Reply to Forum Letter on Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship Guidelines

The Straits Times
22 August 2011

Stricter Checks on PSC Scholarship Candidates

We thank Mr Helmy Sa'at for his comments on Public Service Commission (PSC) scholarship guidelines ('Review PSC scholarship guideline' ; Aug 14).

Good character, integrity and commitment are important qualitites we want in future public sector leaders. The PSC has all along carried out stringent checks when selecting scholarship recipients.

Starting earlier this year, we have further intensified our checks to rely on schools to surface records of significant disciplinary, psychological and behavioural issues.

The scholarship interview panel considers these together with other information on the candidates.

However, there may be those who slip through or who have a change of heart after taking up the scholarship.

In Mr Brandon Wey's case, we were disappointed that he chose to break his bond and evade his national service obligations. But he paid a price for it.

We did our best to accommodate Mr Wey's requests for a change in course, although it was not possible eventually, after taking into account the needs of the Public Service. Mr Wey accepted the decision and completed his studies. Over the years, we have been exercising greater flexibility and where justifiable, we have accommodated scholarship holders switching to other fields of study.

PSC awards scholarships to outstanding young Singaporeans with a passion to serve the nation through a career in the Public Service.

Scholarships are awarded on merit regardless of family background or income. As there are no quotas for the number of PSC scholarships awarded each year, all candidates who are deserving will be made an offer.

Mr Wey's scholarship award did not deprive another candidate of the same opportunity.

Yeo Whee Jim
Director
PSC Secretariat