Singapore must evolve beyond a rigid focus on academic achievement

As someone who has long held the belief that academic achievement is the cornerstone of success, my recent experiences interacting with students from Crest Secondary School have compelled me to reconsider this view.

- Shermaine Lee Yan Le

In Singapore, where success is often narrowly defined by academic accomplishments and professional prestige, it is imperative to broaden our perspective to value diverse forms of work, particularly those rooted in vocational education.

Vocational education provides meaningful pathways for students who thrive in practical, hands-on environments. At Crest, the dual certification programme - offering both N-level certificates and ITE Skills Subject Certificates - equips students with practical skills and industry exposure. This helps bridge the gap between education and employability, challenging the perception that vocational education is merely a fallback option.