You’re really only Singaporean if you’ve ever joined a hunt for a free car park. It’s understandable – being a car owner in Singapore is extremely expensive, thanks to import taxes, loans and many other money-sucking things adults have to deal with.
But what does this have to do with learning economics? Well, apparently, everything.
1. What is Economics?
The study of economics (which began in the 1700s) is what helps us understand the decisions we make as consumers of anything. From buying a movie ticket at the cinemas to deciding which university to apply for, all of it concerns economics.
So if you plan to major in economics, keep reading to find out all you need to know about pursuing your econs studies! This article will cover the benefits of studying economics; types of econs tuition in Singapore; and a comprehensive list of options for economics tuition in Singapore.
2. Learning Economics in Singapore
2.1 Why Learn Economics?
Economics can be tough but if you think economics is just boring graphs, it’s time to give it another chance.
More Than Supply and Demand Curves
We hear about economic issues on a global scale every day. Greece experiences a debt crisis. The President places tariffs on imported steel from other countries to protect domestic industry. Inflation increases.
Being educated in economics will teach you how to understand these issues. More than that, economics will teach you how to develop business strategies, predict new markets, understand inflation, and even understand yourself a bit better.
Here are 3 reasons why studying economics can benefit you and your career:
You’ll Expand Your Thinking
An economics course will expose you to issues on a global scale. This is because economic issues do not take place in isolation, everything is interconnected.
If the US experiences a credit crunch, this will likely have effects for the banking industry in Indonesia. Unemployment in China could affect countries like South Africa and Guatemala. And a rise in fuel prices in the Middle East affects everyone.
When you learn about an economic issue or problem, you’ll learn about issues affecting other countries, peoples and cultures.
You’ll Understand Your Spending Habits
When you study economics, you’ll gain insight into your own spending habits and values.
For example, the concept of opportunity cost helps us understand the trade-offs we make every day when we choose to spend money on one thing over another.
Understanding the stock market can help us decide when to invest and when to spend on something else.
With these concepts, we can improve how we use our money and time.
You’ll Become Better At Business
Have you ever sat in a restaurant and asked yourself “How would I improve this business if I ran it?” With economics, you’ll learn how to evaluate and improve businesses with concepts like revenue streams, fixed and variable costs, budgets and market share.
For example, pretend you work for Shopee and you want to know the best way to compete with Lazada for market share. A thorough analysis involving market trends, customer preferences, costs and potential revenue paths will let you know which improvements will help you overtake the competitor.
2.2 The Toughest Parts About Learning Economics
Mastering economics can be a challenge. There are lots of graphs and equations involved. Who could keep up with the copious amounts of reading, anyway? If you’re finding it hard, it’s not just you. It’s common for people to perceive economics as a tough subject, since students often face many challenges in their studies.
Here are some of the toughest parts about learning economics:
Struggling with the math
Though economics is a social science, it is heavily grounded in math and statistics. Students need to be familiar not only with calculus but also statistical methods like linear regressions, time series and logit techniques.
Students also need to be comfortable with interpreting graphs and charts quickly. As many students nowadays struggle to keep up with math, the quant side of economics often proves to be a challenge. With that said, maths tuition can be of help.
Keeping up with the reading
To master economics, students need to commit a lot of time to reading. As economics is based on assumptions, economic theory is often influenced by historical and physical context. Reading is important not only to understand where certain economic equations came from; it also explains how certain theorists came to their conclusions. This can be hard for people who are more right-brained, and the never ending amount of economic jargon doesn’t make things easier.
The conflicting theories
Economics isn’t set in stone and economic theories often behave like fashion trends, coming and going. Before Keynes, there was Neoclassical economics and before that, Classical economics.
Who is actually right?
While economics is to some extent a science, much of economic theory isn’t. Instead, it relies on assumptions that may or may not be true in the real world. This can be challenging for some students, who might find juggling different conflicting theories confusing.
3. Economics Tuition in Singapore
3.1 Why Should I Take Economics Tuition?
Clearly, there’s a lot to digest when you study economics. It’s going to take hours to really understand the concepts and practise applying the math, but what if there was a way to get around it much more effectively?
As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. Enrolling in an economics tuition class will ensure you get to reinforce the difficult topics. If you are struggling to understand a concept or two, a tutor might shed light on it using their unique teaching styles and relating it to applicable examples.
Secondly, a reliable economics tutor has a good overview of the economics course. They know the curriculum, assessments and expectations at each level, which means they can offer practical tips to ace your exams.
Another reason to enrol in economics tuition is so that you can ask all the questions you want! It may be daunting to do that in your regular class because your professor might have to rush through the syllabus for 40 to 50 students. The smaller the class, the higher the engagement.
