I AM perturbed after reading last Saturday's report, 'Varsity Squeeze'. There is nothing wrong in scoring straight As, outstanding CCAs and vying for that extra internship to spice up the curriculum vitae.

But isn't it too much to exploit volunteer organisations? The article said students with near-perfect A-level results turn to last-minute volunteer work to get an edge over their peers in interviews, only to disappear after getting their testimonials. This highlights a fundamental flaw in these students. They come across as insincere, irresponsible even, driven by fear and the need to succeed.

There is no issue if they apply to elite universities overseas, because that would give average A-level graduates like me more options locally. But it is a concern when they apply for scholarships. They are potential leaders in their respective fields, including the civil service. What kind of leaders will we develop if they have no respect for volunteer organisations?

Scholarship providers can help contain the fallout by questioning the genuineness of interviewees more stringently.

Lim Chin Hian

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 19, 2008.