SINGAPORE:

Two students from New Zealand and Australia recently took to Reddit to express their astonishment at the competitive landscape of Singapore’s education system, describing their experience as a stark departure from the more relaxed academic environments they were accustomed to at home.

The students, who relocated with their families in recent years, found themselves grappling with an intensity they hadn't anticipated. The New Zealander, who moved to Singapore at the age of 10, articulated feelings of desperation upon realizing the immense pressure to perform academically. "Never did I think my life would become more of a living hell," he lamented, explaining that the local schooling operates under a "survival of the fittest" mentality where only the most dedicated and high-achieving students thrive.

Struggling with the transition, he initially faced disappointments, scoring just 206 on the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). However, motivated by the urgency of his situation, he adapted, studying vigorously and ultimately achieving straight A’s. Yet, this success came at a significant emotional toll, leading to frequent breakdowns and bouts of anxiety. "I often felt overwhelmed with the unyielding pressure to excel," he said. The most challenging periods included failing to meet his desired score during O-levels and the grueling months leading up to the A-levels, which he described as "the hardest I’ve ever studied."

On the flip side, the Australian student who arrived in Singapore five years ago shared a different narrative. Initially set to attend an international school, he found himself in a local secondary institution after passing a preliminary examination. "That decision changed my life," he stated, acknowledging the rigorous academic culture that characterizes Singaporean students. He expressed admiration for his peers, noting, "I have so much respect for everyone here in local schools," and highlighted the stark contrast between the relaxed schooling in Australia and the competitive atmosphere in Singapore.

Contrary to the sentiments of his Kiwi counterpart, this Australian student did not view his schooling experience as some kind of torment. Instead, he embraced the challenges as an opportunity for growth, grateful for the unique chance to experience two distinctly different educational systems.

Survival of the Fittest: The Global Context of Singapore’s Education System

According to a report by Asia Education Review, Singapore ranks as the third toughest education system globally, trailing behind educational powerhouses like China and South Korea. This ranking, founded on a comprehensive assessment of educational structures and examination difficulties, reflects the immense pressure students face to succeed.

Moreover, Singapore boasts the highest average IQ in Southeast Asia at 106.18, based on data from the International IQ Test, which surveyed over 1.6 million individuals worldwide. This academic rigor positions Singapore as a formidable player on the global education stage, leaving other countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines in its wake.

As education systems worldwide continue to evolve, the experiences of foreign students in Singapore offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of navigating a landscape that demands not just academic excellence but resilience and adaptability as well.