I refer to the letter “Beware overcompensating in rush to recognise less academically inclined” (Jan 8) on not diluting the principle of meritocracy in the handing out of scholarships.

While the letter writer’s concerns are legitimate, it seems that she has overlooked the multitude of scholarships given to the best students from Singapore’s schools by statutory boards, government agencies and private companies.

While scholarships given to students who are from polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education may have been given more prominence, they are only among the many scholarships given to students.

Awarding scholarships to students from vocational institutes acknowledges that, just as academic ability may not be equal, access to opportunities may similarly be unequally distributed.

Furthermore, if talent manifests itself in diverse ways, all the more there should be scholarships awarded to those who did less well in an academically-inclined, exams-driven education system.

Society thrives on talent, but not all talented people excel at taking exams. People may possess talent in innovating and inventing, entrepreneurship, creating art or in sports.

A truly meritocratic society recognises a diverse range of talent and achievement, not only good exam scores.