OPENING ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DR ANDREW CHEW, AT THE PSC SCHOLARSHIPS AWARD CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, 22 JULY 2006, 2.30 PM AT THE ISTANA
Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence and Minister in charge of the Civil Service
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Welcome to the 2006 PSC Scholarships Award Ceremony. Today is a joyous occasion to celebrate the achievements of our latest cohort of PSC scholars. My congratulations to all our scholars, their parents, principals and teachers.
2006 Selection Exercise
2 The Public Service Commission received 1,720 scholarship applications for the 2006 Scholarship Selection Exercise. A total of 286 candidates were interviewed between January and June and 39 have been awarded PSC scholarships. Another 183 have been awarded ministry scholarships by the various ministries. The ministry scholars will be receiving their awards at ceremonies organised by the respective ministries.
3 Of the 39 PSC scholars selected this year, 19 will be pursuing their undergraduate studies in the UK, 14 in the US, and 1 in France. The remaining 5 scholars will be pursuing their studies locally at the National University of Singapore. Some ministry scholars have also been awarded scholarships for undergraduate studies in China, Japan, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, and for the very first time, Switzerland. I applaud these scholars for their courage to venture beyond the traditional countries. Their experiences in these countries will certainly add to the richness of perspectives when they return to work in the civil service.
Development of Scholars
4 At PSC, the development of our scholars is of top priority. Your development starts before you begin your studies, continues throughout your studies and even after you are appointed as a Management Associate upon graduation.
5 To prepare you for a career in the Civil Service, you will receive a suite of development opportunities, like the Pre-Departure Course which you have recently attended. I am sure, through this course, you have gained a better understanding of the challenges facing Singapore
6 Over the past 3 weeks in the Pre-Departure Course, you had the opportunity to learn from and interact with leaders and policy makers from different agencies, on economic, security and social issues. These sessions were included to allow you to gain a better understanding of how policies are formulated to ensure our nation’s success and future, given Singapore’s unique circumstances and constraints.
7 Besides a fundamental understanding of public policy, our scholars must also have a good feel for the hopes and aspirations of Singaporeans. Some of you were attached to the Community Development Councils. Others were attached to grassroots organisations and neighbourhood schools. This is to enable you to gain first-hand insights into the issues facing ordinary Singaporeans.
8 The Pre-Departure Course is not all work and no play. I am sure all of you enjoyed the three days that you spent on Pulau Ubin at the Outward Bound School. I hope you acquired some practical and life skills while roughing it out with your peers.
9 As scholars, you will be exposed to many more developmental opportunities during your undergraduate years. You can look forward to forums and dialogue sessions, the Mid-Course Programme at the end of your second year of studies, as well as talks and engagement sessions with Public Sector Leaders on official visits overseas. I urge all scholars to make full use of these opportunities.
Conclusion
10 It is an honour to be awarded a PSC scholarship. The requirements and expectations are high. I have no doubt that all of you will do us proud. I urge you to do your best as a PSC scholar. Learn as much as possible, make new friends, actively participate in campus and community activities. I wish you all the best in your studies and look forward to you coming back, ready to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.
Thank you.