I HAVE been following the recent discussions on meritocracy, in particular, its practice in awarding undergraduate scholarships. Until I retired, I was directly involved in grooming many student leaders, so I hope to provide a better understanding of the 'relative merit' of the system.

First, I believe meritocracy is the only viable system that provides equal opportunity. Undeniably it has inherent flaws, but in a world where total equality is a myth, it holds the only hope of some semblance of equality. I myself went to university on a scholarship; without it, I would have been denied tertiary education. The scholarship literally allowed my family to get out of the poverty trap. This was the message I passed to my students, especially those who could do with help and had the talent to qualify. How else could a student from a three-room HDB flat whose father had died be able to study at Stanford and go on to work all over the world?

Of course, there are many cases where recipients seem less deserving in the eyes of the public. They come from well-to-do homes and could afford to go overseas on their own. They do well in interviews, being polished and versed in the ways of the world.

The point to note is that scholarships are awarded on merit. As long as the grades are there, the student is eligible. Period. Background is immaterial. Bursaries and no-interest study loans exist as avenues for other students - who are, of course, no less deserving.

Of course, students from wealthy families have an unfair advantage of being able to afford expensive tuition classes. However, we should not conclude that these students are not brilliant in their own right, or that tuition will produce results.

It is also necessary to put to rest the assumption that all poor students are 'hungry' and therefore motivated. Some carry a chip on their shoulder and indulge in self-pity.

So before we criticise the meritocratic system of awarding scholarships, we should realise it does try to be as fair as it can and it remains a source of hope for many. What is important is that recipients realise their heavy responsibility to do justice to taxpayers' money and return to contribute their talent, to improve opportunities of the less privileged so they, in turn, are ready for scholarships.

Ang Lai-Kuin (Mrs)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Sept 12, 2008.

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