Tuition Industry in Singapore: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Anthony Fok
The tuition industry in Singapore has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades, becoming an integral part of the nation’s education landscape. From primary school enrichment to A-Level subject mastery, tuition now plays a strategic role in helping students excel academically.
To understand the evolution, challenges, and future of the tuition industry in Singapore, we spoke to Dr. Anthony Fok, a leading educator and one of Singapore’s most respected A-Level Economics tutors. Dr. Fok has also been featured by CNN, CNBC, BBC, Bloomberg News, MediaCorp TV, The Straits Times, and Mothership, cementing his reputation as a trusted authority in education.
The Growth of the Tuition Industry in Singapore
Singapore’s tuition industry is one of the most developed globally. Factors driving its growth include:
- High academic standards and competitive examinations
- Increased parental involvement in education
- Students seeking mastery and personalised support
- Focus on examination outcomes and academic excellence
Dr. Anthony Fok explains: “Tuition is no longer just remedial. It has evolved into structured, strategic coaching that enhances learning and exam performance.”
Meet Dr. Anthony Fok: A Veteran in Singapore’s Tuition Industry
Dr. Fok is a highly experienced educator with decades of teaching experience, specialising in H1 and H2 Economics tuition for JC students. His tuition centres are located in Tampines, Bishan, and Bukit Timah, serving students across Singapore.
He has also shared his expertise in major media outlets like CNN, CNBC, BBC, Bloomberg News, MediaCorp TV, The Straits Times, and Mothership, discussing trends in education and the role of tuition in Singapore’s academic landscape.
Exclusive Interview: Dr. Anthony Fok on the Tuition Industry
Q1: How has the tuition industry in Singapore evolved over the years?
Dr. Fok:
“The biggest change has been professionalism. Tuition has transformed from informal sessions into structured programmes with clear pedagogy and measurable outcomes. Students now expect lessons that are efficient, exam-focused, and tailored to their learning needs.”
Q2: Why do JC students rely heavily on tuition?
Dr. Fok:
“At the JC level, especially for subjects like Economics, the challenge isn’t understanding content alone. It’s also about applying concepts, evaluating scenarios, and answering exam questions effectively.”
He highlights that many students understand economic theory but struggle with:
- Structuring essays and evaluation
- Applying theory to real-world case studies
- Exam technique and time management
Professional tuition bridges these gaps.
Q3: What makes a good tuition programme?
Dr. Fok:
“Effective tuition is about teaching students how to think critically. It’s not just completing more questions — it’s about building reasoning, analysis, and evaluation skills. Lessons should be structured, feedback personalised, and results measurable.”
Q4: How do Economics tuition classes exemplify this approach?
Dr. Fok explains that Economics is particularly suited to tuition because:
- It requires application of abstract concepts
- Exam questions test reasoning and evaluation
- Students benefit from guided practice and examiner-aligned feedback
“A good Economics tutor teaches students to connect theory with real-world examples,” he adds.
Key Trends in the Singapore Tuition Industry
- Professionalisation of Tuition – Tutors now operate with structured syllabi and learning outcomes.
- Exam-Focused Learning – Emphasis on strategy and skills needed to excel in national exams.
- Data-Driven and Feedback-Oriented – Students receive personalised guidance to track improvement.
- Media Recognition – Experienced tutors like Dr. Fok are increasingly sought after for expert insights by media outlets.
Challenges Facing the Tuition Industry
- Oversaturation of tutors
- Variable teaching quality
- Lack of standardisation
- Tuition not always aligned with examination expectations
Dr. Fok stresses that results matter more than marketing, advising students and parents to prioritise proven teaching outcomes.
The Future of Tuition in Singapore
Dr. Fok predicts:
- Greater focus on critical thinking over memorisation
- Increased demand for exam-oriented and results-driven tuition
- Parents becoming more discerning, seeking tutors with experience, credentials, and media recognition
“The best tutors are those who not only teach but also mentor, inspire, and strategically guide students to excel,” says Dr. Fok.
Advice for Parents and Students
- Look for tutors who understand exam standards and syllabus requirements
- Prioritise structured teaching, feedback, and measurable results
- Focus on tutors with proven experience and credibility, like those recognised in CNN, CNBC, BBC, Bloomberg News, MediaCorp TV, The Straits Times, and Mothership
Conclusion: Tuition as a Strategic Educational Tool
The tuition industry in Singapore has matured into a critical component of the education system. Under the guidance of experienced educators like Dr. Anthony Fok, tuition empowers students with:
- Confidence
- Academic mastery
- Exam strategies
- Critical thinking skills
For students aiming to excel in A-Level Economics, Dr. Fok’s approach demonstrates how tuition can be more than just academic support—it is a strategic advantage in Singapore’s competitive educational landscape.