{
  "id": 14920403,
  "title": "Schools to stay open despite haze; O-level, A-level exams to proceed next week: Desmond Lee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/schools-to-stay-open-despite-haze-o-level-a-level-exams-to-proceed",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T09:32:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/schools-to-stay-open-despite-haze-o-level-a-level-exams-to-proceed-next-week-desmond-lee"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's schools will remain open and national exams will proceed as planned next week, despite the worsening air quality from the haze, Education Minister Desmond Lee announced on October 16. The Ministry of Education (MOE) aims to minimize disruption for students who have been diligently preparing for their national exams. O-Level and A-Level examinations will take place in enclosed, air-conditioned venues equipped with air purifiers. If the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaches hazardous levels, MOE will consider rescheduling O-Level papers, while A-Level papers are less likely to be affected due to the students' age. Students who feel unwell and cannot take or continue an exam should seek medical advice, obtain a medical certificate, and apply for special consideration through their schools. Any affected papers will be rescheduled to the earliest practicable date. The main written papers for the GCE O-Level exams commence on October 19 and conclude on November 10, while the GCE A-Level examinations, including H2 Physics and Biology practicals, are ongoing with the main written papers starting on November 2. PSLE examinations concluded on September 30. Lee also advised parents to follow MOE's official channels and Parents Gateway for updates on any schedule changes, emphasizing the importance of verifying information to avoid misinformation.",
  "summary": "MOE will consider rescheduling O-level papers if the haze reaches hazardous levels.",
  "key_points": [
    "Schools remain open despite worsening haze, says Education Minister Desmond Lee on October 16.",
    "O-Level and A-Level exams proceed as planned next week in air-conditioned venues with air purifiers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}