Group 1 - The article argues that education, often perceived as a long-term investment, is more akin to speculation due to its uncertain returns and high costs [6][8][29] - The distinction between investment and speculation is highlighted, with education being compared to high-risk speculative activities rather than stable investments [6][7] - The author emphasizes that while education costs are fixed, the returns in terms of career and income are highly uncertain, making it a speculative endeavor [9][10][29] Group 2 - The article discusses the irrational expectations surrounding educational investments, particularly the unrealistic return expectations when aiming for prestigious institutions [12][13] - It points out the randomness in educational outcomes, where success heavily relies on individual talent and circumstances, leading to a skewed perception of investment effectiveness [14][15] - The decision-making process in educational investments is often non-rational, driven by emotional factors and societal pressures, resembling speculative behavior [16][20] Group 3 - The article suggests that education can serve as a form of insurance investment, providing a safety net against unemployment and societal exclusion, but should be approached with caution regarding costs [22][23] - It proposes viewing education as an option investment, where limited resources are allocated to children with potential, thus controlling risk while maximizing future opportunities [24][25] - For affluent families, education is framed as a compounding factor in wealth and social status, requiring a comprehensive resource investment to ensure long-term benefits [26][27] Group 4 - The article highlights the external benefits of education, which often outweigh personal gains, suggesting that societal investment in education is crucial for overall economic improvement [31][32] - It warns of a potential resurgence of the "education is useless" argument if personal returns on educational investments continue to decline, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations [32][33] - The author concludes that reframing education as insurance or options can help balance the inherent uncertainties and guide rational investment decisions [29][33]

Core Concept - Education is often perceived as an investment, but it resembles speculation due to its uncertain returns and high costs [1][4][11]. Group 1: Investment vs. Speculation - The distinction between investment and speculation is highlighted, with investment characterized by high return probability and controlled risk, while speculation involves high risk and uncertain outcomes [2][3]. - Education is argued to align more closely with speculation due to the unpredictability of returns despite the high costs involved [4][11]. Group 2: Uncertainty in Educational Returns - The average starting salary for graduates from prestigious universities can be significantly higher than that of graduates from less recognized institutions, but this does not guarantee a return on investment [5][11]. - The lack of a guaranteed method to ensure admission to top universities further emphasizes the speculative nature of educational investments [6][11]. Group 3: Cost vs. Return Analysis - The costs associated with education, including tuition and opportunity costs, are certain, while the returns in terms of career and income are uncertain, making education more speculative [11][23]. - In Shanghai, for instance, the acceptance rate for top universities is only about 13%-15%, indicating a low probability of success for educational investments [15][16]. Group 4: Psychological and Social Factors - Parents often make irrational decisions regarding educational investments, driven by emotional factors and societal pressures, which resemble speculative behavior [20][21][22]. - The phenomenon of "herd mentality" in educational spending leads families to invest heavily despite low probabilities of success [21][22]. Group 5: Alternative Perspectives on Education - Education can be viewed as a form of insurance, providing a safeguard against unemployment and social exclusion, which is a necessary investment for all families [28][30]. - It can also be likened to options trading, where investments are made for children with potential, but with a focus on controlling losses due to the inherent uncertainties [31][33]. Group 6: Broader Implications of Educational Investment - The societal implications of viewing education as a speculative investment can lead to a rise in "education uselessness" narratives, especially if personal returns remain low [40][45]. - The case of Japan illustrates a shift in perception towards practical skills over traditional degrees, reflecting a growing skepticism about the value of higher education [45][46].

Core Insights - Education is a significant investment for Chinese families, particularly among the middle class in major cities, who view it as essential for social mobility [1][2][3] - The rising costs of education have led families to consider international schools as an alternative to traditional public education, despite the high fees associated with them [5][6][15] Group 1: Education Spending Trends - The average annual spending on children's education by Chinese families has reached 40,000 yuan, with many families in first-tier cities spending over 100,000 yuan [3] - The competition for top universities remains intense, leading to diminishing returns on educational investments, as many students face challenges despite high spending [4] Group 2: Shift to International Schools - A growing number of affluent families are opting for international schools to avoid the competitive pressures of the domestic education system, which emphasizes exam scores [5][10] - International schools offer a more flexible curriculum that focuses on interdisciplinary skills, critical thinking, and practical exploration, appealing to parents who desire a well-rounded education for their children [5][10][37] Group 3: Financial Considerations - The costs associated with international schools can be several times higher than those of regular schools, with average annual tuition ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 yuan in major cities [16][25] - Additional expenses, such as meal fees, uniforms, and extracurricular activities, can significantly increase the overall financial burden on families [25][27] Group 4: Changing Perceptions of Value - The perception of studying abroad as a guaranteed pathway to success is being reevaluated, as the supply of graduates has increased and the job market has become more competitive [18][20] - Reports of low salaries for returnees from prestigious universities have raised concerns about the return on investment for families [21][27] Group 5: Market Dynamics - Despite a decrease in student enrollment in international schools, tuition fees continue to rise, particularly in top institutions in first-tier cities [29][31] - The operational model of international schools, which relies on self-sufficiency, has led to increased tuition as schools seek to maintain financial stability amid declining enrollment [32][34] Group 6: Educational Outcomes - International schools provide a diverse evaluation system that includes not only academic performance but also extracurricular activities and personal development [38] - However, the effectiveness of education is not solely dependent on the institution, as many students from traditional schools also achieve significant success through hard work and clear goals [39][42]

