Harvard speech reignites debate on 'late bloomers' in Singapore

Singaporean Joel Tan, a Harvard Medical School PhD graduate, delivered a student address at the hooding ceremony, recalling how his past grades nearly prevented him from studying biology. His story has reignited debate in Singapore about whether the country's education system adequately supports 'late bloomers'—students who find success later despite early academic struggles. Tan emphasized that his potential was not defined by past performance. The speech has prompted discussions on reforming Singapore's meritocratic but rigid educational framework.