[Raj_Copi_Jin]

Not strictly true. Critical thinking and rote-learning do not exactly go hand-in-hand. I have heard from PRCs who have siblings back home that their siblings lock themselves up in their rooms and study from dawn to dusk. If they "beat our ass", it is only because they are good at memorizing whole chunks of text and "vomiting" them out during examinations. This is not a sign of a superior intellect. Any machine can replicate this "success".

i have seen hordes of PRC working as professors and lecturers here in australia, and their numbers are even more among US universities.

i know singaporeans is facing an overwhelming challenge on home ground.. but dont let our prejudice marred our judgement but learned to overcome our shortcomings.

in another word... dont be jealous, but be inspired.