Award recipients,
Principals, Teachers,
Leaders and Colleagues from our universities and public service agencies
Parents, Industry partners,
1 A very good afternoon to all of you.
2 Today, we gather to celebrate the recipients of the Engineering and Tech Programme Scholarship — our students who have demonstrated curiosity, passion, and potential to be our future engineering leaders. Congratulations to all of you! Shall we give them a big round of applause please.
3 The Engineering and Tech Programme Scholarship, or ETPS for short, was established in 2023 to spot and nurture young engineering talents early. It does so by providing hands-on learning and meaningful exposure in engineering to our scholars, so that Singapore continues to build a robust pipeline of engineering leaders for tomorrow.
4 This is essential, as we expand into green and digital economies to create a sustainable and smart future for Singapore. The ETPS plays a vital role in nurturing future engineers who will drive advancements in these areas, to realise our aspirations and to improve the lives of Singaporeans.
5 Three years on since our first cohort of scholars, we are encouraged that it continues to draw very strong interest among our pre-university students. And today, it counts as one of the preeminent Pre-U awards conferred to talented students with promise in engineering.
6 We are very proud of our pioneer cohort of ETPS scholars. They have just graduated from junior college, and I congratulate all of them on their exemplary growth and accomplishments. I am very pleased to hear that about 100 scholars have enrolled in engineering or STEM-related courses in university or have been awarded engineering scholarships. This is a testament to our scholars' passion and potential, and the strong support of their families, teachers, mentors, and our industry partners.
7 I would like to highlight the journeys of two scholars who embody the spirit and excellence of the ETPS.
8 First, we have Miss Hillary Teo. Hillary has long been fascinated by robots since young, constantly exploring how intelligent machines can support and transform our daily lives. Her most memorable experience as an ETPS scholar was to develop an AI Rescue Robot during the five-day SUTD STEM workshop she attended. Her team designed a robot with an AI camera, applying skills in machine learning, computer-aided design, and 3D printing. The workshop also gave Hillary opportunities to learn about ethics in innovation, the importance of teamwork, and time management. Inspired by her experience, Hillary will be pursuing Computer Science and Design at SUTD.
9 Another ETPS alumnus is Miss Fariah Tiat Safa. Fariah is deeply passionate about STEM, and has a strong desire to apply her strengths in Science and Mathematics to make a positive difference. Fariah's most meaningful ETPS experience was her work attachment at ST Microelectronics, where she saw for herself the various roles engineers play in a company. Along with the NTU STEM workshop, these experiences helped her appreciate the different engineering disciplines and the impact they can have. Fariah will be pursuing Electrical Engineering at the National University of Singapore.
10 It is encouraging to see so many young people keen on engineering. Indeed, Singaporeans today can be proud of our many local engineering feats, including NewWater, which is pivotal in addressing our water security needs. And yet another example is the mass infrared fever screening devices that was invented in Singapore in just one week, in response to the SARS pandemic. Time magazine named it one of the best inventions in 2003, and such devices are used worldwide today.
11 And our Singapore engineers continue to break new ground. From cyborg robot cockroaches that supported overseas disaster rescue missions recently, to local innovations like TraceTogether used during the COVID pandemic; and sustainable alternatives like NEWBitumen which converts plastic waste into road materials — Singapore's engineers are shaping the world with impactful ideas and innovations.
12 As we celebrate SG60, we look forward to a Singapore that would be shaped by you, our ETPS scholars. It is our hope that you would have equally bold and innovative ideas, and have the gumption to chart new ground.
13 To our scholars, this scholarship is not only a recognition of what you have done so far, but also a vote of confidence in what you can achieve. Stay curious, stay grounded, and grow to be engineers who are guided by values and committed to making a positive difference.
14 To our parents, educators, mentors, and partners — we thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our young talent. Together, let us continue to nurture the innovators who will make sure that we have a better tomorrow for Singapore and Singaporeans.
15 Thank you.