Challenging the conventional notion of meritocracy

A RECENT article by BT journalist Marissa Lee highlighted the growing anxiety about inequality. It cited a poll by Blackbox Research, which found that seven in 10 Singaporeans believe income inequality has worsened in the last five years.

The government's solution to this socio-economic issue has been to help level the playing field, particularly through education. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his National Day Message, expressed intentions to "make preschool and tertiary education even more affordable, especially for lower and middle-income families". Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, at the Debate of President's Address last year, talked about how access to "good general education" can uplift the population.

This prescription is welcome, and certain to benefit the nation. But it needs to be complemented by other therapies.