Last year in Singapore alone families spent a staggering $1.4 billion last year on academic enrichment for their children.
Behind this figure lies a thriving shadow education industry that provides a mind-boggling diversity of services, from brain stimulation classes for pre-schoolers to language immersion holiday camps and robotics workshops, not to mention grade-oriented academic tuition. These extra-curricular activities have helped Singapore gain an enviable international ranking in education. In the global index by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) based on international tests taken by 15-year-olds in math, reading, and science, Singapore has been placed at or among the very top in reading, math, and science. Its universities are also ranked among the world’s best for research and teaching.
These metrics of success also belie the tremendous effort and toil that parents put into their children’s academic achievement. Parents engage in continual communication with schools, private tutors, and domestic help to supervise their children’s schedules, schoolwork, and enrichment activities closely.
Singapore is by no means the only country to demonstrate this intense interest in educational advancement. The zeal for academic achievement and the demand for shadow education is endemic across the Asian middle class.
Hong Kong parents also are strong believers in the value of these types of extra-curricular activities. In a very competitive educational environment it is difficult to succeed without these additional activities.
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.