A couple of decades ago, our parents learn that in order to secure a comfortable life in the future, their kids would need to get that piece of paper qualification. The higher the level, the better it is. A couple of decades later, those very same people holding onto their precious paper qualification find out for themselves that the promises were mythical in nature. So what happened?

The world had evolved. From a handful of graduates in the past to potentially producing over 12500 graduates every year locally (see stats). 'O' level certificates were the norm in the past but increasingly, a bachelor's degree is the new norm. In order to excel in the paper chase nowadays would require at least an honour's degree, preferably first class. But even so, we could have hundreds of first class honours graduate each year, what sets you apart from them? This is where your paper qualification / grades fail.

Given the determination and hard work, most people would be able to score A's in exams. Singapore is very adapted in producing straight A's students. We have a thriving underground economy in the form of tuition that caters to our nation's hunger for the grades and desire for that piece of carbon sheet. We can train our students to handle all kinds of pen and paper or even verbal assessment, yet we have little to show for in terms of outstanding researchers or writers etc.

If grades were a measurement of one's future successes, it is a very poor measurement tool. Increasingly, people realise that grades were not so important at all. For example, to get a research attachment, you may not need A's for your sciences but you will definitely need experience in research skills and show strong interest and passion in research. To get a scholarship, the fellow who show strong leadership potential in school is in a better position than one who show that he could do nothing but study.

So when paper qualification / grades are not sufficient, you need to develop your own niche area. Singapore is a very competitive society, the world is a competitive society and grades is no longer a convincing argument on who is better. Your experiences will. After all, grades are just words and to experience is gained from actions, and ACTIONS speaks louder than WORDS. Don't you think so?