Introduction

Is it the political stability that allows consistent policy implementation? Is it the rigorous, full-time teaching approach that keeps teachers focused and engaged? Are the mandated life skills and the emphasis on a bilingual mindset the key elements that contribute to Singapore's success in educational assessments, including IQ tests?

Political Stability and Consistent Policy Implementation

The political stability in Singapore has played a critical role in ensuring consistent policy implementation, which is a stabilizing factor for the education system. Unlike Indonesia, where every newly established government tends to challenge the policies of its predecessors, Singapore maintains a steady approach, allowing the education system to continually improve and adapt instead of undergoing constant changes that could destabilize the educational framework. This consistent policy implementation has undoubtedly contributed to the high scores on IQ tests by providing a stable and supportive environment for both students and educators.

Full-Time Teaching with Year-Round Engagement

A unique aspect of the Singaporean education system is the dedication of teachers to their work. Unlike in Indonesia, where teachers often moonlight to supplement their income, Singaporean teachers maintain their focus on their primary profession. This full-time commitment is crucial for the quality of education provided. While other countries may offer long holidays, these periods are often filled with retrospective work and planning for the next academic year. This consistent engagement ensures that teachers are always prepared and ready to deliver quality education, contributing significantly to the high performance seen on IQ tests.

A Tempered Curriculum Focused on Life Skills

Singapore’s curriculum is carefully structured to include practical life skills from a young age. For instance, a first-grade student is taught to manage pocket money and interact with strangers within the school premises. These practical lessons, which are deeply ingrained in the curriculum, help students develop essential social and academic skills. This approach not only prepares students for their immediate academic environment but also equips them with valuable life skills, contributing to their overall intellectual development. These skills are not only beneficial for their cognitive development but also enhance their performance in assessments like IQ tests.

Emphasis on Excellence and Mindset

The emphasis on excellence in Singapore is another critical factor. The cultural mindset of striving for excellence is deeply ingrained in the education system, reflecting a shared value with other countries like Japan and Korea. This mindset fosters a competitive and driven environment where students are encouraged to push their limits and achieve at the highest levels. Unlike in reformed Indonesia, where students' performance is often attributed to the fault of the teachers, the Singaporean education system places a strong emphasis on student accountability and personal responsibility. This shift in mindset greatly influences student performance and success in various assessments, including IQ tests.

Bilingual and Multilingual Mindset

The importance of bilingualism in the Singaporean education system cannot be overstated. Being bilingual or even trilingual trains the brain to switch contexts quickly and naturally. This skill is highly valuable in an ever-changing and globalized world, where context switching is often a productivity killer. I have observed that among many trilingual individuals, a higher percentage have developed this valuable skill, making them more adept at managing different environments and intellectual challenges.

Public Libraries and Kid Sections

The presence of public libraries with vibrant and well-organized youth sections in Singapore cannot be overlooked. During one of my visits to the National Library, I met a mother with her 4-to-5-year-old child who was sitting quietly reading a picture book aloud with fluency. This scene highlights the role of libraries in fostering a culture of reading and learning from an early age. The availability of these resources encourages a love for reading and learning from a young age, contributing to higher scores in IQ tests.

Conclusion

Singapore's success in IQ tests is the result of a multifaceted approach that weaves together political stability, consistent policy implementation, full-time teacher commitment, a practical and rigorously structured curriculum, an emphasis on excellence, and a strong focus on bilingual and multilingual skills. By combining these elements, Singapore has created an environment that nurtures intellectual and practical development, leading to higher educational attainment and success in assessments such as IQ tests.