SINGAPORE: The Singapore-Industry Scholarship marks the commitment of the Government, industry and recipient to develop a strong core of Singaporean leaders, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat on Friday (Aug 28).
He was speaking at a ceremony where 92 students received their scholarships. The scholarship, which was set up in 2012, is the first multi-industry scholarship with a strong partnership between the Government and private enterprises. This year, the inaugural batch of scholarship recipients will be entering the workforce.
In his speech, Mr Heng reiterated a point made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally address last Sunday, that Singapore must remain vigilant to external developments such as the on-going economic turbulence around the world.
Mr Heng added that the local economy provides a robust defence against financial volatility and that good governance, macroeconomic stability and prudent fiscal monetary policies - principles practised in Singapore - will go a long way to underwrite the nation’s economic and financial resilience.
"At the societal level, what will keep Singapore strong and resilient is our people's and our leadership's commitment. We need a Singaporean core that is not just talented and skilled, but fundamentally committed,” said Mr Heng. "It is not just about channelling talent to our companies. It is about making sure our scholars continue to grow once they start work, through continual learning opportunities and exciting career pathways."
During their university years, the students undertake induction programmes, internships and mentorships by senior management of participating organisations. The Education Ministry said this enables them to gain industry-relevant experience with their sponsor organisations and better integrate into the workplace faster.
Upon graduation, scholarship recipients will join a diverse range of 16 industries ranging from engineering, aviation, maritime and healthcare, to other sectors such as arts and culture and social services.
Since 2012, about 380 Singaporean students have received the Singapore-Industry Scholarship. The scholarship aims to develop a strong core of Singaporeans to anchor strategic sectors that are critical for Singapore's development.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/92-students-receive/2083026.html?cid=fbsg
