I WOULD like to apologise to those I offended in my letter, 'Parents' aspiration for kids plays a big part' (Sept 21). Readers like Ms Janice Teo whose letter last Thursday, 'Who says HDB dwellers set lower targets for kids?', got the idea that I faulted low-income parents and ignored the financial realities they face.

Having been brought up by hawker parents and having lived in an HDB flat for the past 38 years of my life, I am not unfamiliar with the life of an HDB dweller. My letter referred to parents who have not provided the best educational opportunities within their means, due to fear of stress in their children. I do not think there is anything wrong with that, much less that is a fault. In fact, my sister enrolled my niece in a neighbourhood primary school when she was eligible for a reputable one, due to fear of academic stress. She nobly traded possible academic achievement for a less stressful childhood for my niece. I totally respect that.

Most parents have high hopes for their children, as pointed out in Ms Teo's letter. However, in this highly competitive educational landscape, to achieve such goals requires much more than hope. Providing the best environment and opportunities in their children's education, within their means, is an aspiration. It could be a well-balanced revision timetable during the school holidays.

The motivation to create my website problemsums.com was to create an opportunity for everyone to practise maths skills. While the Government is trying to wire up all homes, including the lower-income group, we hope this platform will contribute towards a more level playing field for students from all social strata.

I agree that many highly academic achievers are HDB dwellers. In fact, according to a recent letter by the Ministry of Education ('Gifted Education Programme: It's fair and merit-based', Sept 26), more than 55 per cent of Gifted Education Programme (GEP) students live in HDB flats.

However, 80 per cent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats. Until the day when 80 per cent of the GEP cohort are HDB dwellers, all factors, financial or not, should be considered.

Ken Tai

This article was first published in The Straits Times.