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Short-sightedness big reason for elitism here

I have always wondered why Singapore continues to struggle with elitism. I always assumed that elitism may have been caused by our educational system, the innate insecurity in our students and parents, and income inequality.

I have always wondered why Singapore continues to struggle with elitism. I always assumed that elitism may have been caused by our educational system, the innate insecurity in our students and parents, and income inequality.

But after reading the letter “Intelligent employees, not degree holders, secure higher salaries” (May 9), I think I had not considered one of the biggest reasons: The short-sightedness within our community.

Saying that “the bottom 90 per cent remain the bottom 90 per cent, whether they have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s or even a doctorate” is an example of prejudicial views that threaten to undo efforts to improve social mobility.

To say that those who are unable to enter our universities are “unintelligent” is to jump the gun. They may not have been motivated to “make the cut to local public universities” or may have been late developers.

Instead of closing our minds and brushing off these students, we should encourage them, telling them there is nothing to be ashamed of and that it is merely a case of taking a different road, rather than one of failure.

There are professors, business executives, doctors, lawyers and other top professionals today who used to belong to the “90 per cent” and had gone to a private or overseas university.

Let us keep an open mind, and not put people down carelessly. A pessimistic, elitist attitude reinforces our certificate-driven society.

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