Singapore Education Guide and Singapore Education Act requires PEI to register their company

Singapore Education Guide and Singapore Education Act requires PEI to register their company

A Council for Private Education has been set up under the Private Education Act to enforce rules and regulations for private school operators. Starting on December 21, 2009, all Private Education Institutions (PEI) must register with the council to operate in or from Singapore.

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PEIs affected are those offering full-time preparatory courses for entrance or placement tests for entry into MOE schools or external examinations; programs that offer degrees or diplomas including online degree courses; and post-secondary courses that grant full-time certification.

Foreign system schools offering full-time primary or secondary international curriculum education are also required to register with the council. The regulations also extend to private education institutions offering full-time special education for students with disabilities and which do not receive any government subsidies.

PEIs currently registered under the Education Act will have a grace period of 18 months (until June 20, 2011) to comply with the new requirements. Those currently not registered under the Education Act are required to submit their applications for registration by Feb 20, 2010 to continue operation. PEIs that do not comply with the new regulations are liable for fines of up to $10,000 and up to 1 year of jail.

All of these new rules were a long time coming as more cases of fraudulent degrees surfaced in recent years. These new requirements will not only ensure the integrity of private schools and their curriculums offered, but also bring about credibility to Singapore as an education hub in Asia.

Important Tips for Renting Accommodation

Explore the various housing options available to decide on the type of housing that you would like to live in, the budget, and location (observe the neighbourhood conditions if it meets your needs and transport convenience).

Check with your school's International Student Office (ISO), other students, institutions' noticeboards, and local newspapers for the various housing options and costs.

For students who choose to use housing agents or student agents to look for accommodation, you are encouraged to use those recommended by good friends/relatives or your institutions, to ensure the credibility of such agents.

Note that not all housing is fully furnished, and costs quoted do not take into account electricity, telephone and gas charges.

In all circumstances, do not feel pressured into renting a place until you are comfortable with it, as you are under no obligation to the agent. You should be very clear before signing any documents, whether you will be sharing the room with any other person (s) for the entire duration of the rental period.

Do not sign any document unless you fully understand the contents and implications, and can meet all the necessary requirements.

Once you have decided to rent a property, you will usually sign a legal document known as a tenancy (rental) agreement. Ensure that the tenancy agreement is between yourself (tenant) and the landlord/owner, and sets out the obligations between both parties for a fixed term agreed upon. The tenancy agreement will require the landlord/owner to make sure all utilities are properly installed and in working condition, whilst the tenant will be responsible to ensure that the property is maintained in good order.

Ensure that the inventory list (items within the property that would be entitled for the tenant's use) within the tenancy agreement is satisfactorily met and inspected (you may like to take pictures for evidence) before signing the agreement. Clarify with your landlord whether use of common household facilities like the kitchen, TV, etc. is allowed.

For students renting accommodation via student/housing agents, ensure that the tenancy agreement is signed directly between you and the landlord/owner. To verify the property's ownership, you can request the landlord/owner to produce a conservancy bill (for HDB/public or governmental housing owners) or a property tax statement (for private property owners). Double check that the person you are dealing with is the rightful owner/landlord.

If your student agent is not trained in tenancy issues, please seek the assistance of a licensed housing agent.

Only those over 21 years of age can sign the tenancy agreement. For those under 21 years of age, a guardian or guarantor/sponsor would need to sign the tenancy agreement together with the student.

Keep a copy of the tenancy agreement for your own records. Obtain receipts for all monies paid, for example security deposit, monthly rentals, etc.

For more valuable personal items, you may like to take up personal housing insurance.

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