As son takes PSLE Oral, Alex Yam quips about the PSLE acronym: 'Parents Stress, Little Excitement'

There are many major milestones in a Singapore child's education, and few are as significant as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

North West District Mayor Alex Yam shared his thoughts on watching his son sit his PSLE oral exam in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Aug 12).

Sharing a picture of his son Francis, whom he affectionately terms "Big Yamlet", Yam cheekily reinterpreted the PSLE acronym as "Parents Stress, Little Excitement".

"The funny thing about these milestones is that the children often seem considerably calmer than the parents," he said, adding that Francis "looks quite composed".

Yam said he marked the occasion by taking commemorative selfies.

He said it felt like "only yesterday" that he was sending Francis off for his first day of Primary 1, and that time had passed so quickly that they were now facing the PSLE.

"The first of many milestones that will come and go, each one reminding us that our children are growing up rather faster than we would sometimes like," he said.

Yam also wished his son well for the examination and extended his encouragement to other Primary 6 pupils taking the oral exams.

Offering some advice, he said students should stay calm, speak clearly, listen carefully, and smile.

He added: "To all the parents hovering somewhere between 'Don't worry, just do your best' and quietly worrying enough for the entire family: all the best to us too!"

The PSLE oral examinations are held on Wednesday (Aug 12) and Thursday, marking the first component of the national examination for Primary 6 pupils.

The Listening Comprehension examination will take place on Sept 15, 2026 before written examinations from Sept 24 to 30. 

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khooyihang@asiaone.com