Kyrgyzstan Launches 12-Year Education System Using Singapore Methodology

Kyrgyzstan has embarked on a major education reform by transitioning to a 12‑year general education system based on the Singapore methodology, the Ministry of Education announced. Officials say the shift aims to strengthen the quality of teaching in core subjects, make learning more practical and student‑centered, and align the country’s education standards with leading international practices.

Background and First Stage of the Implementation

The move toward 12-year schooling was officially adopted by the government earlier as part of the "Altyn Kazyk" education transformation program, with implementation planned in steps. According to the ministry’s press service, the steps to the 12-year school model include:

• Development of new educational standards;
• Implementation of new modules for advanced training of teachers;
• Providing comprehensive methodological support to teachers (reform of methodological centers);
• Providing schools with modern textbooks — 2.5 million copies worth 744 million soms.
• Monitoring the quality of school education (launch of the Department of Education Quality and Implementation of PISA-2025).
• Strengthening civic education of schoolchildren — fostering national traditions, conscious responsibility, tolerance, and active participation in school life.

A key part of the transition has been preparing teachers to use Singapore’s approach, which emphasizes problem‑solving and flexible thinking rather than rote memorization. In 2024, specialists from Singapore worked with Kyrgyz authorities to train 88 master trainers drawn from all regions of the country. These master trainers then conducted on‑site sessions for about 16,000 teachers of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and geography over the 2024 academic year. Trainings focused on how to apply Singapore’s structured teaching techniques and new curricula in day‑to‑day classrooms.

Second Stage Underway

Building on the first phase, the Ministry of Education confirmed that a second stage began in mid‑2025. 9 specialists from Singapore arrived in the Kyrgyz Republic to train methodologists - these are the experts working in district and city education departments. Beginning July 28, 2025, these methodologists will start training local teachers directly, providing hands-on guidance in schools.

Textbooks and Curriculum Changes

To support the reform, Kyrgyzstan purchased Singaporean textbooks, which have been adapted and translated into Kyrgyz and Russian.

• Starting September 1, 2025, new subject standards and curricula will be implemented in Grades 1, 2, 5, and 7.
• English textbooks for Grades 3–9 are also being finalized and are expected to be distributed within the year.

In a press interview with Minister of Education and Science, Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, it was noted that one of the main components of the reform is the development of new textbooks. A record 744 million soms have been allocated for this purpose in 2025. A total of 36 new-generation textbooks are being prepared for testing and publication. It was also highlighted that a new state educational standard has been introduced, based on national values, patriotism, environmental protection, and creativity, along with 38 subject standards that have already been adopted.
 

Features of the Singapore Method

The Ministry highlighted why the Singapore approach was chosen, citing key elements that they plan to integrate into Kyrgyz classrooms:

• Practical orientation: Students learn concepts through real‑life problems and everyday applications.
• Personality development: A strong focus on emotional intelligence, teamwork, and character building.
• Multiple solutions: Students are encouraged to explore different ways to solve the same problem.
• English language emphasis: English is widely used as a language of instruction in Singapore, and improving English proficiency is seen as essential for global competitiveness.

Ongoing Progress

The reform is part of a multi-year plan aimed at gradually implementing the new system across the country. Beginning in the 2025/26 school year, all schools will start operating under the 12-year model. The full transition will take place over three academic years, from 2025/26 to 2027/28, allowing time for adaptation and support. To help teachers integrate the new methodology effectively, ongoing training will be provided during autumn, winter, and spring breaks. In parallel, the Ministry of Education plans to train thousands more teachers and education officials, ensuring the nationwide rollout is both smooth and sustainable.