SINGAPORE’S SUCCESS ON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC TESTS (PISA AND TIMSS)

SINGAPORE NO. 1 IN MATH, SCIENCE AND READING ON THE PISA TESTS

Singapore ranked No.1 in all three subjects of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the international study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Results in mathematics remained about the same as in 2018, science scores improved slightly and reading scores declined somewhat, mirroring global trends seen in many countries after the pandemic. Even so, average performance in all three subjects remained substantially higher than when Singapore first participated in PISA in 2009. [Source: OECD]

PISA Test for students age 15 (2022):
Math: 575 , 1st out of 81 countries, ahead of Macau and Taiwan in second and third; The U.S. was 34th.
Science: 561, 1st out of 81 countries ahead of Japan and Macau in second and third. The U.S. was ranked 16th with a score of 499.
Reading: 543, 1st out of 81 countries ahead of Ireland and Japan in second and third. The U.S. was ranked 9th with a score of 504. [Source: PISA, OECD, Wikipedia wikipedia.org ]

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a worldwide study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) of both OECD and non OECD countries. It was first performed in 2000 and has been every three years since then. Each student takes a two-hour computer based test.

Findings About Singapore from the PISA Tests Means

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Singapore was one of the few education systems to show long-term improvement while already performing at an exceptionally high level. The percentage of low-performing students across all three subjects was among the smallest in the world. Only about 4 percent of students were classified as low performers in mathematics, reading and science simultaneously, while nearly 15 percent were top performers in all three areas, the highest share internationally.

Socioeconomic background also played a role in academic achievement. Around half of Singapore’s students belonged to the top international socioeconomic quintile, making them among the most advantaged students participating in PISA globally. These students achieved especially high scores, particularly in mathematics, where their average exceeded 600 points.

Gender differences followed international patterns. Boys outperformed girls in mathematics, while girls scored substantially higher in reading. Singapore’s education system also showed widening gaps between high-achieving and lower-performing students in mathematics, although reading inequalities narrowed and science gaps remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2022.

Singapore’s Performance in Science on the PISA Test

Singapore ranked first globally in science in the 2022 PISA assessments, with an average score of 561 compared with the OECD average of 485. The results reflected the country’s long-standing emphasis on science, technology and innovation as central pillars of economic development and national competitiveness. [Source: OECD]

About 92 percent of Singaporean students reached at least Level 2 proficiency in science, meaning they could apply basic scientific knowledge to explain phenomena and interpret evidence. Only about 8 percent of students performed below this level, one of the lowest proportions among all participating countries and economies.

Singapore also produced one of the world’s highest proportions of top science performers. Nearly one-quarter of students achieved Levels 5 or 6, demonstrating advanced scientific reasoning, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students at these levels can evaluate complex scientific information and apply scientific concepts to unfamiliar situations.

Both boys and girls performed exceptionally well in science. Boys scored slightly higher on average, with a score of 565 compared with 558 for girls. However, both genders ranked among the top-performing science students globally. Singapore also recorded extremely low shares of low-performing boys and girls in science compared with most other education systems.

Observers often attribute Singapore’s strong science performance to rigorous teacher training, structured curricula and heavy investment in STEM education. Schools place strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, laboratory work and critical thinking, while national policies encourage interest in engineering, biomedical science and digital technologies from an early age.

Singapore’s Performance in Mathematics on the PISA Test

Singapore achieved the highest mathematics score in the world in the 2022 PISA rankings, with students recording an average score of 575. The results reinforced the country’s international reputation for excellence in mathematics education and analytical problem-solving. [Source: OECD]

More than 90 percent of Singaporean students reached at least Level 2 proficiency in mathematics, far above the OECD average of 69 percent. Students at this level are able to interpret and solve routine mathematical problems independently. Only about 8 percent of students scored below the minimum proficiency threshold, one of the lowest rates internationally.

Singapore also had the world’s highest share of top mathematics performers. About 41 percent of students achieved Levels 5 or 6, compared with an OECD average of only 9 percent. These students demonstrated the ability to model complex situations mathematically, evaluate strategies and solve advanced problems requiring abstract reasoning.

Boys performed slightly better than girls in mathematics, scoring 581 points compared with 568 for girls. However, both groups ranked first globally among participating countries and economies. Singapore also had some of the world’s lowest shares of low-performing students for both boys and girls.

The country’s mathematics success has often been linked to the internationally recognized “Singapore Math” approach, which emphasizes conceptual understanding, visual problem-solving and mastery of core principles before moving to advanced topics. Singapore’s curriculum places strong emphasis on logical reasoning and deep understanding rather than memorization alone.

Singapore’s Performance in Reading on the PISA Test

Singapore also ranked first globally in reading performance in the 2022 PISA assessments, with students achieving an average score of 543. Although reading scores declined slightly from 2018, Singapore remained well ahead of the OECD average and continued to outperform every other participating education system. [Source: OECD]

Nearly 89 percent of Singaporean students achieved at least Level 2 proficiency in reading. Students at this level are able to identify main ideas in moderately complex texts and make basic inferences. Only about 11 percent of students fell below this standard, one of the lowest proportions worldwide.

