‘I Wanted to Get Out’: ‘I Not Stupid 3’s ‘Tiger Mom’ Jae Liew on Singapore’s Education Pressures In the highly acclaimed film “I Not Stupid 3,” Jae Liew portrays a demanding “tiger mom” named Mrs. Wang. The character epitomizes the relentless pressure faced by Singaporean students in the country’s competitive education system. Liew herself has firsthand experience with the challenges of Singapore’s education system. As a student, she felt the weight of expectations from her parents and society. “There was always this pressure to excel,” she recalls. “I felt like I had to prove myself constantly.” The “tiger mom” stereotype, prevalent in Asian cultures, refers to parents who push their children relentlessly to achieve academic success. While Mrs. Wang represents an extreme example in “I Not Stupid 3,” Liew believes there is a kernel of truth in the depiction. “In Singapore, there’s a lot of competition and a fear of failure,” she explains. “Parents want the best for their children, but sometimes that translates into putting too much pressure on them.” Liew’s own experience led her to question the value of rote memorization and relentless drilling. “I wanted to get out of that environment,” she says. “I wanted to learn and explore for myself, without the constant pressure.” After graduating from university, Liew pursued acting and modeling. She found a passion that allowed her to express herself freely and escape the confines of the traditional education system. In “I Not Stupid 3,” Mrs. Wang undergoes a transformation. She realizes that her obsessive pursuit of academic achievement has come at the expense of her relationship with her daughter. Liew believes that the film offers a valuable lesson about the importance of balance and the dangers of excessive pressure. “I hope the film inspires a conversation about the kind of education system we want in Singapore,” she says. “It’s important to remember that our children are more than just their grades. They need to have the freedom to explore their interests and develop their own passions.” As Singapore continues to grapple with the challenges of its education system, Liew’s message provides a thoughtful perspective on the need for a more holistic approach to learning that values both academic achievement and personal growth.Jae Liew’s Educational Journey and Role in “I Not Stupid 3”Jae Liew’s Educational Journey and Role in “I Not Stupid 3” Growing up, Jae Liew experienced immense academic pressure similar to her on-screen character in Jack Neo’s “I Not Stupid 3.” As a student at Rulang Primary School, she excelled in national speech competitions, setting high expectations for herself and her team. The pressure to succeed extended beyond her academic pursuits. Liew recalls being bullied from ages 10 to 16, with classmates resorting to both physical and cyberbullying. Despite these challenges, she persevered, eventually transferring to NUS Mathematics and Science Secondary School. In “I Not Stupid 3,” Liew plays Sophia, a tiger mother who ruthlessly drives her son Jayden to academic excellence. She identifies with the character’s intense focus on achievement, having once shared a similar mindset. However, Liew’s own educational journey taught her the importance of finding a balance between success and self-esteem. Despite her early struggles, Liew ultimately achieved success as an actress. Her role in “I Not Stupid 3” serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by students in Singaporean society and the importance of striving for a healthy approach to education.‘I wanted to get out’: Singapore’s ‘tiger mom’ on education pressures In a candid interview, Jae Liew, the so-called “tiger mom” from the popular Singaporean film “I Not Stupid 3,” shared her personal experiences and insights on the intense educational pressures faced by students in Singapore. “I grew up in a very competitive environment,” said Liew. “My parents had high expectations for me, and there was a lot of pressure to succeed academically.” Growing up, Liew felt the weight of these expectations weighing heavily upon her. She enrolled in a prestigious school but struggled to keep up with the rigorous curriculum. “I felt like I was always behind,” she said. “I would study for hours each night, but I still wasn’t getting the grades I wanted.” The constant pressure took a heavy toll on Liew’s mental health. She experienced anxiety and depression, and she eventually decided to leave Singapore to study abroad. “I wanted to get out of that environment,” she said. “I needed to find a place where I could learn at my own pace and without the constant pressure to succeed.” In the United States, Liew found a more supportive and less competitive educational environment. She was able to pursue her interests without feeling the need to constantly compare herself to others. “It was such a relief,” she said. “I finally felt like I could breathe again.” Today, Liew is a successful entrepreneur and advocate for mental health awareness. She uses her platform to speak out against the harmful effects of excessive academic pressure. “I want young people to know that it’s okay to not be perfect,” she said. “There is more to life than grades. It’s important to find your own path and to follow your own dreams.”