Studies must pay off

"THE folly of market-driven values in academia" (Comment, Aug 14) refers. Although fully appreciating the value of education for education's sake surely it is no folly to wish to reap the rewards of years of study by obtaining a useful qualification which meets the needs of a world struggling to overcome ignorance, inequality and poverty.
In other words an education "in line with what the market wants".
However do not be put off by the economic-style wording instead view it in the way "in the line of what the world needs most".
All too often the continual complaint is that graduates cannot obtain employment because there are few positions for some of the disciplines studied.
Few can afford the luxury of an education that does not earn you a useful living.
This does not mean that certain subjects should be avoided entirely but there should be an awareness that the job opportunities may be limited.
Students have the freedom to chose their course of studies and consequentially their careers but should be knowledgeable about where and how it will lead them in the future.
Sometimes "it is folly to be wise!"
Denis Hayes
Kuala Lumpur