I FULLY agree with British Council education director Peter Clack's statement that some British universities were put off by the number of A's that Malaysian students boasted about (The Star, May 23).

As a former teacher and HR (human resource) practitioner, I know that many so called 'A' students and graduates have very low inter-personal skills and lack initiative.

They are not well read, have poor general knowledge and cannot speak proper English. Foreign universities find it perplexing that a top-scoring Malaysian student cannot even express himself properly in an interview. We cannot blame them for having such an impression as it is plain to see that the quality of our education system is questionable.

Besides a good academic track record, a student needs to have a mature personality and the ability to think independently to deserve a scholarship worth hundreds or thousands of ringgit from the government to pursue a foreign university education.

Just as importantly, upon completion of the sponsored studies, the student must be grateful and patriotic enough to serve the country to fulfil the obligations of the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

Only then would spending our taxpayers' money be justified because the knowledge and skills earned by the scholar will be channelled back to our country for the benefit of our future generations.

Due to various factors, many parents put tremendous pressure on their children to score A's in major examinations.

This over-emphasis on academic grades puts too much focus on rote-learning and spoon-feeding, resulting in many 'A' scorers actually knowing nothing more than what they have been drilled, to memorise and score in exams.

Few know how their subject matter and concepts are applied to society at large.

The general knowledge of many students is simply appalling.

They do not realise that having a wide scope of interests and involvement will help build character and leadership qualities in them.

To gain entry into a foreign university, English proficiency is a must. Unless the subject is returned to its compulsory status, our education system will never be world class.

My daughter had obtained her JPA or PSD (Public Services Department) scholarship to pursue her choice of study at a top-notch university in the UK. It was only after she was offered a place by the university of her choice that she applied for a PSD scholarship.The PSD officers were friendly and helpful in processing her application.

My wife and I are just typical wage earners, non-government servants and we have absolutely no 'connections' with politicians or anybody in the PSD to pull strings.

We did not have to lie about our family income. There were no short cuts. The university's entry requirements required a self-written statement to explain why my daughter chose her field of study.

The university wasn't impressed with her string of 12 A's. Her personal statement had to be supported with other non-academic achievements and wide interests. Here is where she 'scored' well where it mattered most.

In school, besides being a prefect, she was also active in clubs and societies. She plays the piano, violin and is involved in stage plays. Her wide general knowledge in contemporary issues had given her an advantage during the selection interview.

The ability to communicate in English was another advantage, infact a BIG advantage.

I think the growing public outrage and anger over the PSD scholarship issue can be resolved if PSD scholarships are given only to students who have proven themselves worthy of a place in a recognised university - that means no less than an offer letter from the university itself.

This would save the PSD the big headache of having to do the selection.

Let the foreign university concerned set the selection criteria and the PSD should support by giving scholarships to those who get admission.

This would also mean no more complaints about not getting the student's own choice of study or university because they it is the students who apply to the university of their choice, not the PSD.

Finally, this will lay to rest the misconception that obtaining a string of A's is an instant passport to deserving a place and scholarship in a top foreign university.

JOSHUA CHONG
Kuala Lumpur