Education Minister Chan Chun Sing believes that becoming a minister—or even prime minister—should not depend on having a university degree, but rather on having “a heart for the people,” a claim that many netizens find unrealistic.
During an interview with CNA’s Deep Dive Podcast on 14 March, Chan was asked if he could foresee a day when a Singaporean prime minister or minister might not hold a university degree.
In response, Chan said that he believes the “most important thing” for becoming a minister is not the person’s academic level, but rather the person’s integrity and commitment to putting the people before their personal interests.
“I would say that whether you can be a prime minister, minister, depends not so much on whether you go to university [or] whether you got a degree or a PhD or what not,” Chan said.
“The most important thing is, do you have a heart for the people? Are you honest? Do you have the integrity or are you there just for yourself because you want to win the argument?” he continued.
Chan added that “the most scary type” of ministers are those who seek power for themselves rather than serving the people.
He believes the public can distinguish between self-serving leaders and those who truly serve the people.
“If you are there for the people, you are there for the country, and you put the country and the people before yourself, I think people will also see it,” he said. “People, after awhile, will know and see beyond you, whether you have a degree or not a degree, diploma or no diploma.”
Netizens not convinced by Chan’s remarks
Many netizens commenting on CNA’s interview video are skeptical with Chan’s remarks, as they pointed out that university degrees are already a prerequisite in job hiring.
One user wrote that non-graduates have a “very small chance” of securing leadership roles, given that a university degree is a requirement in the screening process.
One user agreed that a university degree is not the determining factor for becoming a minister, but rather the person’s connections and networking in the political realm.
Another commenter stated that Singapore needs “competent and capable” ministers, arguing that Chan’s emphasis on having a “heart for the people” is more suited for charity workers. The user emphasized that the role of a prime minister requires intellect, moral strength, and influence to govern effectively.
Another user wrote that the reality of leadership selection is far more complex, and having a “heart for Singapore” alone is not enough to qualify someone for leadership.
The user questioned whether the system could truly change, noting that in parliament, politicians are often judged by their academic background rather than their sincerity to serve.
“We live in a country where academic excellence counts so much, on top of where you graduate from; can we finally come to a point that anyone with the heart to serve the people will be a leader?” the user wrote.
The commenter expressed hopes that the nation could move beyond this entrenched mindset, especially in an election year, and focus on selecting leaders based on their integrity and commitment to the public.
Another user argued that a university degree is “a minimum requirement” for becoming a minister, urging Chan to be more forthright rather than giving people false hope that simply having “a heart for the people” would be enough for the role.
One user argued that the difference in job prospects and career progression between a President’s Scholar and a non-degree holder highlights the unlikelihood of a non-graduate becoming a minister.
The user rejected the notion that having a heart for the people is a requirement for becoming a minister, noting that having the right connections is the real key to securing such positions.
One user challenged Chan to hire diploma holders as ministers first before claiming that “a heart for the people” is what it takes to become a minister.
One user argued that in Singapore, holding a university degree is essential for attaining top leadership positions.
The user stated that while a non-graduate might become a Member of Parliament, it would be nearly impossible to rise to the level of minister, prime minister, or elected president without the necessary academic qualifications.
Another user wrote that in Singapore’s political landscape, having at least a university degree is essential for becoming a prime minister, minister, or even a member of parliament.
The user stated that for opposition candidates, especially those contesting in Single Member Constituencies (SMCs), not being a graduate would severely diminish their chances of getting elected.
One user argued that without an honors degree, first-class honors, a master’s, or a PhD, most major corporations and government-linked companies would not even consider a candidate for an interview, regardless of whether they have the “heart” for the company.
One user questioned how the public could assess a potential leader’s heart and ability to perform before they even get the chance to serve. The user pointed out that intelligence and problem-solving skills are harder to gauge in someone with low educational credentials.
The post Netizens doubt Chan Chun Sing’s take on whether non-graduate can become minister appeared first on The Online Citizen.
