Written Answer · 2026-10-07 · Parliament 15
Measures to Assess Students' Ability to Perform Key Learning Tasks without AI Assistance
Mr Jackson Lam asked the Minister for Education whether MOE intends to develop measures to assess students' ability to perform key learning tasks, particularly in writing, research and problem solving, without AI assistance. Mr Desmond Lee replied that national and school-based examinations are typically proctored and disallow AI use to assess students' independent abilities, while for assessments where AI use is appropriate, students must declare their AI use and remain responsible for their own work; MOE will continue reviewing its assessment approaches as AI capabilities evolve.
Why it matters
Exams continue to ban AI, but coursework allows its use — Singapore uses dual-track assessment to establish boundaries for AI rather than a blanket ban
Key Points
- • National and school-based examinations are typically proctored and disallow AI use, so students' independent abilities can be assessed.
- • For assessments where some AI use is appropriate, such as certain research or coursework, students must state how AI is used and remain responsible for their own work.
- • Even where AI is permitted, assessments are designed to require students to demonstrate their own thinking, judgement and understanding.
- • MOE places importance on students developing strong foundational knowledge and skills while learning to use AI appropriately and responsibly.
- • MOE will continue to review its assessment approaches as AI capabilities evolve, to ensure they reflect what students have learnt and can do.
The Government's position is to safeguard assessment of students' independent abilities through proctored exams that disallow AI and disclosure requirements in AI-permitted coursework, but it did not commit to any new dedicated assessment tool or timeline.
Mr Jackson Lam's question reflects concern that students may rely too heavily on AI, leaving core abilities in writing, research and problem solving inadequately assessed.
This signals that Singapore's education policy relies on existing exam proctoring and coursework disclosure rules to address AI, rather than introducing a dedicated new assessment regime, favouring ongoing adjustment over a one-off new rule.
"National and school-based examinations are typically proctored and disallow the use of AI, so that students' independent abilities can be assessed."
Participants (2)
Original Text (English)
SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-10-21
30 Mr Jackson Lam asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry intends to develop measures to assess students' ability to perform key learning tasks without AI assistance, particularly in writing, research and problem solving.
Mr Desmond Lee : The Ministry of Education (MOE) recognises the importance of ensuring that students continue to develop strong foundational knowledge and skills, while learning to use AI appropriately and responsibly.
Our assessments are designed according to their intended purpose, including assessing what students can do independently. National and school-based examinations are typically proctored and disallow the use of AI, so that students' independent abilities can be assessed.
For assessments where some AI use is appropriate to the task, such as in certain research or coursework, students must state how AI is used and they remain responsible for their own work. While AI is permitted, assessments are designed to require students to demonstrate their own thinking, judgement and understanding.
MOE will continue to review our assessment approaches as AI capabilities evolve, ensuring they reflect what students have learnt and can do.