SSEF History
A Brief History of the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation
Humble Beginnings
The Sikh Community in Singapore
The Sikh community in Singapore is one of the smallest ethnic groups and is generally regarded as part of the larger North Indian community. Despite its small population, the community has remained steadfast in preserving its language, culture, and heritage. According to the 2020 census, there are approximately 13,300 Sikhs in Singapore.
Early Punjabi Language Education in Singapore
Before the establishment of a formal education structure, the Punjabi language was primarily taught in Gurdwaras (places of worship), where it was closely linked to religious instruction.
Over time, efforts were made to extend Punjabi education beyond Gurdwaras, leading to the introduction of Punjabi language classes at the Waterloo Street Centre and the Singapore Khalsa Association. These early initiatives played a crucial role in preserving the language within the community.
Bilingualism and the 1989 Language Policy
Singapore’s education system has been built on the foundation of bilingualism since the mid-1950s. The policy was further reinforced after independence in 1965, requiring all students to study two languages—English as the primary medium of instruction and a designated Mother Tongue Language.
For many years, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil were the only official Mother Tongue languages recognised in Singapore schools. However, in October 1989, the government made a significant policy shift by officially recognising Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu as examinable subjects at the GCE ‘O’ Level and GCE ‘A’ Level examinations. This milestone provided an opportunity for Punjabi students to learn their language in a structured academic setting, creating the need for a well-organised education framework.
Early Punjabi Language Education in Singapore
Before the establishment of a formal education structure, the Punjabi language was primarily taught in Gurdwaras (places of worship), where it was closely linked to religious instruction. Over time, efforts were made to extend Punjabi education beyond Gurdwaras, leading to the introduction of Punjabi language classes at the Waterloo Street Centre and the Singapore Khalsa Association. These early initiatives played a crucial role in preserving the language within the community.
Establishment of the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF)
Following the government’s recognition of Punjabi as an examinable subject, members of the Sikh community came together to formalise Punjabi language education. In early 1990, key community leaders, led by Mr. Bhajan Singh and his team, mobilised resources and expertise to set up classes and register students across multiple locations in Singapore. As a result of these efforts, the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF) was officially established on 30 December 1990 to provide structured Punjabi language education for students.
From its inception, SSEF was committed to ensuring that the programme was led by experienced educators, including School Leaders and Heads of Departments from mainstream schools, to maintain high academic standards. Over the years, Sikh institutions, community leaders, and well-wishers have provided unwavering support, enabling SSEF to grow and evolve into a strong educational institution.
To make Punjabi language education accessible to students across Singapore, SSEF initially established four learning centres in different regions:
- Si Ling Centre in the North
- Bedok Centre in the East
- Clementi Centre in the West
- Teck Ghee Centre in the Central and South
The Khalsa Punjabi School at the Singapore Khalsa Association, which had been offering Punjabi language classes for many years, continued to operate as a fifth centre.
Over time, SSEF underwent several restructuring efforts to enhance efficiency and resource management:
- 1996: Khalsa Punjabi School was integrated into SSEF and renamed Khalsa Centre.
- 1998: Si Ling Centre was relocated to Yishun and renamed Yishun Centre.
- 2002: Teck Ghee Centre merged with Khalsa Centre, with operations moving to Beatty Secondary School.
- 2003: Yishun Centre was merged into Khalsa Centre, which was subsequently relocated to First Toa Payoh Primary School.
- 2014: Khalsa Centre was moved to Yio Chu Kang Secondary School.
- 2017: SSEF consolidated all its centres and centralised operations at Beatty Secondary School.
- 2019: SSEF was relocated to Whitley Secondary School.
- 2024: SSEF moved to its current location at Xinghua Primary School, where it continues to operate today.
These transitions reflect SSEF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Punjabi language education while ensuring accessibility and sustainability for future generations.
Evolution Of Kindergarten Education
Apart from primary and secondary Punjabi language education, SSEF also managed a Kindergarten programme, which initially operated across various learning centres.
In response to evolving policies by the Ministry of Education, the Kindergarten programme was relocated to SINDA, ensuring continued support under a structured framework. Over time, further changes were made, and today, the Kindergarten operates at the Singapore Khalsa Association.
This move ensures that young learners continue to receive Punjabi language education in an environment that supports their linguistic and cultural development.
SSEF's Commitment to the Future
From its early beginnings in Gurdwaras and community centres to its structured, school-based system today, the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation has remained committed to its mission of preserving and promoting the Punjabi language in Singapore. Through strong partnerships with community leaders, educators, and institutions, SSEF continues to provide high-quality language education, ensuring that future generations of Sikhs in Singapore can stay connected to their language, heritage, and identity.
With the steadfast support of the Sikh community, SSEF is dedicated to nurturing future Punjabi speakers and safeguarding the cultural legacy of the Sikh community within Singapore’s diverse and multicultural society.