Sunny_Always
Well, I certainly hope the weather is cloudless always instead during flights.
Anyway, the 26 year old thing is for SIA only. To be more precise, a Singaporean can only join SIA (as a pilot) after he or she pass their 26th birthday.
I agree with your view on the small amount of students getting their PPL at the SYFC. So its quite like the survival of the fittest, but after all, part of the aim at SYFC is to expose and get more people interested in aviation.
My take on getting through the phase 1 & 2, is to fly frequently during those period, and if possible be the first person to go 1st solo in the course. It "SHOULD" give you a place at phase 3, unless your instructor thinks that you do not have the aptitude to do so.