National Service

And so the debate rages on... Is National Service a priority for Singaporeans? Or is it just another "policy" that we all have to undergo. And what in the case of talented prodigies like Ike See, who posseses the potential to go far, but because of National Service, must be doomed to mediocrity.

Do not forget, this young boy is only twelve. He is certainly very very smart, probably will go to RI (GEP even), RJC and then proceed on a scholarship overseas to study at a prestigious university before coming back to slog 6 years for a Singaporean organization. (Sounds familiar)? Been there done that.

But wait. He's a violinist. A rare talent for the arts. His hands are naturally a perfect fit for the bow, his fingers lightning fast while playing the violin. These same hands, are going to be calloused from pull ups, grimy from rifle cleaning and dirty with mud from the field when he turns 18.

I've seen many talented musicians at my young age of 22. I dare say, it is not talent that makes the musician, it is passion. I respect the child violinst, who though not note perfect, is able to flourish, to take a bow, and to practise daily under his own duress, and not under the carrot and stick approach many Singaporeans use. A grade 8 certificate is no longer something to be proud about. It is just another... piece of paper in junior's collection. Math Olympiad, Swimming Gold Star award, Yamaha Certificates of Achievement... We as a country are paper collectors, striving harder for that COE, or MBA or even just another degree from NUS/LSE whatever.

Whatever happened to passion? Or is our national identity about kiasuism again?

If Ike is talented, make sure he is talented in his own right, and passionate in his own way. Too many times I see burnout, from striving to getting that next piece of paper that certifies you to do "some crap". if you are serious, If you have talent, if you have passion, well.. Screw MINDEF. And pursue your own dreams.

Because ultimately, what Singapore needs are its people. And our people must be the best. They must score 90 for econs test, score 3.8 GPAs, forget about passion for learning. Forget about Jazz classes. Forget about Math Analysis classes. Just go for Drama 101 (Confirmed A), Math 196 (Another sure A), and when in doubt, and on scholarship, do the course that is the easiest that takes up the least amount of time for the maximum results.

Yes. This is the ugly culture that we Singaporeans are. Are you ashamed yet?

I'm surrounded by Polanyi, Dewey and Hayek. When will I read a YT Lim, or SK Foo? Never.

lip
ranting