Professor Freddy Boey very generously gave me 15 minutes off his busy schedule to answer a few of my questions and one of the things that struck me was a word on examinations:

"Don't let examinations get in the way of real learning."

We have become excellent examiners but not necessarily better teachers. The learners are the ones who suffer as a result.

Personally, I have seen individuals who are fascinated by a non-examination subject but are forced to drop it or postpone its study in favour of one that will be assessed by an major examination.

In no way am I suggesting that examinations should be abolished. They have their place and it is an important one.

However, education goes far beyond examinations, written tests and grades. Education is the lifeblood of innovation, ideas and interest. It should be embraced as such.