I think it is time for us to revolutionise our education system. We cannot keep sticking to a system that our colonisers had left us

In my schooling years, I had to learn about Malaysian rubber, oil palm, mining, fishing from Standard Three up until Form Six. What a waste of time. Do we really need this kind of education?

I studied Malaysian history from Standard 3 to Form Six. But how many of us can remember what we have studied? This is one reason why we lack real expertise, because our education system encourages memorisers but not thinkers.

The problem is common for Asian cultures, where thinking for yourself and making mistakes is forbidden. For example, when a newborn child is given a bath, Indians use the smoke to dry the hair of the child. Even today, with the invention of the hair dryer, new parents are still made to use the old method to dry their baby's hair. This shows that our parents are so soggy in their thinking.

Below is the kind of education system that I would suggest:

Age 5 to 10: Primary school

Age 11 to 15: Secondary school

Age 16 to 18: Diploma

Age 19 onwards: Degree education

This way, we can eliminate the kindergarten stage and Form Six/matriculation. We are able to produce technical people at an earlier age and start teaching our youngsters job-oriented education, focussing their minds on one thing.

It is better to be the master of one rather than a jack of all. Students will also have more time not just to do pursue a degree program but produce products that many of our so called engineers cannot produce, but which the Thais produce in their kitchens!