Dr Andrew Chew, Chairman of the Public Service Commission

Members of the PSC

Ladies and Gentlemen

1          I am pleased to be here with you this afternoon at the Public Service Commission’s annual scholarship award ceremony. First, let me congratulate the 39 scholars who have been awarded the PSC scholarships this year. You have done well to be selected from amongst your peers. May I also congratulate your parents and teachers for having brought you up to have a sense of purpose and passion to serve the nation.

Challenges facing Singapore

2          Singapore will be celebrating its 41st year of independence next month. Singapore has done reasonably well thus far. Politically, Singapore is stable, an oasis of calm in a sometimes tumultuous region. Economically, we have survived many an upheaval and transformed ourselves several times over, from a trading port, to labour intensive manufacturing and now, to skill intensive manufacturing and as a financial services hub. Socially, Singaporeans enjoy a good standard of living in a harmonious multiracial and multicultural environment.

3          However, the world is changing ceaselessly. The internet, air travel and container shipping accelerates this change on a global scale. We have to move on and up, finding competencies in new areas such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, health and educational services. At the same time, we need to re-train and equip Singaporeans with new skills and attitudes relevant to the new economy.

4          There are healthcare needs for an ageing population, and education needs for our young to attend to.

5          Security threats from terrorism and extremism continue to loom in the background. The challenge is to put in place effective deterrent and preventive measures to counter these threats but yet allow Singaporeans to go about their daily lives without too much disruption. But more than that, how do we build a cohesive society that rejects extremism and remains resilient in the face of attempts to divide us.

6          The Singapore Civil Service plays an important role in responding to these challenges. We need competent leaders at every level of Government who are able to assess the situation and map out directions to steer Singapore out of “danger spots”, while seizing and creating opportunities to move ahead.

Talent Recruitment

7          Since its inception in 1961, the PSC scholarships have always been a key avenue for the Civil Service to recruit its fair share of the nation’s top talent. PSC scholars form the main pipeline for Public Sector Leaders. However, we recognise that there will be some outstanding students who, for one reason or other, do not want to apply for a PSC scholarship immediately after their A levels. Some may want to retain their flexibility in career choices. Yet others may be unsure what a civil service career entails.

8          Recognising this, the Civil Service will be casting its net wider in search of talent. PSC will be offering mid-term scholarships to outstanding undergraduates in top local and overseas universities from this year. Currently outstanding graduates can already apply to the Civil Service for appointment to the Management Associates Programme which is the 4-year programme that all PSC Scholars go through. The government will intensify its efforts to encourage more of such graduates to join the Programme.

9          To enable top undergraduates to have a first-hand feel of what work in the civil service is like, PSC has also initiated the Civil Service Internship Programme. 29 Singaporean undergraduates from 15 top universities are currently attached to 10 ministries for 6 to 8 weeks working on various exciting projects. Their experiences will give them an insight into the challenges of a civil service career. We hope such experiences will give them more reasons to consider joining the Civil Service after graduation.

10         You will notice that 3 scholars are being awarded the Local Merit Scholarships for Medicine this year, unlike previously where scholars were allowed to pursue local Medical studies only if they were awarded the President’s Scholarship. PSC has done a review and decided from this year to award Local Merit Scholarships for Medicine, on a highly selective basis, to recognise outstanding students whose hearts are set on becoming doctors. The Civil Service will be the richer for it with more scholars coming in with different expertise and experiences.

11         The Civil Service values its talent, regardless of whether he or she joins us as a scholar after the “A” levels or mid-way through university, or as a fresh or mid-career graduate. As scholars, you enjoy a headstart because you will be exposed to many opportunities, right from your university studies. I would strongly urge you to seize the opportunities available to you and discover yourself in the process.

What does it mean to be a Scholar?

12         A scholar’s life is not just about excelling academically and getting top grades. While achieving good academic results is important, you should strive to make your educational experience as meaningful and enriching as possible. Take up modules that will further your knowledge and understanding of a subject and not shy away from demanding courses simply because they may be more difficult.

13         For those who are studying overseas, remember to keep in touch with developments in Singapore. However, do also move beyond your immediate social circle of fellow Singaporeans. Interact with the local students as well as other international students. Learn from them, engage them and make friends for Singapore. For those who are studying in local universities, sign up for the Student Exchange Programmes or summer attachments in overseas universities and experience living and studying in another country.

14         We need friends in other parts of the world who have Singapore’s interests at heart. We will need to win hearts and minds not just by demonstrating what we are capable of, but also by building ties of friendship. As you go away to study, I urge you to make good the opportunity to establish warm and genuine friendships with your fellow course mates and university professors. These are invaluable ties that you will treasure in your personal and professional capacities in future.

Diversity

15         The majority of you have decided to pursue your undergraduate studies either in the UK or the US. I especially congratulate Mr Png Zhiheng for deciding to go on the less travelled path to study in France, and his parents for supporting his decision to do so. Although the course duration is longer, the unique experience and the opportunity to be fully immersed in another language will be a much valued asset to the civil service.

16         It is still not too late for those who have chosen to study in Singapore, US and UK. I would like to encourage our scholars to consider pursuing their Masters degree in another country that is different from your undergraduate studies. To facilitate this, PSC is prepared to sponsor scholars for up to 2 years to complete their Masters degree in non-traditional countries such as China, France, Germany and Japan. Scholars are also allowed to pursue the Masters in Public Policy programme conducted by the new Singapore Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. This is a unique opportunity for scholars to pick up theories and tools in public policy analysis, especially in an Asian context. The options are many and I would encourage you to take up the challenge and venture beyond your comfort zones.

Responsibility of PSC Scholars

17        Being a scholar brings with it not just honour and prestige but also important responsibilities. You will be in the public eye, whether you are studying in Singapore or abroad. Some people may look up to you as a role model, while others may look to you for guidance. There will also be others who are watching you to see if you are indeed worthy of a Government scholarship and the public trust and responsibilities placed upon you.

18         As PSC scholars, you can consider yourselves young ambassadors of the Singapore Civil Service. Wherever you go, you need to carry yourself with dignity and act with integrity. Remember, your actions and words will not just speak of you as an individual, but can be construed as representative of someone who comes from the Singapore Civil Service.

Conclusion

19         The 39 of you receiving your awards today will join the ranks of outstanding men and women who have gone before you in the Singapore Civil Service, and be held to its highest standards of Integrity, Service and Excellence. Strive to excel in all your pursuits, uphold integrity in whatever you do, but above all, remember always that you are here in service to Singapore and your fellow Singaporeans.

20         I wish you all the best for your studies. Thank you.