Expensive Education in Singapore

Education is so expensive in Singapore. The tuition fees are astronomical. All 3 boys have to go for tuitions. The tuition fees alone take up sizeable amount of my income. The drive toward A1s is incredible. The recent "O" level results shows that 6, 7, 8 A1s are very common. All the mothers keep telling me the world has changed and that tuition is a must to make sure the school children stay competitive in school.

As a father, I am always pooh-pooh by the mothers whenever this topic is discussed. My pet peeve is if the kids are given a crutch and spoon-fed by all the tuitions, when will they learn to learn independently. How critical is it really to spend so much money on tuition so that their grades can improve? There is no tuition for independently thinking or entreprenuership or how to be effective in business or at work. It is just academic subjects. Granted, academic subjects are important foundation for modern day work and living. Does having A1 make a huge difference to your capability in delivering strong performance at work?

I hired a Manager who scored all A1s in school. She lacks people skills and initiative. She does not speak up during meetings. She was ineffective as a Manager and has to leave. This is just one example I personally experience. I am sure there are probably many people who scored A1s and does exremely well at work. I have not personally seen or met any. Those who do extremely well in school are all working for our Government through many scholarship schemes. It is the old Mandarin system of China. Do well in imperial examinations and get an official post. You are set for life.

Am I grumbling at the enormous cost or expressing the stark realities of life in Singapore? You decide.