Today I’d like to talk about a troubling issue that’s been on my mind — this idea of “winning at the starting line” that’s prevalent in Hong Kong’s education system. It refers to the extraordinary lengths parents go to give their kids a head start in education, to the point where kids as young as eight months old are enrolled in enrichment programs.
For perspective, let’s take a look at Western education systems. Over there, things are generally more relaxed. Early childhood education often involves play-based learning, with kids exploring and learning at their own pace. Formal education usually doesn’t start until around six or seven years old.