You are looking at the end result. I am wondering on what basis the people up there gauge if a particular SPF scholar can go far or hentak kaki. After all, all have impressive academic credentials. Okay, NJH had the opportunity to prove himself during the Little India Riot. You could say he failed. And the poor division commander too.
But how do you judge a scholar based on paperwork ?
From the little I know, the appraisal system for scholar is not important to them. It is their opportunity to shine. Once given, they must impress the mountain. By impressing the little mountain, if one is lucky, he gets to get into project work for big mountain.
One hit is enough. Once it is known that big mountain likes and announced that he is good, even his boss will be afraid of him and starts carrying him. From then on, even screw up made by the guy will be considered as a good screwed up.
Therefore, it is luck and how well that one can read the boss mind that is important. Always produce what the boss wants. Never be kai kian and give him what you think is right.
Just my imagination. Take it with a handful of salt.