A recent world competitiveness survey, conducted by the International Institute of Management Development, claimed that Usa is the most competitive country, followed by Singapore and Finland.

Take Singapore's education system as an example. Pressures from the government, teachers and parents on students are intensive. The desire for their children to get excellent paper qualifications is in every parent's mind. Teachers are pushing students too hard for excellence.

A recent Straits Times survey stated that there is a leap in the number of students committing suicides, mostly because of pressures from schools. Anthony Yeo, an adult, said that he had thoughts of committing suicide when he once failed his examinations.

Youth adults are also feeling the pressures from society and work. Fresh 'A' Levels holders have to compete for limited vacancies in universities. They tend to follow career trends because these careers offer high salaries, even though they are not interested in the fields.

The economy suffers during an recession. Companies have to practise retrenchment exercises. Employees have to sacrifice their high salaries. The only way to minimise these pressures is to remain cheerful and optimistic in the competitive environment.

3rd March 02'

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