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Instead of simply portraying kiasu parenting as a troubling feature of society and asking parents to change their mindsets, we should do more to reduce the conditions that make kiasu behaviour feel necessary.<\/p>\n
First, the perceived cost of being \u201cwrong\u201d early needs to be lowered.<\/p>\n
The more irreversible early sorting feels, the more obsessive optimisation becomes. Strengthening credible second chances and permeability across pathways reduces the sense that one exam or one school \u201cdecides everything\u201d.<\/p>\n
Second, we should undo hierarchy, not just hide it.<\/p>\n
If certain labels continue to signal stronger networks, richer programmes, and better resourcing, then families will keep treating school choice as a high-stakes bet. Narrowing opportunity gaps between schools – especially in enrichment, exposure and specialised CCA training – is essential.<\/p>\n
Third, we should reduce the perceived need to buy advantage.<\/p>\n
When private tuition becomes the default way families secure reassurance, stress and opportunity become unevenly distributed, and the system will begin to feel like it rewards not just effort, but access to such resources.<\/p>\n
The way forward is to narrow the marginal value of specialised coaching by ensuring that most students can complete core learning and assignments with confidence within school time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n