I AM writing in reply to Mr Ken Tai's Forum Online letter on Tuesday, 'Students from HDB homes and 80-80 foresight'.

He mentioned that his earlier letter, 'Parents' aspiration for kids plays a big part' (Sept 21), referred to parents not providing the best educational opportunities for fear of stress on their children. Yet in the same paragraph, he stated that he did not think there was anything wrong with that and cited his sister's example.

If that were so, would Mr Tai explain then what is the purpose of his first letter? If it was to highlight the class divide between private property owners and heartland HDB dwellers, he succeeded.

In his latest letter, Mr Tai points out that HDB dwellers managed a mere 55 per cent representation in the Gifted Education Programme, even though 80 per cent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats.

Let me reiterate the Forum responses to his statement: Yes, we HDB dwellers acknowledge that a strong financial background does provide for better academic results. However, that does not mean we desire anything less than the best for our sons and daughters.

I would add that academic and financial achievements do not equate with a rich and meaningful life.

Chua Boon Tuan

This article was first published in The Straits Times.