Strong Interest and Support for Singapore-Industry Scholarship: 138 Student-Awardees this Year

1. 138 students received the 2020 Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS)¹ this year. The SgIS virtual award ceremony was held on 14 August 2020, with Second Minister for Education, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, as guest of honour.

2. Launched in 2012, the SgIS aims to nurture a core of Singaporean industry leaders to steer the development of the country's key strategic industries. To date, it is the only scholarship offered in partnership between the Government and local industries. Into its ninth year, SgIS has established itself as one of the choice scholarships in Singapore, growing from 28 sponsoring organisations in 2012 to 75 this year². The 75 sponsoring organisations come from 16 key sectors, including biomedical and pharmaceuticals, electronics, engineering, lifestyle and food, and social services. Since inception, SgIS has awarded about 980 scholarships.

3. Despite the prevailing economic uncertainties due to the COVID-19 situation, our sponsoring organisations recognise that developing a pipeline of local talent is essential not just for Singapore's economy but also for their own businesses in the long run. This is why they remain committed to developing this pipeline through SgIS.

4. Charles & Keith (Singapore) Pte Ltd, HR Director, Ms Chia Wai Jyy said: "SgIS is a gateway to secure a reliable pool of high-quality graduates to sustain future business needs. As such, despite this pandemic situation, Charles & Keith is elated to be part of SgIS to continue to groom young talents and build a strong talent pipeline to meet changing business demands".

5. MediaTek Singapore, General Manager, Mr Heng Bun Suan said: "MediaTek has been constantly looking out for fresh talents in System on a Chip (SoC) designs, be it in good or bad times. SgIS has provided us with an extra channel to recruit very talented fresh local graduates."

6. Toppan Ecquaria Pte Ltd, Managing Director, Dr W K Foong said: "Partnering the Government to offer SgIS provides the scholars with the exposure to network across industries, building a pool of curious young minds that exchange ideas. And this is essential. There is no monopoly on good ideas, and learning from one other is the only way to succeed."

7. Beyond offering aspiring local talent the chance to contribute to Singapore's key sectors via SgIS, all SgIS scholars are also exposed to industry-relevant experiences and development opportunities to hone their leadership skills, as part of the SgIS Scholars' Development and Engagement Programme. The programme includes:

• Internships and mentorships conducted by sponsoring organisations to enable undergraduate scholars to gain a head start in acquiring industry knowledge;
• Forums with thought leaders from the public and private sectors to expose the scholars to broader issues concerning Singapore and its key industries; and
• Social activities for scholars to develop their soft skills and contribute back to the SgIS community and the wider society.

8. By end 2020, about 520 SgIS scholars would have graduated. With more partners coming on board, more development opportunities will be available for Singaporean students who seek to contribute to their chosen sponsoring organisation and industry. This will put the SgIS in a good position to groom a sustainable pipeline of industry leaders who can drive Singapore's industrial growth for the long term.

Footnotes

1. More information on SgIS can be found at https://www.moe.gov.sg/sgis/about-sgis

2. The list of sponsoring organisations can be found at https://www.moe.gov.sg/sgis/sponsoring-organisations/industries