Dr Patrick Liew Siow Gian's views are highly relevant to our fast-paced and success-oriented society (A meritocratic society must also help those falling behind; May 20).

This is not the first time Singaporeans have discussed meritocracy and what we can do about it. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong spoke on the issue in 2013 and coined the phrase "compassionate meritocracy" (Meritocracy works but beware of elitism: ESM Goh; July 28, 2013).

Inextricably tied to the concept of meritocracy is elitism.

As a student of a so-called elite school, I am confident that the messages on elitism and compassionate meritocracy have been received by the "elites".

However, I believe not enough attention has been paid to those who have benefited from the system and are now actively contributing back to society.

It is now time for society to take a closer look at what the young are doing for the less fortunate and what they are doing to remedy the situation of the underprivileged.

Leroy Cheong Kai Thong, 15, Secondary 3 student