Singapore recorded one of the world’s highest shares of advanced readers. About 23 percent of students achieved Levels 5 or 6 in reading, demonstrating the ability to understand complex texts, evaluate arguments critically and interpret subtle meanings. Girls performed especially strongly, with one-quarter reaching top proficiency levels.

Girls significantly outperformed boys in reading, scoring 553 points compared with 533 for boys. However, boys in Singapore still ranked among the strongest readers internationally. Both male and female students recorded exceptionally low levels of poor reading performance compared with global averages.

Singapore’s strong reading performance reflects the country’s multilingual education system and its emphasis on literacy in both English and mother-tongue languages. Schools focus heavily on comprehension, critical analysis and communication skills, while reading remains central to Singapore’s broader strategy of preparing students for a knowledge-based economy.

Singapore’s Success in the TIMSS 2023 Study

Singapore once again emerged as the world’s top-performing education system in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023, continuing a record of international academic excellence that has lasted for decades. TIMSS is a global assessment conducted every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The study measures how well students understand, apply and reason with mathematics and science concepts. It tests Grade 4 and Grade 8 students, which correspond to Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students in Singapore. More than 60 education systems participated in the 2023 assessment. [Source: Asia Singapore International School, Singapore Ministry of Education]

Singapore ranked first globally in all four tested categories: Grade 4 mathematics, Grade 4 science, Grade 8 mathematics and Grade 8 science. Primary 4 students achieved an average score of 615 in mathematics and 607 in science. Secondary 2 students scored 605 in mathematics and 606 in science. In each category, Singapore finished ahead of high-performing systems such as Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The results marked the third consecutive TIMSS cycle in which Singapore topped the world in all four domains.

The TIMSS assessment does not focus only on memorization or routine calculations. It measures students’ ability to understand concepts, apply knowledge in unfamiliar situations and reason through problems logically. Singaporean students performed especially strongly in the “Applying” and “Reasoning” sections of the assessment. These categories examine how well students use mathematics and science knowledge to solve complex or non-routine questions. The findings suggested that Singapore’s students are not only academically strong but also skilled at analytical and critical thinking.

The study also highlighted the depth of performance across Singapore’s student population. The top 10 percent of Singaporean students achieved exceptionally high scores, including 719 in Grade 4 mathematics and 708 in Grade 4 science. At the same time, students with weaker academic performance still scored above international averages in both subjects. This indicated that Singapore’s education system produces both elite high achievers and comparatively strong results among lower-performing students. The broad consistency of achievement has become one of the defining features of the country’s school system.

TIMSS 2023 also examined broader educational skills and attitudes. Singaporean students demonstrated strong environmental knowledge in areas such as climate change, biodiversity and conservation. They also reported some of the world’s highest levels of digital self-efficacy, meaning they felt confident using technology for learning and problem-solving. Students said they were comfortable using digital devices to search for information, complete schoolwork and create presentations. These findings reflected Singapore’s increasing emphasis on STEM education, digital literacy and interdisciplinary learning.

Singapore has participated in every TIMSS cycle since the study began in 1995. For the 2023 assessment, more than 6,500 Primary 4 students and nearly 4,800 Secondary 2 students from schools across the country took part. The results reinforced Singapore’s reputation as one of the world’s leading education systems and a global benchmark in mathematics and science education. Policymakers and educators often point to TIMSS as evidence that Singapore’s schools have been able to maintain high standards over time despite changing economic and technological demands.

Why Singapore Performs So Well on the TIMSS 2023 Study

Singapore’s continued success in TIMSS is widely attributed to its strong curriculum, highly trained teachers and long-term emphasis on foundational skills. The Ministry of Education has consistently focused on helping students build deep understanding rather than relying solely on memorization. Mathematics and science lessons emphasize problem-solving, logical reasoning and the application of concepts to real-world situations. Inquiry-based learning, experiments and hands-on activities are also widely used in classrooms. These approaches are intended to help students think critically and adapt knowledge to unfamiliar problems. [Source: Asia Singapore International School, Singapore Ministry of Education]

The 2023 TIMSS results showed that Singapore has continued to improve in several areas. Secondary 2 students maintained their already high performance in both mathematics and science compared with TIMSS 2019. Primary 4 students improved further in science, although there was a slight decline in mathematics scores. Even with that decline, Singapore still remained substantially above international averages and continued to rank first globally. Education officials said the results showed that students across different academic ability levels continued to develop strong foundational skills.

Another reason for Singapore’s strong performance is the country’s investment in teacher quality and professional development. Teachers receive extensive training and are encouraged to adopt effective instructional methods tailored to diverse learning needs. Schools also make heavy use of collaborative planning, data analysis and continuous assessment to monitor student progress. In recent years, educators have increasingly integrated technology into teaching, helping students develop digital literacy alongside traditional academic knowledge. These strategies have strengthened both classroom learning and independent study skills.

