Manyoptions (US)

A possible reason why so much focus is put on education is because of the difference in career opportunities between Asia and America. In Asia, having a successful career is based on education and it is unlikely that one will be successful in life without it. In America, careers can be built on foundations other than education, like being an artist, musician or athlete. In Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, music, art and athletics are not really booming as in America or even other parts of Asia, so a lot of importance is placed on education. I speak from personal experience, living in Southeast Asia myself.