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A degree not the only prerequisite for success

The paper chase is necessary for any nation’s progress. Education, after all, began with mankind.

The paper chase is necessary for any nation’s progress. Education, after all, began with mankind.

And for years, everything we have done to raise children has been focused on education (“Beyond the paper chase?”; Talking Point).

Somehow, this invisible indoctrination makes everyone head for this goal, regardless of family type, race or religion. It almost seems to say that without a degree, one cannot survive in Singapore.

Yet, a degree is not a prerequisite for success. It can take a person only to the doorstep; beyond that, it is up to him or her.

Nowadays, there are many small and medium enterprises that prefer polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) graduates because they are more flexible.

To them, the paper is secondary; getting the job done is more important. These graduates make better employees due to their willingness to do hands-on work and put in longer hours. While staying employed, they find time to upgrade themselves quietly.

Education, like any other policy area at some point, deserves a rethink because it has either been overdone, resulting in an oversupply of graduates, or its current benefits are not as relevant to our open, pragmatic economy.

A desk-bound manager dressed in immaculate attire is no longer the norm. Jobs today are different from those yesterday.

This mindset shift began a long time ago in developed countries.

All the same, Singapore needs people who can physically drive the economy. Indeed, the current shift will benefit ITE and polytechnic students as they position themselves to take on tomorrow’s jobs without hesitation.

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