Is Economics tuition a necessity?

Singapore has often been dubbed the “Tuition Nation.” Even Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has noted that tuition has become a “minor national obsession.” Many Singaporean parents are willing to invest heavily in tuition, seeing it as a key to academic success. According to the Department of Statistics’ 2008 report on household expenditures, Singapore families spent approximately $820 million on centre- and home-based private tuition, a significant increase from $470 million a decade earlier.

In today’s highly competitive environment, tuition is often viewed as a crucial step for students aiming to score distinctions and gain an edge in the academic race. However, Dr. Anthony Fok believes tuition should serve as a supplement, not a substitute, for formal schooling. It is not an obligatory pathway to success, but rather a tool to fill knowledge gaps, clarify difficult concepts, and provide targeted guidance.

Dr. Fok’s approach ensures that students not only catch up where necessary, but also build deeper understanding, critical thinking, and exam skills. With the right guidance, tuition becomes a strategic support system that empowers students to achieve their full potential without fostering dependency—helping them excel in Economics while developing confidence and independent learning skills.