Singapore’s broader social attitudes toward education also play an important role. Academic achievement is highly valued by families and society, and many students receive strong support from parents. Schools maintain structured learning environments with clear expectations and disciplined study habits. At the same time, the government has increasingly emphasized holistic education, encouraging creativity, communication skills and lifelong learning rather than examination performance alone. Policymakers argue that these qualities are essential for preparing students for a rapidly changing global economy.

The TIMSS study also revealed areas where Singapore hopes to improve further. Although students reported greater confidence in mathematics and science compared with 2019, interest in mathematics declined slightly. Fewer students said they strongly enjoyed learning mathematics or believed it would be highly useful in daily life. Education officials said maintaining curiosity and enjoyment in learning will remain an important challenge for schools. The Ministry of Education has stated that it plans to continue working with teachers, parents and community partners to make learning more engaging and meaningful.

Singapore’s education leaders view mathematics and science not simply as school subjects but as tools for innovation and national development. Officials say strong scientific literacy and analytical reasoning are necessary for addressing future challenges such as technological change, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. The country’s sustained success in TIMSS reflects decades of careful educational planning, investment in human capital and a culture that strongly values learning. As global economies become increasingly knowledge-driven, Singapore continues to position education at the center of its long-term national strategy.

Singapore Ranking on International Tests in the 2000s

Singapore ranked fifth in reading second in mathematics and forth in science out of 65 countries in the OECD academic aptitude tests conducted under in 2009 the Program from International Student Assessment (PISA). "Singapore's good performance at PISA 2009 shows that beyond their strong grasp of knowledge, our students have the ability to think critically and solve real-life problems," the Education Ministry of Singapore said.

In 2004, Miranda Green wrote in the Financial Times, “Singapore easily outstrips other countries in the maths and science skills of its schoolchildren, a big international study showed although some other Asian economies are also doing very well. At both 10 and 14 years old, the third Trends in International Maths and Science Study (TIMMS) found Singaporean children performing much better in curriculum-based maths tests than those in any other participating country. At the younger level, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan also did well, with Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan excelling in the older age group. But Singaporean 10-year-olds beat all other competitors, with Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and England as runners-up. More than 360,000 students in 49 countries participated in the latest Timms study, which has been conducted every four years by researchers at Boston College since 1995. [Source: Miranda Green, Financial Times, December 15, 2004]

Rankings for eighth graders in Mathematics in a 1996 TIMSS international study: 1) Singapore; 2) Korea; 3) Japan; 4) Hong Kong; 5) Belgium (Flemish); 6) Czech Republic; 7) Slovakia; 8) Switzerland; 9) Netherlands; 10) Slovenia; 28) United States. Rankings for eighth graders in science in a 1996 TIMSS international study: 1) Singapore; 2) Czech republic; 3) Japan; 4) Korea; 5) Bulgaria; 6) Netherlands; 7) Slovenia; 8) Austria; 9) Hungary; 10) England; 17) United States. [Source: Third International Mathematics and Science Study, TIMSS

Singapore ranked first in math and second in science among 8th grade students in 38 countries, according to TIMSS survey in 2001. Crowing about Singapore’s test score results, Lee Kuan Yew said, "In the West students explore on their own, and some students cannot spell properly. Our children have done well."

Singapore and Korea Top OECD’S First Pisa Problem-Solving Test in 2014

Students from Singapore and Korea have performed best in the OECD PISA first assessment of creative problem-solving. Students in these countries are quick learners, highly inquisitive and able to solve unstructured problems in unfamiliar contexts. 85,000 students from 44 countries and economies took the computer-based test, involving real-life scenarios to measure the skills young people will use when faced with everyday problems, such as setting a thermostat or finding the quickest route to a destination. Japan, Macao-China, Hong Kong-China, Shanghai-China and Chinese Taipei were also among the top-performing economies. [Source: OECD, January 4, 2014]

Around one in nine (11.4 percent ) of 15-year-old students across OECD countries are able to solve the most complex problems, compared to one in five in Singapore, Korea and Japan. But on average across OECD countries about one in five students are able to solve only the simplest problems, meaning they lack the skills the modern workplace needs.

The OECD’s PISA results reveal what is possible in education by showing what students in the highest-performing and most rapidly improving education systems can do. The findings allow policy makers around the world to gauge the knowledge and skills of students in their own countries in comparison with those in other countries, set policy targets against measurable goals achieved by other education systems, and learn from policies and practices applied elsewhere.

Participating countries and economies were: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong-China, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Macao-China, Malaysia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Shanghai-China, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, United States.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: “Encyclopedia of World Cultures Volume 5: East/Southeast Asia:” edited by Paul Hockings; 1993; New York Times; Washington Post; Los Angeles Times; Smithsonian magazine; Encyclopedia.com; National Geographic; Live Science; Malaysia Tourism websites; Malaysia government websites; UNESCO; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Natural History magazine; Times of London; Library of Congress; The Conversation; The New Yorker; Time; BBC; CNN; Reuters; Associated Press; AFP; Lonely Planet Guides; Google AI; Wikipedia; The Guardian and various websites; books and other publications.

Last updated May 2026