Dr Andrew Chew, Chairman of the PSC

Members of the PSC

Ladies and Gentlemen

INTRODUCTION — CHANGING TIMES

1          I am very pleased to be here with you at the 2003 PSC Scholarships Award Ceremony.

2          The PSC Scholarships have been an important tool for the public sector to attract its fair share of talent. In the early years of independence, a scholarship was an enormous boon. Winning one was a life-changing event. The scholars were very grateful. For most of them, it was the only way they could further their studies, to say nothing of going overseas. And at a time of high unemployment, a scholarship offered a secure job after graduation. The scholars went wherever they were sent for their studies, and accepted whatever assignments they were given upon their return.

3          At that time, a public sector career was very appealing. It was not just the pay and the job security. The task of nation-building was imperative and urgent. We needed talent to develop industries, lay infrastructure, build homes for the people, set up administrative systems, enforce law and order, and build up the SAF. Many of our best students responded to the call to serve and made major contributions to creating today’s Singapore.

4          After decades of economic progress, a new generation of Singaporeans has grown up in different circumstances. They now have more career options, and hold different perspectives on PSC scholarships.

5          Today, Singaporeans are more affluent and better educated. A PSC scholarship is no longer the only ticket to a university education, whether locally or overseas. Our economy is more developed, and offers a diverse range of careers. For a promising student, taking a PSC scholarship has become one of many possible university and career choices. In fact, the intense competition for talent means an outstanding student can pick and choose from scholarships offered by PSC, statutory boards, the private sector, and the universities. Some students even go overseas on their own means, hoping to be recruited on campus by MNCs, which may reimburse their tuition fees and, to top it off, pay a handsome sign-on bonus.

6          And so the tables have turned. PSC now has to work harder to market its scholarships and vie for the students’ attention. The students more often have a clear idea of where they want to study, and their subject combinations. Nevertheless many scholars continue to come back to serve, applying the skills and knowledge they have acquired, carrying on beyond their bonds and becoming leaders in the public sector. Others find their passions in the commercial world, leave the public service after a few years, and go on to do well in the private sector and contribute to our economy.

7          But, occasionally, we come across scholars who are tough to satisfy. They declare they only want to do ‘thinking work’, and disdain administrative or secretariat work like arranging meetings or recording minutes. They resist postings to operational ministries, not realising that experience in managing people and handling real life problems is a vital complement to abstract intellectual skills. Those attracted by the opportunities in the private sector moan about the bond being a burden that stifles their potential.

8          These changes in attitudes are a sign of the times, the inevitable — even the intended — result of our success at growing the economy and creating opportunities for our people. We should expect our best and brightest students to have career choices beyond the public service, and be curious and versatile enough to want to work in different fields. But we also hope that they enter the public service with an open mind about making their careers in it, and a positive attitude to learn and contribute.

A CHALLENGING AND WORTHWHILE CAREER

9          But the situation is once again changing. Singapore is today at a critical point of its development. We are tackling the economic challenges of globalisation and competition, and dealing with new security threats. such as extremist terrorism. Fortunately, we possess many strengths — an honest government, law and order, a good reputation, a talented people, a world class labour force, a competent SAF and Police Force. But adapting ourselves to the new environment will be an arduous and challenging task. On economics alone, the transformation is painful — some workers are retrenched even while new jobs are being created, and even university graduates do not automatically land jobs.

10         Based on purely rational cost-benefit calculations, a scholarship bundled with a bond should now be more attractive than before the Asian Crisis, when Singapore’s economic growth was robust. Ironically, it is organisations that are now terminating bonds. Recently, a scholarship organisation had to release several scholars, because the companies they were supposed to join had no jobs for them. I am not sure whether the scholars felt liberated.

11         But you cannot make a decision to join the public sector purely on the basis of rational economic sums. A public sector career, at this juncture in Singapore’s development, is challenging, fulfilling, and a worthy way to focus your mind and energy. How so?

12         Firstly, although our present challenges are not as dire as when we first became independent and our very survival was in doubt, they are more complex and demanding. On the economic front, we need to restructure and remake Singapore to continue to prosper. In security, we must tackle new, unconventional threats while maintaining a high level of deterrence and conventional defence. Socially, we need to strengthen Singaporeans’ cohesiveness and rootedness as a people in the face of external forces that could rupture our racial harmony and social fabric. On top of this, from time to time, surprises will come out of the blue, like SARS, to which we must respond creatively and vigorously, improvising as the situation unfolds, always thinking on our feet and using our brains to stay ahead. Never before has “total defence” meant so many serious challenges on so many different fronts.

13         This calls for government of a very high quality. It requires not just capable individual officers, but a strong ethos of public service and shared values and instincts to enable the entire government to work together. We run a small government, but one that is competent and effective. As a member of the public service, you must play your part in shaping the future of Singapore.

14         Secondly, the public service is doing more than ever to enable you to realise your full potential. It has a comprehensive training and development programme to help you learn new skills, acquire new knowledge to do your job effectively and advance in your career.

15         Training and development begins the moment you accept a PSC scholarship. The three-week Pre-Departure Course — part of the Management Associates Programme (MAP) introduced last year — is just the start. The MAP also includes the Gap Year Programme, which allows you to attach yourselves for six to twelve months after graduation to the private sector. Four PSC scholars are now doing so. (In Asia Pacific Breweries, Aventis Pharma Manufacturing Pte Lid, Standard Chartered Bank and SembCorp Logistics). They will gain first hand experience of how the private sector works, and so hopefully become more well-rounded public service officers.

CONCLUSION — YOUR ROLE

16         Some of you may be overawed by our high expectations and rigorous demands. Going to university is fun, but you may be wondering what happens when you return, and what you have got yourself into by taking the scholarship. After all, you are barely twenty, and may not have a firm idea of your future plans. But we are confident that our education system has prepared you well, and our selection system has rightly judged both your abilities and your character. I hope that, after experiencing the challenges and opportunities in the public service, you too will conclude that you have made the right choice.

17         So launch into this new phase of your life with gusto and enthusiasm. Work hard, but also enjoy yourself. Make the most of the time and opportunity that your scholarship offers you.

18         But even as you are off exploring, learning and enjoying, remember always why you accepted this scholarship. You have committed yourself to serve Singaporeans through the public service. This is a solemn promise to your country. The Government takes it seriously because we believe you can make a contribution. And you should remain true to your word.

19         As you take the first steps on the path trodden by many earlier generations of PSC scholars, remember that many others have contributed to your success. It was the collective effort of your parents, your teachers, and your society that brought you here. Apply yourself, so that at the end of your career you will have the satisfaction of looking back and saying honestly that you are leaving Singapore better than you found it. Through the PSC Scholars’ Pledge, you proclaim your commitment to give back more than you have received. Say it with conviction and pride, and live its words all your lie.

20         I wish you the very best in an exciting journey ahead.