THIS letter is written in light of the recent focus to reform and improve education at a systemic level.
Besides focusing on exterior changes of a school, intrinsic motivation should be cultivated in students at the secondary school level to encourage them to pursue higher education.
Higher education marks a significant transitional phase in the lives of students, with the initial year being pivotal as they endeavour to manage life goals and challenges. Cultural norms and expectations influence the desire and motivation to pursue higher education. Emphasis on external validation instead of intrinsic motivation can hamper students' commitment to lifelong learning.