About Us
About the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF)
Uplifting Punjabi Education Since 1990
Established on 30 December 1990, the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF) began as a community-led initiative to provide quality Punjabi language education. Since then, it has continually evolved its teaching and assessment methods to align with the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus guidelines. This ongoing commitment has contributed to the recognition of Punjabi as a second language in both school-based and national examinations.
Why Learn Punjabi as a Mother Tongue Language?
For Sikh and Punjabi students in Singapore, selecting Punjabi as their Mother Tongue is more than a language choice—it’s a powerful way to preserve identity, connect with heritage, and succeed in school. With the strong support of parents and the commitment of dedicated teachers, our students have been consistently performing well in both school-based and national examinations.
Benefits of Learning Punjabi in Mainstream Education:
Preserves Cultural and Religious Roots
Punjabi is the language of Sikh scriptures and history. Learning it helps students gain a deeper understanding of their faith and traditions.
Boosts Academic Success
With tailored teaching and a strong learning environment, students who take Punjabi excel academically, performing well in national assessments.
Builds Language Fluency
Structured lessons help students develop confidence in reading, writing, and speaking Punjabi—ensuring the language stays alive for future generations.
Strengthens Family and Community Bonds
Punjabi is commonly spoken at home. Learning it formally enhances communication with elders and participation in cultural life.
Ensures Equal Learning Opportunities
Recognised under the BTTSAL framework, Punjabi learners enjoy the same academic pathways and support as peers studying other official Mother Tongue languages.
Nurturing Confident, Culturally Rooted Learners
Structured learning tailored to every child.
The Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF) provides structured Punjabi language education for students from preschool to secondary levels. Classes are conducted on weekends and follow the syllabus guidelines set by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Our curriculum focuses on building students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Punjabi. In addition to language proficiency, lessons incorporate aspects of Punjabi culture, history, and values, helping students develop a strong sense of identity and connection to their heritage.
SSEF operates under the Board for the Teaching and Testing of South Asian Languages (BTTSAL), which ensures that Punjabi language learners are given equal opportunities to sit for school-based and national examinations, just like their peers learning Tamil, Malay, or Mandarin.
With the support of dedicated teachers and engaged parents, our students consistently perform well in their assessments, growing in both confidence and cultural pride.