Wow.. bad host. He is absolutely no idea about Singapore and he hosted a discussion on education. Embarassment. Singapore teachers are well paid, and they take it as a career. Why they have to go thru NIE, etc.. is to make sure they are well train to teach. This host is a disaster.

Respect your decision Dr. Leong. God bless you 🙏 and family. All the best.

Totally understand your decision to move to SG Dr.Leong; my BiL, his Dr wife and 3 kids moved to SG because they too realised they are not able to afford International school education for all 3 of their kids.. Now they have given up their Msian passport and contributing to nation building in SG.. Majulah Singapura! ❤

Welcome Dr Jason Leong and family to Singapore! All Singapore Primary School is a good school. Unless the child is gifted then the branded school will be good for the child.

It’s sad to hear that Dr Leong is leaving Msia. As a fellow Msia I understand where he is coming from, appreciates the sentiments expressed by him. All the best to you, Dr and family, as you make this move. I am sure it’s not an easy decision for you. You have from time to time expressed love for the country and being willing to speak out on thorny issues. Kudos to you.

Dr hits the nail on its head. His reasons are perfectly valid. That's why 1000s and 1000s of highly qualified and not so qualified Malaysians are flocking to Singapore and Australia.

Thank you Dr Jason Leong for the insights

the host simply doesn't know much about Singapore education systems, he has limited knowledge base on his own experiences!

Jason is right on the dot. Parents, whose combined income are around rm20,000 pm, will send their children to private or international schools. That's the reason private schools are mushrooming in big town towns/cities. Malays and Indians send their children to Chinese schools not because of a rising China, but generally because the quality of education is much better, besides of a stricter disciplinary code. Religion is not stressed, unlike our public national schools which have become Islamic schools. A big plus is that students from Chinese schools are schooled into being trilingual. My children are all graduates from national-type national Chinese schools and are well versed in all 3 languages.

Thomas Tong has obviously not done his homework on Singapore schools, their ranking system, their so-called branding, and cost of school fees (including those of international schools), and pay of teachers in Singapore. To say that neighbourhood schools are no good is really doing a great dis-service to our education system and our teachers in general.

Great to have you in Singapore!

Thomas, please do not mislead people if you know zero knowledge about Singapore education systems.

Honestly, most of the Sg neighborhood (local public) schools are generally quite good.

i only know Jason from his comedy work initially. The only other interaction I had with him albeit not directly was a heated discussion I witnessed in an FB group related to a public facility of which I am part of. The way he conducted himself, just gave me the impression that he was a self-entitled pri*k who refused to see both sides of the argument except for his own. That's about all I can say about him, and never bothered about his comedy work anymore after that. He can leave Malaysia and move wherever he wants to, we are still a country where you are free to do so.

Looking forward to seeing Jason in our comedy club circuit!

Dr Leong.We,Singaporean welcome u to Singapore. Amen ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

The host has given much false information, lack of knowledge about SG education system.

I like Dr Jason Leong’s assessment that there is more to education than simply “branded Schools and purely academic results”. Such narrow minded system on what constitutes success brings about Elitism which is a serious problem in Singapore.

Tis host is really sub par. He is not even aware Cold play & swift has many concerts in Sg next year. It’s all over the news. He must be under some rock in Seng Kang.

Dr Jason Leong can also work part-time as a doctor while doing comedy show in Singapore.

Not everything said is precisely correct or at least debatable. For example, many students (Form 1 onwards) travel by MRT, LRT, KTM Komuter and buses. I'm afraid Jason is in the upper/upper-middle class who don't or hardly uses public transport. There are many things said that are contentious eg about safety. I'm a 65yo retired Chinese Malaysian teacher (International school, Yr 10/11 IGCSE Maths/Chemistry/Biology). I don't drive (no licence) and take public transport (excluding cabs).

Host is very slow in processing info n unexposed to current social n political scene.

