Learning in the competitive world

Education is not preparation for examination but preparation for life. When life was relatively unchanging and predictable, even preparation for examination was good enough in most cases and life skills could be learnt as one went along. But during the last decade and a half, the world outside has become turbulent exhibiting changes where distance and time are shrinking thanks to information technology.

The fickle, assertive consumer demands, increasing competition, impermanence of jobs and organisations, the changing job content and need for frequent re-learning, easy movement of capital, people and technology across borders are striking features. Value-adding jobs alone are well-paid and in demand and routine jobs continue to be low-paid and decreasing in number. The government is no longer the main employer.