Data on ASEAN Scholarship Holders' Acquisition of Singapore Citizenship and Permanent Residency Since 1998

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Fadli Fawzi, Aljunied GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) how many ASEAN Scholarship holders have acquired permanent residency or Singapore citizenship since the inception of the scholarship in 1998; and (b) what percentage does this represent of the total number of ASEAN Scholarship holders during the same period.

Response

1. MOE offers scholarships to promising students from ASEAN countries to promote mutual understanding and goodwill in the region. After graduation, some choose to stay on to contribute to our economy and society, while others continue to be part of our valuable global network, through the friendships and ties forged during their studies.

2. Similar to other international students studying in our schools, the decision to take up permanent residency or citizenship may occur from the time they are in school till much later in life. Generally, many do so progressively as they spend more time in Singapore.

3. Most who had received the ASEAN Scholarship choose to stay on in Singapore to continue their university studies. Of this group, about 7 in 10 of those from the recent cohorts became Permanent Residents or Singapore Citizens within five years of graduation. Others who do not may still choose to stay on to contribute to our economy, even after their bond has ended, while the remaining become part of Singapore's overseas network of friends and partners.