MY YOUNGEST brother studies in a pre-university institution that offers a curriculum that is far more rounded than the A-level experience I went through some years ago. However, that advantage aside, the institution regularly pressures its students to pay fairly large sums of money for 'compulsory' activities and items.

Since school started about four months ago, my brother has repeatedly asked my parents for money. Within the last month, he asked for money for a high-end laptop that can run the latest cutting-edge software because he is expected to do research and conduct presentations in class every other day; a compulsory overseas community service trip; and a trip to South Korea to participate in the World Scholars' Cup, even though he won the local leg of the competition.

When asked why, his answer is always the same: The school highly recommends it. In other words, it means he must have these items. Whether my parents will struggle to pay is inconsequential as it is 'necessary' for his education. It would be unfair to blame only the school, as I'm sure my brother also struggles under peer pressure. But the school makes it worse by continually emphasising the need to pay for a better education.

My parents said angrily they have never been compelled to fork out so much money for 'necessary' educational purposes - at least with me and my second brother who both went to junior college.

Is there really a need to be so materially extravagant for a better education? I have my doubts. Amid the family discontent, my youngest brother still comes home and asks my parents for more money almost daily. Sometimes, I wonder if the school is truly imparting the right values.

Danny Quah

This article was first published in The Straits Times on May 5, 2008.