my letter! :)

MR HARISH Pillay wrote the letter, 'Stress more on sciences, less on second language' (ST, July 11), in response to the recent establishment of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC). He argues this signals for a stronger emphasis on science and mathematics in schools.

Mr Pillay's argument centres on his hope that the new positions created by RIEC would not be 'filled by more foreign talents'. He is of the opinion that the 'type of mindset that an innovating economy needs' involves less of second languages and more of science and research.

He also mentions the disproportionate amount of time spent in primary school on second language, compared to science and mathematics.

Mr Pillay has apparently overlooked the fact that learning a language is often a tedious process, and requires daily practice and lessons to achieve fluency.

Another thing he overlooked is that 'hot housing' young children in science and mathematics may not be the most suitable approach for encouraging their interest in these areas. The quality of teaching is perhaps more important than the number of lessons.

It is indeed laudable that Mr Pillay wishes for more local talent to be groomed to helm key research centres in Singapore. However, I believe strongly that if Singapore chooses to limit its achievements and development to only a few particular fields, in this case science and mathematics, it would be a short-sighted decision for Singapore's economy, heritage and diversity.

The increasing significance of China and India in the world economy cannot be ignored. Foreign investments are being diverted from Singapore to these developing markets, primarily because of their cheaper labour. Hence, it is pertinent that Singapore cultivates local talent to compete against these markets in various sectors of the economy.

However, it must also produce people who are equipped to communicate effectively with them, do business with them and work with them. Singapore, the red dot on the world map, needs to create synergies with these two emerging Asian markets and latch on to their rise on the international stage.

Moreover, learning a second language is crucial for our younger generations to develop a greater understanding of their roots. Language is often the key to unlocking the essence of various cultures, their values and customs.

It would be unfortunate to have a nation of brilliant scientists and mathematicians who are without decent moral values and a sense of their identity. This would probably contribute to the brain drain in Singapore, something that Mr Pillay would probably not approve of.

Lastly, Singapore exists today as a multiracial society. If we cannot practise the same tolerance and respect we have of different races for people with varied interests, I would say that nation-building and the Singapore education system have failed miserably.

With human resources our key asset, diversity of talents from different fields is our key to survival in the world economy.

It is the quality, not quantity, of Singaporeans that counts. It is thus important to expose our younger generations to different disciplines in primary and secondary school. They themselves need to decide which area they are most interested or most talented in, and then specialise in those disciplines when they are older.

Such a diversified approach would allow students, such as Mr Pillay's son, to discover their interests in the sciences or the arts.

Education is crucial to Singapore's future. Despite the hype over science and mathematics, the arts still have a role to play in today's economy and society.

Lindy Heng Ling (Ms)