It is often said that Hong Kong parents have one common worry: they don't want their children to "lose at the starting point".
As teachers, parents and as a society, we push youngsters to take extra lessons, to join the scouts, learn the piano or take swimming lessons.
If Hong Kong's students are to compete, the starting point is not at the university gate, it is early in life
We care mainly about schools with a reputable name and do not work to cultivate proper habits or good character. No wonder some observers have suggested Hong Kong has fallen behind.
But you won't truly understand what it means to fall behind until you observe what a quality education looks like.
The following is what a teacher and his primary school class experienced when they visited a Japanese primary school - and not a "famous" school, at that.
Entering the cafeteria, the teacher sees a group of students, dressed like nurses, holding buckets full of clean trays, milk bottles, chopsticks and spoons. All are primary school age.
The routine is that one class is selected each day to help in the kitchen, setting tables and carrying utensils.