong emphasis on higher-order thinking, real-world application, and e21CC. It was inspiring to learn how SEAB harnesses technology to enhance the efficiency and authenticity of national examinations, from the use of rich media in e-Exams to innovative assessment modes that better reflect real-life contexts. The sharing on Assessment for Learning (AfL) tools currently in development also highlighted SEAB’s forward-thinking approach to supporting teaching and learning, and do not just focus on examinations. I particularly enjoyed the tour of the SEAB Heritage Gallery, as it provided an insightful journey into the organisation’s history and its pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s education landscape. We also had the privilege to engage in a candid dialogue with SEAB’s senior management — Mr Yue Lip Sin (Chief Executive), Mr Tan Kuo Cheang (Director, Assessment Planning and Development), and Mr Pang Chong Han (Director, Exam Operations). Their sharing gave us a deeper understanding of the rationale and considerations behind key decisions, reinforcing the alignment between policy intent, assessment design, and educational outcomes. This visit has enriched my perspective on assessment as a powerful driver of learning, and deepened my appreciation for SEAB’s commitment to upholding the integrity, fairness, and relevance of our national examinations. I am grateful for the warm hospitality and the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the team behind this important national mission. The MLS participants were also particularly grateful to receive an early Teachers' Day gift from the thoughtful SEAB team. Thank you! |
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Feedback from the coordinator, on behalf of TLP participants Dear SEAB, On behalf of our teacher participants, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to SEAB for the warm welcome and the valuable insights shared during our visit. The tour of SEAB’s Heritage Gallery was a highlight, offering us a fascinating glimpse into the history of national examinations and SEAB’s important role over the years. We were surprised to learn that the PSLE started as far back as 1960, a reminder of how far the assessment landscape has come. Learning about the future direction of e-Examinations also gave us a sense of how assessment is evolving to stay relevant. The discussion on ‘Making Assessment Relevant, Progressive and Authentic’ was enriching, as it clarified common myths and highlighted how assessments are made authentic through real-world problem contexts. The sharing of Coursework, including the Design Project (Design and Technology) and Authentic Studio Practice (Art), along with the videos of students’ submissions, left teachers inspired and awed by their passion and creativity. We really appreciated the dialogue with SEAB’s senior management. It was indeed a rare and valuable opportunity. The question-and-answer session allowed teacher participants to voice our thoughts and concerns openly, and we felt assured knowing that our perspectives were heard and respected. Thank you once again for the generous sharing, the thoughtful engagement, and for opening up this meaningful space for dialogue and learning. Lastly, our TLP team believes that visiting the SEAB Heritage Gallery should be a rite of passage for every teacher, a chance to walk through the rich history and inspiring journey of examinations in Singapore, and to carry forward a deeper appreciation of the legacy we are part of. Thank you, SEAB. |
SEAB Explores Electronic Examination Best Practices with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
On 20 May 2025, SEAB engaged in a productive virtual conference with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to exchange insights on electronic examination implementation. NZQA is the New Zealand government agency tasked with administering educational assessment and qualifications.
Both organisations have been working towards enabling electronic examinations, with NZQA showing positive results in adoption rate of e-Examinations by schools. The session brought together senior leadership from both organisations, including NZQA's Chief Executive, Mr Grant Klinkum, Deputy Chief Executive, Ms Jann Marshall, and Chief Examinations Operating Officer, Ms Sheryl Ching. SEAB was represented by Chief Executive, Mr Yue Lip Sin, along with Directors of Assessment Planning and Development Division, Mr Tan Kuo Cheang and Mr Pek Wee Haur, Director of Exam Operations Division, Mr Pang Chong Han, Director of Research and Development Division, Mr Kelvin Lim, and other staff members.
During the discussion, SEAB shared about electronic examinations (e-Examinations), highlighting our change management strategies for e-Examinations transition, development of accessible and inclusive e-Examinations, and operational transformation initiatives.
Both organisations shared their experiences and strategies in maintaining examination standards while leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. The conversation also covered emerging trends and possibilities in educational assessment including automated marking systems. Both organisations also shared their respective approaches to modernising examination systems while ensuring quality and integrity.
This engagement has provided valuable insights into digital assessment transformation and reinforced the importance of international collaboration in educational assessment.
SEAB and NZQA attendees during their virtual knowledge exchange session on digital assessment implementation
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