"In 8th grade math, we have fallen to 9th place. Singapore's middle-schoolers outperform ours three to one." - U.S. President Obama.

The astounding success of Singapore students in the international mathematics arena (outstanding TIMMS performance since 1995) has brought about worldwide recognition of Singapore mathematics curriculum.

Singapore math programs are now being used by more than 1200

schools in the United States and are raved about by many home-school parents and widely promoted by Internet-based professional organisations. The programs drew high praise for its well-organised structure, strong mental math component and its logical and unique strategies to help students truly understand the mathematical concepts and develop their problem solving skill.

Begining 2002, Singapore math textbboks have also been translated into Hebrew and implemented in many schools across Israel. National tests conducted shown that the schools using Singapore math programs attained an average of 8 points above the national average.  Singapore math programs continue to attract fans worldwide.

Singapore education system focuses on nurturing knowledge workers through ability-driven education. It prepares its students to participate in the 'brain-power' industries of the 21st century.

In line with the mission, Singapore has developed a mathematics curriculum framework that lays out a balanced set of mathematical priorities centered on problem solving. "The primary aim of the mathematics curriculum is to enable pupils to develop their ability in mathematical problem solving. Mathematical problem solving includes using and applying mathematics in practical task, in real life problems and within mathematics itself."  (Ministry of Singapore, Education)

The curriculum places great emphasis on visualization and number sense. It also focuses on computational skills along with conceptual understanding and active thinking process.

The curriculam has been constantly revised to meet the changing needs of the gloabal economy and to prepare Singapore students to meet the impending challenges.

Furthermore, an alternative framework with more assistance is provided for students who have more difficulties in learning mathematics.

So..is the curriculum the only secret to Singapore's success?

Singapore parents place great importance on academic achievements. Tuition is a common phenomenon. Schools are graded and awarded in accordance to the students' performance. Students are drilled consistently in school and at home. Every year students compete ferociously in the high-stake national examinations: PSLE (Primary 6); GCE 'O' level (Secondary 4) and GCE 'A' level (Pre-University). Indisputably, the students' hard works and the total schooling experience are contributing factors to Singapore's sterling success in international mathematics competitions.

Being a small nation with 'its people' being its only resource, how else can the country survive and prosper if the people do not strive for excellence?