Admire his talents but I hope people don't take this interview as a guidance in choosing between Malaysia or Singapore. The world is larger than that. Just keep it simple, support what he is good at - being a comedian and full stop.

Congrats Dr Jason Leong for making a wise and sound decision in moving to Singapore for the sake of your little girl 's future education. I graduated from a neighbouhood secondary school ...as an Average student. Later , after completing my Police National Service in the 1970s, my mind "opened up" miraculously. Had no difficulties in completing my private College Diploma and several professional diplomas with good /excellent grades with professional bodies, UK. Managed to excel in my tertiary educations. I trust that Dr. Jason Leong knows that our educational achievements are just " Blank paper qualifications" . Important to guide and teach our youths to work smartly and diligently in whatever jobs they are doing. Good work performances do add value to our Resume. I believe Dr. Jason stands out as a good father in guiding his daughter in the Singapore education system. From- Dr. Paul Steven Doctoral Fellow AMS UK. Certified Multi -Skills Professional, AMS UK. Certifed Trainer in Emotional Intelligence.

FYI have I literally taken the MRT (Kajang line) in Malaysia in the morning and have seen secondary school students taking the train on their own. Yes, it would be concerning to walk on your own on a dark road but for some who have the fortune of living close to an MRT station and have schools that are situated close to station as well then there's an opportunity to use these public transport with minimal security concerns. And Malaysia is not as bad as it seems security wise. Although one has to be a little more street smart here and avoid going to certain places at certain times of the day. Some parts of Malaysia are also safer than it has been before. Let's not paint things with one broad stroke.

The ultimate reason behind our education system is the language. During my time everyone of us is like educated in the international school. I mean our school system back then was in English and we had our Cambridge style exam in public school. My English teacher was from UK, my chemistry teacher was from Norfolk, we had really good teachers. Those were the days. That were the 70s and 80s and my school was in the rural area in Melaka, Alor Gajah. Amazing right. Now, I will not even considering send my kid to that school.

Welcome Dr Jason Leong, wishing you a wonderful stay in SG with your family.

Interesting interview. Tks for sharing the content.

I do not agree with what Dr Jason Leong said as per regards to the safety issues in Malaysia. He was painting a very bad image of the country’s security issues, obviously he’s not been staying here for a very long period of time. I’ve seen many secondary students, very young ones taking the MRT, LRT to and fro to school and home, seen people actually leaving their belongings on a chair or tables at coffee shops and walk to a nearby stalls to order their meals and come back.

Malaysia need to thank Mat Kutty for their present situation. He still got the cheek to demand all non-Malay to look upon themselves as Malaysian first when the Bumiputra policy serve only the Malays. Not surprising Malaysia brain drain started long ago.

It’s ok if you want to migrate that is your personal decision but don’t run your country so much. It is revolting

Welcome to Singapore Dr Leong.

Thank you Dr Leong and Thomas for this frank interview. Every person who moves to Singapore has his/her own life encounters and hence the disagreement with yours. I would say you have spoke your mind out, Dr Leong. Welcome to Singapore and we value your talent and the presence of your family too.

I dare say that any neighbourhood primary school is a good school! Thanks to the deliberate and hard work of our MOE... My put my sons through the nearest primary school and they're doing well in life

great discussion, Malaysian should really hear this with open heart and understand the hocrux in Malaysia right now. It really does not benefit Malaysia if we remains in status quo.

As talents moved to Singapore all we have here are those who needs up-skilling and once up-skilled they then moved to Singapore which has higher attractive landscape and more open culture. So not only we are commodity exporting country, we are also talent exporting

I was with the Singapore MOE for 20 years and know the Singapore education system very well - from Secondary, JC to Poly. The Singapore education system has its pros and cons just like other education systems. I am now retired in my Malaysian home state enjoying a slower pace of life. I can practically pause to smell the roses.

