In my view, there are many Singaporean students have a wrong mindset. They assume that when they demonstrate exemplary values and civic responsibility will bring them money to fulfil all their wants. For instance, many of these students do not have the initial intention to do community service work and go for every Co-Curricular Activities training. Students are just more concerned about hitting the number of CIP hours quota and same goes for the number of CCA marks accumulated in order to receive awards such as EAGLES Award where they would receive between $150 and $200. The students are unable to contribute whole-heartedly to society without any cash rewards. So, is everything in Singapore revolves around money?
Instead of allowing the students continue having the wrong mindset, MOE should try to counter it. Even though the gesture of giving is good, but it should not be in the form on direct monetary incentives.
Perhaps the above award money can be used to help all retired citizen financially. I feel that retired citizen deserve to get this sum of money. They had contributed to the country economy by working very hard from day till night. It serves as a small reward and income for them.
Well, I am not saying that MOE cannot praise those with exemplary values and civic responsibility. The awards should not come with any cash reward. It will help to these Singaporeans students to validate one’s sense of self-worth, as these awards will encourage them to continue doing good and helping peers.
These students will become the future of Singapore. I shudder to think that my future as an old man will be in the hands of people who have learnt to associate money with morals.