First, standards in each cohort are different, so universities cannot project an accurate benchmark for entry requirements. For example, getting a B score in Year X is not as good as a C score in Year Y in the same subject, if most students score As in Year X and Es in Year Y. Therefore, entry requirements fluctuate yearly, and are not an accurate reflection of the requirements of the course.

Second, if we give out university places indiscriminately, the value of our degrees will depreciate as there will be too many graduates and too few jobs.

Ms Phua contradicts herself when she writes that Singapore is 'a country which practises meritocracy' but 'more should be done to guarantee such students a place in a local university'.

University places should not be reserved for students whose results are mediocre, but just good enough to meet minimum requirements, just because they are local.

Lastly, there are other avenues to turn to if one does not qualify for a local university, such as enrolling in a private institution or polytechnic. One cannot always expect to be on top if one does not meet the standard, and one should not mind playing second fiddle.

After all, what is the use of a company with engineers but no technicians, or a country with leaders but no followers?

Poh Hui Jie