As an ex-Singaporean educator, Singaporeans like to kpkb about our education system, and so did I before and even during my first few years of being in the education system. Now that I've left and had the chance to see education elsewhere in the world (and in particular, I had a glimpse of education in KL), I turn back and say with confidence that SG's education is world-class. Unfortunately for Malaysia (and maybe fortunately for SG?) things aren't so rosy the other side so it's not hard to find Malaysians leaving to come down south for better education. Thing is, that doesn't make me happy at all. Ironically as most people don't realise, a strong and stable Malaysia is better for Singapore.

Eventually all children in primary schools would be streamed according to abilities, and later PSLE, the national exam 😊would be further tested and streamed to various secondary schools according to their exam points. Even if you go "Branded Primary schools doesn't get you into Branded Secondary Schools" Depends on exams points to get in to school of your choice." POV branded schools more stress and competitions among children, if they can handle the stress then it's fine.

Thomas, you have too minimum knowledge about the school in Singapore to start this discussion. Anyway, you ate off track and mainly talk about school than reasons moving into Singapore.

Welcome to Singapore!

This is not solely about his children education but a little more than that..by the way the grass are not always greener on the other side..Good luck on your journey

We welcome you Dr. Leong. You are making the right move not only for yourself but for your daughter too. But just be aware that the cost of living here is very high (but so are the salaries) especially expensive are houses and cars. But you'll be okay and happy here. Good luck!

Exactly ! Jason .

This mofo traitor is Jocelyn Chia's top supporter...no wonder lah aduhh

That's true that in my time during 1970' public school education standard was very high as high school principals had a lot of Chinese and they were extremely strict on students' discipline and behaviour. After 1970' a lot of Chinese principals were being dismissed from their posts as principals lower down to working in the education department as office administration positions whereas Malay people were being promoted to their principals' positions. Since, the whole education standard in Malaysia was deteriorating with examination results were at their inferior state! Whose fault? We all knew!

You surely will miss Malaysia. Singapore is safe but not totally no crime.

Thanks Doctor for the frank interview. Majority of Malaysian knows the rot in the National School system here. Starting with the teaching staff where almost 90 % are now Malays. Most of these teachers, NOT ALL, are 3rd or 4th graders in their SPM . Anyone who has better results would be bundled into some residence mara colleges or send oversea for studies. The left overs are send to some teachers college. when we have lousy teachers what can be expect in our school system?. And look at the school timetable. 70-80% are some islamic classes. Over the years we have a over supply of graduates from Syria, Egypt and ME countries. What do you think they teach when they are absolved into the educational system?

Good luck Jason on your move.

True, true, a 6 yr old in Spore speak way better than most Uni students.....

Professional such as Doctors, lawyers… accountant will do better in Sg. Because of exchange rate but bear in mind. The difference will only be when you “change from MY to SG”. But once you are in Sg. You won’t see the change and improvement.

Helo dr... household income of rm40k within klang valley is considered barely scrapping by....and private schools in Malaysia are expensive....but parents do spend out of necessity

Welcome to Singapore Dr Jason Leong, small suggestion, pls do obtain the information you require from other sources. Your source (seated next to you) is inadequate. Good luck:)

Welcome to Singapore, doc. Do consider Punggol to move to. The demographics is relatively younger i.e. young parents like yourself. Happy to show you around if interested.

Welcome

Jason and I went to the same secondary school, and it’s just interesting how under-researched and under-informed he is about both the local Malaysian AND Singaporean education system. His POV is very shallow and it’s only brushing through the surface… my jaw dropped when he thought a combined household income of RM20k (RM10k each adult) is considered “middle class” when in fact, that’s already above the middle-class range… just WOW. Regardless of being in an urban or rural setting, he’s actually speaking from an extremely privileged position. And generally Malaysians who have never lived in SG would always think from a multiply-3.5 perspective, but sir, once u RESIDE IN SG, it’s multiply-1, cuz they would have to eat, sleep, drink in SG, so forex rate is irrelevant (unless they literally drive into JB to buy their weekly groceries). Plus he won’t be getting EPF (or CPF unless he’s a PR). Anyhoo… good luck to u & ur family, Jason, enjoy SG (before u realize how expensive and costly it is to sustain a lifestyle and to raise a family in SG)

I do see primary sch children take public transport by themselves in sg

Wah… SK primary damm hard to get in…. Many wrong information about the schools….

