Resources

A quote from Ms Chang Ching Wen, Lecturer at NIEC (City) Campus, was featured in an 8world news video (timestamp: 5:49). In the video, reporter Zhao Quanyin explores outdoor play for children in Singapore. Despite Singapore having one of the highest playground densities in the world, with over 1,400 free-to-use playgrounds, children are not necessarily spending more time outdoors. While Singapore scores well in infrastructure and government initiatives, international assessments give the country a low overall grade (C) for children’s physical activity, pointing to limited parental encouragement and busy lifestyles.

The video also discusses societal attitudes, parental anxieties, and the cultural emphasis on academics over play. Experts highlight that outdoor play is more than just recreation as it nurtures important life skills like socialisation and creativity. Ms Chang Ching Wen underscores this by encouraging parents and educators to “broaden the understanding of outdoor education—it’s not only about teaching but also about experiencing.” A collective mindset shift among schools, parents, and the community is needed to recognise outdoor play as a vital component of holistic child development.