That means going for tuition class will give you that additional support and boost your confidence in the subject.
3.2 Types of Economics Tuition Providers in Singapore
Whether you need A levels economics tuition (JC economics tuition) or IB economics tuition, Singapore has it all.
This small country is not short of econs tuition centres providing enrichment classes for H1 Econs and H2 Econs. Even at the IB level and university level, you’ll be prepared come what assessment if you have the best economics tuition in Singapore, right?
You’ll usually come across three types of econs tuition providers here, each with their own set of pros and cons. Read my quick summary below:
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Economics Tuition Centres
At tuition centres, Econs tuition classes are taught weekly at a designated centre. These classes comprise smaller groups of students at the same level (A Levels/IB/University level) who need additional coaching in economics.
Pros: Socially, having classmates makes for an excellent environment for discussions, debates and peer learning. Those are key opportunities to relate and better understand real-world economics.
Cons: It’s likely that your tuition teacher will take a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching the curriculum. You’ll have to follow the pacing of lessons, even those which may already be familiar to you. You may also have to endure long travelling times if the centre is not near your home.
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Economics Home Tuition
Economic home tuition classes are usually taught by private tutors, paid at an hourly rate. These tutors can be part-time, full-time, or even ex-school teachers. They travel to your home to teach so it is very convenient for you.
Pros: The focused manner of 1-to-1 classes gives you and your tutor full flexibility to target any particular concept you struggle to understand. The lessons follow your pacing and your tutor can better identify your areas of improvement.
Cons: Highly qualified tutors charge a higher hourly rate, and their slots fill up very quickly. This doesn’t mean that tutors who charge lower are less qualified. You should ideally engage a tutor who suits your learning styles and is a good fit, regardless of their rates.
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Tuition agencies
To overcome the inconveniences of finding a suitable tutor, you may need a tuition agency. SmileTutor is one such tuition agency to help match students to private tutors based on needs. At no cost to you, we select private tutors from our large database to ensure you are taught by the best economics tutors for you.
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Economics Tuition Online
The demand for economics tuition online has increased since the pandemic. Most students have their qualms about online learning, though it has its advantages. To get the most out of it, though, it requires students to be accountable and disciplined throughout online lessons.
Pros: It is more flexible for students, time and location-wise. There are also more opportunities to explore hands-on learning with economic tools online.
Cons: Online lessons can be physically tiring and draining, especially when you’re sitting in front of a screen for hours. Also, due to the distance between you and the tutor, you won’t always get immediate or specific feedback on your homework.
4. List of Top Singapore Economics Tuition Options By Level
4.1 A Levels Economics Tuition (H1/H2/H3 Econs)
Mr Anthony Fok is one of Singapore’s “top 5 most sought after Super Tutors” and has been featured in the local Sunday Times newspapers. As an ex MoE school teacher, he has many years of teaching experience and knows his way around tough exams! He has also written a few Economics guidebooks.
Mr Fok specializes in A levels Economics tuition (both H1 and H2 Econs). Lessons start at $420 a month.
Contact: 82513684
Address: Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #05-54 Singapore 588179
2. Mr Melvin Koh at That Econs Tutor
Mr Melvin Koh is indeed that econs tutor! Mr Koh has an endless list of impressive qualifications including topping his Economics cohort at NUS and author of the Economics Ten Year Series, which many students use as a study guide today. 90% of his students received an A or B grade.
Mr Koh teaches the A levels (both H1 and H2 Econs). Group lessons start at $350 a month. Economics tuition online is available as well.
Contact: 90706248
Address: #03-14 Coronation Plaza, 587 Bukit Timah Rd, 269707
3. Mr Edmund Quek at Economics Cafe
Mr Quek is pretty much the best economics tutor Singapore has. He topped his Economics Masters cohort at NUS. Besides being a certified teacher, he also has a strong passion for imparting knowledge to his students. Every year, 75% of his students in his economics tuition class get a distinction. Mr Quek teaches the A Levels (H1 and H2 Econs).
Contact: 82688918
Address: Block 505B Bishan Street 11 #01-422 Singapore 572505
As a graduate of LSE, the most difficult Economics program in the world, Mr Terence is one of the best economics tutors. He specializes in A Levels (H1 and H2 Econs) and even has economics tuition online. Terence also provides free extensive support beyond the classroom. You can send him questions over Whatsapp or meet with him over 1-1 Zoom consultations.
Contact: 83288700
Address: 7A Thomson Ridge Singapore 574636
90% of Ms Ang’s students achieved As or Bs in their A levels. This is because Ms Ang recognizes that every student has a unique learning style and maintains a comfortable class size so every student receives personal attention. Her monthly fees are $340 and come with useful extras like a WhatsApp helpline and free consultations before exams.
