OPENING ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, DR ANDREW CHEW, AT THE PSC SCHOLARSHIPS AWARD CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, 21 JULY 2007, 2.30 PM AT THE ISTANA
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,
Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence and Minister in charge of the Civil Service
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Welcome to the 2007 PSC Scholarships Award Ceremony. This is a joyous occasion where we congratulate the new cohort of PSC scholars as well as their parents, principals and teachers.
2007 Selection Exercise
2 The Public Service Commission received more than 1,700 scholarship applications this year. This included applications for the newly introduced Mid-Term Scholarships for undergraduates. A total of 302 candidates were interviewed between January and June and 52 have been awarded PSC scholarships. This is 13 more than the 39 PSC Scholarships awarded last year. More than 200 candidates have been awarded ministry scholarships by the various ministries. The ministry scholars will receive their awards at ceremonies organised by the respective ministries.
3 Of the 52 PSC scholars selected this year, 25 will be pursuing their undergraduate studies in the UK, 15 in the US, 1 in Australia, 1 in France and 1 in Switzerland. The remaining 9 scholars will be pursuing their studies locally. The scholars will be reading a diverse range of courses like Economics, Engineering, Natural Science, Biomedical Science, Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Medicine and Psychology.
Profile of Scholars
4 I am delighted to note that a number of this year’s batch of scholars have chosen to further their education in non-traditional countries like Switzerland. Of the ministry scholars, some will be venturing to countries such as China and Japan. This will add much needed diversity to our talent pool and strengthen the Civil Service’s ability to respond to global changes. We hope that this trend of scholars taking the path less travelled will continue.
5 This year’s cohort also comes from diverse backgrounds. Included in this year’s cohort is a polytechnic graduate, Ms Denise Tan Mei Xiu as well as our first Mid-term scholar, Mr Yik Jia Wei from the National University of Singapore. PSC Scholarships have always been opened to the best and brightest, whether they are from Junior Colleges or polytechnics. We have awarded PSC Scholarships to polytechnic graduates in the past and are delighted to award one this year. Last year, PSC introduced the Mid-term Scholarships to cast a wider net in search of talent beyond the usual catchment of fresh Junior College graduates to include undergraduates with strong academic and co-curricula achievements. Our mid-term scholar Yik Jia Wei is pursuing a Double Degree Programme in Electrical Engineering in the National University of Singapore. He has just completed his 2nd year of studies at the NUS and will be leaving for one of the top French universities, Supelec, in August. He will graduate with a Diplome, the equivalent of a Masters degree. PSC will continue to reach out to students at different levels and from different education paths, be it Junior Colleges, polytechnics and universities.
Development of Scholars
6 We place great emphasis on grooming and developing our scholars. PSC scholars are placed on training and development programmes to hone their skills and competencies for public administration. This is in preparation for their roles and responsibilities in the Civil Service after graduation.
7 Our new scholars spent the last 3 weeks undergoing their Pre-Departure Course (PDC). The objectives of this course are to give our scholars an introduction to the policy challenges and priorities facing the government today, and the day-to-day issues faced by ordinary Singaporeans so that they can have a better appreciation of their hopes and concerns.
8 The programme started off with a 3-day Outward Bound School course where our scholars had the opportunity to work with one another, hone their leadership skills, and overcome challenges together. Our scholars also had the opportunity to interact with leaders and policy makers on diverse issues concerning the economy, security and the community. They were also attached to the Community Development Councils, grassroots organisations and neighbourhood schools to gain first-hand insights into the challenges on the ground. As future leaders, they should have a sense of compassion and the desire and capacity to put others above self.
9 To our new scholars – I encourage you to make full use of the many opportunities available to you, whether it is to take up an exchange programme offered by your university, develop your interests through co-curricular activities or participate in community work locally or abroad. You should get as diverse an experience as possible beyond the classroom. There will also be opportunities for you to interact with our government leaders and senior civil servants when they travel on overseas trips to your country of study.
Conclusion
10 It is an achievement to be chosen from amongst thousands and to be awarded a PSC scholarship. While you celebrate your achievements today, do remember that receiving a PSC scholarship is only the beginning, the first step towards a challenging and fulfilling career. It is up to you to do your best as an undergraduate and later on, as a Civil Servant. I have no doubt that all of you will do us proud. Let me once again extend my warmest congratulations to you and your parents. I wish you all the best in your studies, and every success as you embark on this exciting journey.
Thank you.