Group 1 - Croatia has improved its ranking in the 2025 World Talent Ranking, moving up four places to 47th position [1] - Switzerland remains the top country for attracting and retaining talent among 69 economies, followed by Luxembourg and Iceland [2] - The Croatian Employers' Association noted that the rise in ranking reflects the effectiveness of investments in education and an increase in labor supply, although Croatia scores low in attracting foreign skilled talent and faces ongoing domestic expert outflow [2] Group 2 - Croatia ranks 26th in investment and development, with public education spending at 5.3% of GDP, placing it 15th [2] - The student-to-teacher ratio in secondary education ranks first, indicating a smaller student population relative to teaching staff, while primary education ranks 14th [2] - Croatia's attractiveness ranking is 58th, with high scores in living costs (17th) but low scores in worker motivation (65th), talent outflow (65th), and appeal to foreign skilled talent (66th) [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing landscape of education in China, highlighting a shift in student preferences towards practical and employment-oriented choices rather than traditional prestigious institutions. This reflects a broader transformation in the education system amid a complex job market with a record number of graduates. Group 1: Changing Preferences in Education - High-scoring students are increasingly opting for less prestigious universities with better employment prospects over top-tier institutions with less favorable job outcomes [4][6][7] - The number of college graduates in China reached a record high of 12.22 million, leading to a complex employment situation for graduates [4][6] - The traditional view of prestigious universities as the primary path to success is being challenged as students and parents become more rational in their choices, focusing on the alignment of majors with job market demands [7][8] Group 2: Employment Market Dynamics - The employment market has undergone significant changes due to macroeconomic factors, affecting the job prospects of graduates in certain fields, particularly in industries like real estate and education [7][9] - The expansion of higher education has led to a situation where the supply of graduates exceeds demand, resulting in a decline in the return on investment for a university education [13][14][15] - The average salary of college graduates has decreased relative to the average salary in society, indicating a growing disparity in employment quality [16] Group 3: Skills and Education Reform - There is a pressing need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to better prepare students for the evolving job market, emphasizing practical skills and interdisciplinary learning [10][11][27] - The importance of soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, is increasingly recognized as essential for employability in the modern workforce [28][33] - The article suggests that universities should focus on enhancing students' adaptability and lifelong learning capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market [10][11][39] Group 4: Future Opportunities and Challenges - The rise of artificial intelligence and automation presents both challenges and opportunities for the job market, with predictions of job displacement in certain sectors but also the creation of new roles [30][32][34] - The aging population in China is expected to drive demand for jobs in the care industry, presenting new opportunities for graduates [24] - The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to employment policies that align with educational reforms to address structural employment issues [37][39]

Core Points - The article discusses the political situation in Davao City, Philippines, following the imprisonment of former President Rodrigo Duterte, leading to his son, Sebastian Duterte, automatically assuming the role of acting mayor [1][3][4] Group 1: Political Transition - Sebastian Duterte has automatically taken over as acting mayor of Davao City, replacing his father, who is currently imprisoned at the International Criminal Court in The Hague [1] - According to Philippine election law, Rodrigo Duterte retains a six-month grace period to assume office; failure to do so will result in a permanent vacancy [1][3] - This situation marks the first time in Davao City's history that the government operates normally without an active mayor [1] Group 2: Family Political Dynamics - The Duterte family has consolidated power in Davao City, with multiple family members holding key government positions [4] - Sebastian Duterte emphasized the importance of educational investment and pledged significant budget allocations for scholarships during his swearing-in ceremony [4] - The family is navigating legal challenges regarding Rodrigo Duterte's ability to take office, with ongoing discussions about potential arrangements for him to swear in [3][5] Group 3: Legal and Judicial Context - Rodrigo Duterte's legal team has requested temporary bail from the International Criminal Court, citing humanitarian grounds due to his age [6] - The prosecution has opposed this bail request, questioning claims of no flight risk made by Duterte's lawyers [6] - The situation reflects broader implications for the Philippine judicial system and the political landscape, as family members continue to assert their influence [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of making informed decisions regarding education and career paths for students, particularly during the graduation season, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and understanding of current educational trends [3][4][6]. Group 1: Educational Trends - The traditional benefits of education are diminishing, with a shift from degree-based advantages to a focus on skills and technology [4]. - Parents are encouraged to enhance their understanding of education, consider their children's interests, and focus on STEM subjects and potential high-ranking urban universities [4]. Group 2: International Education - The article highlights the changing landscape of international education amidst globalization and reverse globalization, addressing the need for families to navigate information asymmetries regarding study abroad options [6]. - It emphasizes the importance of planning for international education from an early age, selecting appropriate agencies, and matching study abroad plans to different budgets [6]. Group 3: Personal Development - The significance of self-marketing and building core competencies during university years is underscored, as these skills are essential for modern students [8]. - The article suggests that students should focus on academic, career, and personal development planning, including internships and certifications, to establish a suitable growth path [8].