If you don't drink, no smoking habits and you ok to travel by public transports.. BTW grab is faster and more effective also.. Like you say transport is more safe and fast.. That why Spore is over taking HK and regional hub.. Speed and time is the logic of how things work .. Welcome to Singapore

Singapore welcomes you !

My relative studied in Sengkang Primary School, got a sponsorship to study in Singapore Poly. He was Top 1% at Singapore Poly and got a scholarship to study in NTU.

The thing host said the most was "yeah" yeah yeah....

Welcome 🇸🇬

Just take a close look at the curriculum teach in public school and students graduated from public education system, i can fully comprehend Dr.Leong realistic sentiment n worry of his children future in Malaysia.🤫

The so called branded schools the were basically old colonial schools. The Ang Mo sounding were British & (Christian) Missions schools. The Hokkien clans ones were the old Chinese schools. LKY wanted to keep these Chinese schools due to their Chinese culture & values. So when demand for English increased, so less parents demand for Chinese school, LKY converted these Chinese schools to elite SAP schools, with Chinese also as 1st language.

How can this guy project neighbourhood school as "not as good" absolutely disaster, is the host living in Singapore? While others valued Singapore, and he seems to pour cold water. Also have no idea about the entertainment economy, cold play, etc.. thumbs down.

Spot on on the low quality & rotten education system in Malaysia.

This is a great interview Thomas

not just school with english names, dont forget 中正，南洋 etc ... also, neighbourhood schools are also good, because the teaching methods (eg: model maths etc) ...

I’m sad to hear that Jason is leaving Malaysia for Singapore. I’m ex Malaysian.

In Singapore all public school are good school even neighborhood school.

:) obviously Thomas not yet have any children, therefore not knowing small kids can already go to school by themselves when young. 18 years ago my primary 3 son already walk to Nanyang himself, and my primary 4 daughter could take bus to raffles herself, Singapore is very safe, no worries Jason your daughter in good hand. BTW if you move to tiong bahru, your daughter could go river valley primary or Alexander primary, which have Ang Moh name school! Good luck!

Pei Hwa, Nan Hua, Ai Tong, Kuo Chuan, Kong Hwa - all Chinese names yeah - are popular branded schools.

When everyone leaves, who is going to help in nation building in Malaysia? Instead of escaping, why not stay to help? .

Dr Leong, not all parts of malaysia are that bad as painted by you. You just have to be streetwise and vigilant where you are going. Certain parts are quite safe. You are frightening outsiders to Malaysia. I have the fortune of staying in Malaysia and singapore. There are pros and cons of both sides. Singapore ranked number one in terms of safety and security. But having said that I did have an umbrella stolen out side the door of a condo in a sg condo. Probably whoever took it must in dire need of the umbrella!!

Welcome to SG Dr Leong! The host could perhaps do more research on his home ground before discussing with a foreigner.

There's obviously pros and cons of Malaysian education system and Singapore alike. Generally I think we all can agree that Malaysian kids are more resilient when they venture out overseas. We have often heard of Malaysians doing well around the world, but I hardly hear of Singaporeans the same. Singaporean education from Primary to Secondary are tough and highly pressured, I can tell from kids of some friends who are in Singapore. Very often we heard kids commit suicide etc. Education is not everything, character building is more important. In that aspect, i tend to disagree with Dr Jason Leong on this. I've visited Singapore a few times in the last few years and it's not a place where I would want to raise my kids (I have 4).

