I am 36 years old and belong to the pioneer batch of 100 students who were picked after their Primary School Leaving Examination in 1984 to study in the gifted scheme.

With the current debates, it is timely that some of us share our experiences and let the public decide whether the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) does benefit society.

Back then, the group was divided and put into five small classes. We were given many opportunities to analyse and think out of the box. And after four gruelling years, I somehow managed to score 10 A1s in the O-level exams.

I knew that I was lucky as I had brighter friends who did not do as well. But from my four years in the GEP, I developed good analytical skills and critical thinking, as well as humility from knowing that there were many who were better than me. I was also grateful for having been groomed by Singapore.

I left my alma mater to a junior college in the east to determine whether I could 'survive' and be accepted in a community away from the GEP. I was glad that I fitted in well and was elected into the students' council.

Subsequently, I graduated from the National University of Singapore as a medical doctor and later earned my master's degree in family medicine and a graduate diploma in dermatology.

I am aware that I had many peers who were more talented than me; I just happened to pass the right tests at the right time.

As such, I remain thankful to Singapore for grooming me and I do whatever little I can to repay and make a difference to society.

I left a private hospital and a lucrative group practice to start my clinic in Bedok so that I could treat not just the rich, but the deserving ones too.

Though busy, I find time to volunteer in the polyclinic to help the needy and subsidised patients as well. I also volunteer as a part-time lecturer to teach nursing students twice a week at Nanyang Polytechnic.

I have volunteered as a committee member in a national sports association since 2003 and was elected president of the Singapore Contract Bridge Association last month.

My vision is to introduce Bridge to all Singapore families so that their minds will be kept active and also to bring sporting glory to the country. In whatever little time I have left, I conduct Bridge classes for the elderly, working adults and junior college students.

One day, if I am ever called upon to lead and help Singapore, I will not hesitate to do so. I am fully aware that the country has groomed me to what I am today and I hope to repay that by making a difference to the people here.

I also believe that my GEP peers have contributed to society in their own ways.

Dr Wong Choo Wai