The fear of failure resonates with Singapore teens and this does not surprise observers, who note that a student's sense of self-worth and confidence is often influenced by how well he does academically. This is the result of a culture here where, for decades, merit has been intertwined heavily with academic results.

Ms Annelise Lai, a clinical psychologist at Resilienz Clinic, said: "Before the phasing out of academic streaming by 2024, failing an exam could mean being ranked at the bottom of society or discriminated since a young age."