I watch this clips but to the host. I think u need to read up more to be a host for this topic though. Still good job though

The unfortunate reality is that many people still consider schools as the only option and justification for acquiring education and knowledge. I expressed this view 25 years ago, and I reiterate it today: 'If the sole motivation for an individual to attend school is education, then it is simply a waste of time and money.' The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the occasion that validates.

Love the candidness of the interview. I'm also quite shock when Dr Jason mentioned it's not safe for lone female even in KL. The branded schools are able to maintain high standards because they're able to attract crème de la crème teachers. They create the same kind of environment that had produce results over the years. I remember I get to walk back from school since Primary 4. That was 25 years ago. My nieces and nephews also walk home or take the public transport around that age by themselves because both parents are working. They have classmates living in the same area, so they don't need to be alone. I also agree that cycling is dangerous especially on the roads. Sometimes you're just unknowingly on the blind spots. No point puting yourself in harm's way if you can avoid it.

A lot of M'sians don't understand and think that S'porean food like chicken rice and bak kut teh tastes bland here in Singapore and CMI. You need to know where to go. Even S'poreans, like our friend Thomas, also don't realize this. Unless you are foodie you wouldn't know where the good spots are. You just think as long as there chicken rice stall, that must be it. If you just blindly go into any hawker centre and order the chicken rice there, chances are that it will be below par, *WAY below par* Even Maxwell Road's Tian Tian's chicken rice is terrible. The meat and the rice is dry and the flavour is just *NOT there* . But for the western expats they will think this is great because they don't have a baseline to compare what they are eating with. For chicken rice, I prefer to go to the Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at Golden Mile Hawker Centre. The meat is tender, moist, and the Chicken Rice Is far tastier than Maxwell Road. The chilli is also better. So guys, you got to do your homework if you want to taste the better stuff.

😅 Its a no brainer. The rot started when Dr.M became PM plus the continous rule by UMNO. They together played the 3R card to the hilt. Now even Vietnam is performing better despite the Vietnam War.

Malaysian politicians forever in stage of denial when it comes to education. Despite spending large chunk of budget into education, clueless on how to reform.

Please think of your root...

I think you can only take 50%-60% of his comment about Malaysia… is quite narrow and he only speaks probably only based on his own and his friend’s experience (probably the “elite group”…. )

One way to enter these so called top primary school is through GEP exam which all students must go through in primary3. GEP stands for Gifted Education Program.

Please have some respect with teachers in public schools. Of course there are some bad apples but many are many excellent teachers. The education system needs to improve.

The unspoken reason is obvious but too sensitive for some Malaysians, that is, Singapore practises meritocracy but has low tolerance for corruption. 😅

If you’re earning in SG, the cost of living is cheaper in SG than KL. Don’t convert currency.

While i agree with most of the reason by Leong..i don't agree re..school kids never takes the MRT by themselves....one jus have to ride the MRT after school hours to see how many students do get on the MRT by themselves...

I don't agree teacher in Malaysia is lowly paid and that when you paid peanuts you gets monkey here.i would say is more of the dedication and the passion of the new generation which are lacking among the teachers nw. In fact overall in the civil servants in Malaysia.

Wah, what a scoop and insight!

hosts facts on schooling is just off the the mark.

Good decision

If you put your child in a Singapore kindergarten, the child will be able to speak 2 languages in 6 months to a year. School kids from ages 10 onwards making their own way to school by public transport is a normal thing in Singapore.

I believed Jason meant the public schools to be the just the national language schools. The Chinese public schools are still ok for now unless he wants his child to learn only English.

1 reason, 1 word - Ketuanan. And about international school - very normal. My ex classmates who went back to MY, their kids are all in pte schools. None of the kids are in SJK and definitely not SK. BBBS and BBGS were premier institutions but now mediocre schools.

You don’t leave your phone and handbag on the table in public places when you go to order your food, in Australia.

I'm not trying to make excuses for public schools, but exactly how do parents who graduated from public school can say the public school now sucks when they are not studying in one now? Logic?

Try make fun of LKY in your standup comedy and see if it land you into trouble..