Contact: 97329931
Address: Blk 102 Yishun Avenue 5 S760102
6. Mr Clive Foo at EconsActually
After getting an Econs degree at NUS, Mr Foo went on to acquire management and entrepreneur experience, making him an expert in both academic and applied economics. With Mr Foo, you learn economic theories AND how to apply those theories to real world economic events. In essence, you will learn actual econs.
Mr Foo teaches A Levels Economics Tuition and charges $360 a month. Mr Foo also provides economics tuition online due to the pandemic.
Contact: 93373874
Address: Blk 72, Toa Payoh Lorong 5, #01-578-Ground Floor Unit
7. Mr Jeffrey Teo at Ace Your Econs Tuition
Many parents testify that Mr Teo knows what he is doing. “Put your trust in him!”, one mother said. “His online lessons are great!”, said another. Mr Teo teaches JC Economics tuition and has helped many students do well in their exams. He has been lecturing economics for 10 years and worked at the Monetary Authority of Singapore before that. His services cost $480 a month.
Contact: 88910336
Address: 212 Hougang Street 21, #04-333, SIngapore 530212
One Tuition Place is run by Mr Ong. While Mr Ong’s background is in engineering, Mr Ong is a top JC Economics tutor who has helped failing students become straight A students. As an ex-teacher, Mr Ong knows learning doesn’t stop after classes and often corresponds with his students through Whatsapp and email.
Mr Ong provides JC Economics tuition.
Contact: 98639633/96790479
Address: Block 203 Hougang Street 21, #03-55 Singapore 530203
Learner’s Lodge has a strong team of JC economics tuition teachers who are highly qualified in preparing students for H1 and H2 econs. They pride themselves on their innovative tuition programme which has been approved by Cambridge examiners. The best part of Learner’s Lodge is that they have a larger number of locations to choose from, making commuting to class easy.
Contact: 91199655
Address: Bt Timah, Kovan, Jurong, Kembangan
Indigo, one of the top economics tuition agencies in Singapore, specializes in both O level and A level (H1 and H2 Econs). The most interesting part of Indigo are their termly assessments, which help students keep track of their progress. If you’re a last minute crammer, this tuition can help you break out of that habit.
Contact: 69779522
Address: Balmoral Plaza, 271 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore
11. Mr Billy Lim at Triquetra Tuition Centre
One of the best economics tutor Singapore has to offer thinks that you already understand economics, you just don’t know it yet. For Mr Lim, all you need to do is untangle the technical definitions and mambo jumbo, translating them to simpler terms. By doing this, your A levels will become easy. He practices a student based approach to Economics, making sure that his students really understand concepts, instead of memorizing them.
Contact: 65530050
Address: 190 Clemenceau Avenue #03-14/15 Singapore 239924
Adam Smith specializes in helping weak A levels econs students. If you did not fare well in your school prelims and want intensive economics tuition, Adam Smith Econs HQ is a good fit for you. Their lessons have been described as edutainment- both fun and entertaining while being comprehensive.
Contact: 96959650
Address: N/A
4.2 IB Economics Tuition Singapore (SL/HL Economics)
13. Mr Eugene Toh at Tuition Genius
Mr Toh initially began tutoring individual students but within a year gained such a big following that he founded Tuition Genius. Mr Toh is a graduate of NUS and SMU and has written “The Essential Guide to A Levels Economics”, a study guide for economics essays. Most of his students place above the 90th percentile in school exams.
Mr Toh gives IB and A Levels economics tuition and also gives economics tuition online. He charges $300 per month for group sessions and $270 for private sessions.
Contact: 81823036
Address: 587 Bukit Timah Road #03-01B, Coronation Plaza, Singapore 269707
Don’t believe that rote learning and memorizing concepts is the way to go? Neither does Ms Foo at EconsLab! Ms Foo holds a Masters in Economics from SMU, graduating with a Dean’s List placement. She prides herself on her ability to instill great confidence in her students to face exams. Ms Foo doesn’t believe in silly questions and teaches both IB and JC economics tuition. She charges $720 for private sessions and $280 for group sessions.
Contact: 97235149
Address: 420 North Bridge Road #04-30 North Bridge Centre, Singapore 188727
15. Eeek!onomics
Does your brain go “Eeek!” when you think of Economics? Fear no more. You’re in good hands with Ms Michelle Tan, who is known for her engaging and caring teaching methods. Ms Tan is a certified teacher and uses classroom strategies developed by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. She gives IB and A Levels economics tuition and charges $360 per month.
Contact: 96397517
Address: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #11-04 S(588179)
16. Mr Kelvin Hong at The Economics Tutor
Mr Hong is known as an exceptional tutor who uses analogies to teach difficult concepts. With more than 20 years of teaching experience and real life economics experience as an entrepreneur, Mr Hong certainly knows what he is doing. His group lessons start at $395 and specialises in IB and JC Economics tuition.
