To be considered for the show, said Mr. Lee, children must excel at all three.

"All children can learn and excel, given the proper environment," he said.

It's not the kind of environment that helps a child excel.

"Rags to riches" stories abound - some disadvantaged children excel in school and became leaders.

Not all Chinese are frugal, well-behaved, well-to-do people whose children always excel in science and mathematics.

The children even excel in various national and international Olympiads .

Not every child could excel academically, but each could shine at something and find a way to bring joy to others.

The proud parents are excited because the child excels, gets fair to good grades, and is accepted into a college.

"Among these people there is an intense desire to have their child excel," said Andy Watry, the executive director of the board.

"A child can find the type of program for them and excel," she said.