Future of PE in Singapore: My Hopes and Aspirations 

As technology continues to reshape how we live, learn and interact through artificial intelligence, wearables and virtual experiences, my hope is that physical education remains deeply human at its core. Technology can enhance learning, but it must not supplant the relational and experiential richness that physical education uniquely offers. A spontaneous high-five from a teammate, the shared triumph of executing a new skill, words of encouragement from a teacher — these moments carry a magic that technology simply cannot fully replicate.

In an increasingly tech-driven future, we must anchor our curriculum in genuine human connection, honouring the bonds born from physical play and celebrating the life lessons forged through shared physical endeavours. At the heart of physical education lies the human spirit — an element that must remain central as we embrace technological innovation.

Physical education goes beyond movement — it is about guiding each student to find their own meaning in movement. Along this journey, we must recognise and respond to the unique strengths, interests and learning needs of each student. My hope is for physical education to serve as an inclusive and inspiring space for personal growth. A space where differences are celebrated and success is defined not by how fast we run or how many calories we burn, but by our individual progress, sustained effort and serendipity in movement.

Looking ahead, our curriculum must remain responsive and adaptable. It should offer diverse, meaningful pathways, rich in choice and relevance, enabling our students to explore, learn from failure and grow while grounding them in our enduring shared values of respect, responsibility, and resilience. When physical education resonates personally, it becomes more than a subject — it becomes a lifelong companion.

Empowering students to take ownership of their learning and health is essential for their future. I hope that future physical education will afford greater space and opportunities for student agency, where learners truly become active architects of their learning and health journeys. When students learn to reflect thoughtfully on their progress, plan their next steps, monitor their growth and adjust their approaches, they cultivate competencies and autonomy that serve them well beyond physical education.

Picture a student pioneering an urban street sport, another finding their unique expression through an immersive virtual reality movement exploration, or a group initiating a wellness programme for the community. With autonomy and opportunity to explore and lead, students authentically shape their physical education experience. My aspiration is for every student to leave school equipped with the capacity, motivation, confidence and self-directedness to lead a healthy, purposeful life — one shaped by their values and aspirations.

A curriculum, however forward-looking, only comes alive through skilled and passionate educators. Our teachers are the heartbeat of physical education. To nurture future-ready learners, we must first invest in those who guide the way.

This means creating time and space for our teachers to deepen their craft, collaborate meaningfully and innovate with confidence. Our teachers must be empowered to inspire students as they forge connections with one another and the environment, harness technology thoughtfully, and discover their own meaning through movement. A passionate teacher can transform regular lessons into extraordinary learning adventures where every student thrives.

The future of physical education is a journey we shall walk together, built on the stories we share and the values we hold dear. Our challenge extends beyond designing the perfect curriculum or lesson — it lies in inspiring a culture where movement is cherished, health is valued, and every child is empowered to flourish through physical education.

These hopes and aspirations are more than ideals — they represent my commitment to building a future-ready, heart-led physical education curriculum that develops the whole child. Together, we can nurture every child to become a confident, healthy and resilient individual who will strengthen Singapore's future.