PETALING JAYA, Sept 14 — Parents have defended claims of them being kiasu (afraid to lose) by sending children for tuition classes and other academic orientated activities at a young age.
Most parents said their children were sent for coaching classes as a last resort as improvement was necessary for their development.
Father of two Fun Mun Sek said he sent his children for weekly tuition classes for subjects they were weak in.
“This is so they can improve in the subject,” he said.
Fun said education was not the only thing needed to ensure a bright future.
“I believe in holistic education for my children so they will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to face challenges in the future,” he said.
Karen Liong, a mother of two, said she only sent her children for additional classes that they enjoy.
“I will not force them to go for lessons they do not like. But sometimes a little push is needed to encourage children to be the best,” she said.
Engineer Ismail Omar, whose children are aged below five, said he does not plan to send his children for tuition classes.
“School should be enough and tuition is only required if there are gaps in the education system,” he said.
Ismail said he only sent his children for swimming classes as it was a much needed skill.
The stress levels endured by children these days were ridiculous and certain schools even required children to take entry-level exams, he said.
“High performance schools for example, require students to sit for entrance exams. I find this absurd as children should not be pressured to endure such stress,” he said.
Another parent Andrew Heng, said he does not believe children should be pressured to excel in school.
He said some parents exert too much pressure on their children as they often compete with other parents.
“I don’t think it’s fair to impose our insecurities in our children just to make ourselves better parents,” he said