Contact: 93367511
Address: Bukit Timah, Bishan, Kembangan
17. Mindlab
Looking for an intensive economics tuition? Mindlab is one of the best economics tuition Singapore has for the IB. With IBO certified tutors, they have helped their students produce stellar results and gain entry into prestigious universities for the last 10 years. All tutors undergo an intense screening and interview process and are chosen for their personality and ability to teach.
Contact: 63419618
Address: 545 Orchard Road, Far East Shopping Centre #15-01 Singapore 238882
18. Mr Munshi’s Economics Tuition
If you would prefer having 1-1 Econs tuition, in the comfort of your own home, Mr Munshi’s economics home tuition makes that possible. Mr Munshi is one of the best economics home tutors and has taught economics for 32 years. He was even a university lecturer for a while. He has successfully helped IB and A level students, diploma as well as undergraduates succeed. His fees begin at $370.
Contact: 94742519
Address: 86 Jln Daud, #03-86, Singapore 419594
4.3 1-to-1 Economics Tuition for ALL LEVELS (JC, IB, IGCSE, University)
When it comes to university level economics tuition in Singapore, you’ll come to realize that the pool of tutors available is rather dry. There are plenty of A-level and IB level economics tuition options, but we can’t say the same for undergraduates here.
19. Economics Home Tutors by SmileTutor
SmileTutor is the best agency in Singapore for connecting students with Economics private tutors in any subject and any level. You’ll be able to engage part-time tutors who are university undergraduates or fresh graduates (from $55 per hour), as well as full-time, experienced tutors holding a Masters or PhD qualification in Economics (from $70 per hour). Even university lecturers are registered on SmileTutor.
Smiletutor’s 1-to-1 Economics tutors will work closely with you to aid your transition to studying economics at any level, as well as equip you with strategies to tackle economics exams confidently.
All you need to do is request a tutor through SmileTutor’s website to be matched with one of their tutors. There is absolutely no cost to use SmileTutor’s services. The process begins with learning your requirements of a tutor (for example: budget, subject, gender, and frequency of lessons). Within 24 hours, you will be contacted by SmileTutor. After you interview your potential tutor, you can begin your first lesson.
How do you know if it’s worth it to go through this process with the tuition agency? Here are some questions you should ask to check if they are trustworthy:
- How is the service provided by the agency?
Are they efficient and attentive to your needs? A reliable tuition agency should walk the parents and/or students through the entire process, acting as an intermediary for the parents/students and the tutor. You’ll want an agency to go the extra mile to ensure you’re satisfied with your tuition classes. - How many tutors do they have?
A large number of tutors is indicative of how established the tuition agency is as it attests to how long they’ve been in the market. On the contrary, a small database of tutors means the tuition agency is still new and probably cannot match students to a tutor that meets their preferences. - What do other parents/students say about the tutors?
The quality of tutors is of utmost importance if you want to excel in your studies. A tuition agency dedicated to its clients should be able to keep track of their tutor’s performance to maintain quality assurance. For example, see below the testimonials of some satisfied parents and students:
With such positive feedback about tutors, who can pass up this chance? There is no contract and no obligation to try, so you can still opt out if the suggested tutor is not suited to your needs. Try SmileTutor Economics now!
Contact: 62664475 (Daily 9am-8pm)
Address: WCEGA Tower 21 Bukit Batok Crescent #22-76/77 S658065
When should I sign up for Econs tuition classes?
In order to save costs, some students opt to join tuition classes only during exam seasons. At this point, however, most group tuition classes would have covered 80% of the economics syllabus. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that there will still be vacant seats in the classes by then.
But if you do manage to join a class at the last minute, you’ll have to cram every topic in before exams. For these reasons, you should sign up for a class early, as your progress will be more consistent and spread into sizable chunks.
If, for economical reasons, you still choose to seek tuition just before the exams, then you might want to give SmileTutor a call. We can get you a private tutor within 24 hours and you’ll be able to customize your lessons and focus areas, including arranging for short-term Economics crash course tuition. With 1-to-1 sessions with a quality tutor, you’ll be confident for the upcoming economics exams. All the best!
Conclusion
We’ve already covered the top 19 providers of econs tuition in Singapore, but you might still be hesitating. We don’t blame you – committing to tuition classes can be time consuming and costly.
If you’re determined to self-study until the exam period, kudos to you! But for some students, hard work is simply not sufficient.
Economics is definitely not an easy subject. Don’t feel bad for seeking help.
I hope this article gave you a good overview of Economics tuition in Singapore and our 19 options have helped you make a better decision!
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