'Exam Meritocracy' versus 'Talent Meritocracy'

There have been talks recently about whether Singapore has placed too much emphasis on exam success. Our academic system tends to focus too much on exam results ahead of talent, so much so that Singapore is only able to produce exam-beaters, but not world-beaters.

I agree with this statement. Although there is an emphasis on creative thinking and alternative methods of concept learning these few years, students are still on the traditional exam system. This is the reason why Singapore students who top global science and maths ranking regularly do not become top-ranked adults in their chosen vocations.

The over-emphasis on grades is evident in schools, where many students choose to participate in CCAs that are less demanding, as they are afraid that the CCA practices will interfere with their studies. For many, grades are their top concern, as scoring As is the only way to get to get a scholarship.

For a student to be truly successful, scholarship bodies must redefine success by de-emphasising grades, and actively encourage scholarship holders to pursue their own personal interests. If they are forcing students to meet certain academic standards in a short period of time, it means little in terms of career success. Parents should not pressure their children into entering a prestigious school as having good academic abilities does not necessary mean that they have what it takes to be an all rounder.

As for students themselves, they must learn to better benefit from their education by learning to take 'risks' to really benefit from their education. For example, biomedical scholarship holders may sign up for political science etc and initiate changes to become more creative and resilient.

This way, students can get the most out of their education and educators can understand that there are other things that constitute ability, like leadership, entrepreneurship and sporting skills.