JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA, PUB AND SFA
Singapore, 24 July 2023 – Aspiring engineers, would-be chemists and even a budding physicist were among the 15 outstanding young individuals who received the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (SSS) from Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, at an award ceremony this morning. The SSS, jointly offered by the National Environment Agency (NEA), national water agency PUB, and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), plays a vital role in supporting sustainability development under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
2 Each year, the SSS identifies and nurture future leaders who will tackle the challenges posed by climate change, energy efficiency, water resources and food security in Singapore. These scholars will pursue studies in engineering, environmental, food and science-related disciplines in either a local or overseas university, or polytechnic. Upon graduation, they will begin fulfilling careers with NEA, PUB, or SFA, where they will play an integral role in driving sustainability initiatives and contributing to the nation’s ambition towards a greener and more sustainable future. Since the inception of the SSS in 2008, a total of 239 scholarships have been awarded.
3 During the ceremony, Ms Fu also presented certificates to 13 in-service scholars from the three agencies, in recognition of their commitment to enhance their skills and professional expertise. In-service scholarships are part of the agencies’ efforts to foster a skilled and future-forward workforce that possess the relevant knowledge to tackle the increasing demands of sustainable development.
4 Ms Saadhana Ramesh, a 19-year-old who will be pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the National University of Singapore, is one of the scholarship recipients from NEA. Saadhana has long viewed science as a fascinating domain and discovered a genuine affinity for the research process. Her family’s early encouragement towards environmental stewardship further kindled her commitment to preserving natural ecosystems. Her aspiration is to engage in a profession that employs research to tackle intricate issues, effectively connecting academic insights with practical applications in the industry. She eagerly anticipates collaborating with skilled colleagues, aiming to make meaningful impact on Singapore’s environmental landscape. She said, “To be offered a scholarship from NEA is a dream come true, because it is a blessing to work with an organisation that aligns with my values. I really look forward to making a difference in the environmental sustainability sector, both in Singapore and the world at large.”
5 Mr Wong Kang Jet, Chief Executive Officer of NEA, said, “As we embark on a journey towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future, these pursuits are made possible only by the many people at NEA who serve with passion, commitment and ingenuity. The Singapore Sustainability scholarship is one of the ways to grow our talent pool and create opportunities for individuals who choose to pursue a career in these fields. This year, we warmly welcome six scholars to our fold. We are confident that they will make the most of these opportunities and look forward to their contributions in time to come.”
6 Ms Tan Xi Shi Angel, 21, who will be pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering at National University of Singapore, is one of the scholarship recipients from PUB. With an interest in electrical engineering, she looks forward to applying her expertise and contributing to PUB’s mission to ensure a sustainable and resilient water supply for Singapore.
She said, “I chose to pursue electrical engineering as I am amazed by the endless possibilities in the cross-implementation of power systems and circuits with machine learning, to achieve more efficient and effective operational outcomes. My internship at PUB gave me the chance to research on cost-effective water supply management tools, and to appreciate the potential of applying engineering expertise in enhancing our water system. I hope to apply my passion and knowledge in my future work at PUB, in developing digital solutions and smart technologies for sustainable operations and better water savings.”
7 Mr Goh Si Hou, Chief Executive of PUB, said, “With climate change, ensuring water security and protecting our island from extreme weather and the rising seas are enduring priorities for Singapore. Our Water Story has been one of turning vulnerability to strength, and this will continue to require long-term planning, innovation and technical mastery. We are heartened that a new generation is rising to the challenge and joining PUB in this journey. We welcome and look forward to nurturing our young talents as they pursue a meaningful career with PUB, and chart a sustainable future for Singapore.”
8 Mr Feng Jianguo, 21, who will be embarking on an integrated masters in chemistry at the University of Oxford, is a scholarship recipient from SFA. With a deep-rooted interest in Chemistry, he hopes to apply knowledge from his studies to his future work in ensuring food safety for Singapore. “I am honoured to be embarking on this purposeful career with SFA. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the organisation and playing a part in securing a safe food supply for generations ahead.”
9 Mr Lim Kok Thai, Chief Executive Officer of SFA, said, “Since SFA’s inception in 2019, a total of 64 scholars have benefited from this scholarship. These include six new scholars this year (amongst which three are in-service officers). Congratulations to all our scholars as they embark on their respective learning journeys, and we look forward to their contribution towards a sustainable and resilient food future.”
10 Under the SSS, NEA, PUB and SFA offer both undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. Both undergraduates and fresh graduates are given the opportunity to pursue a Mid-Term and Master’s scholarship. SFA also offers diploma scholarships to students in our polytechnics.
11 NEA focuses on environmental-related domains such as Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, as well as Sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences and Meteorology, amongst others. PUB focuses on engineering disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, as well as environmental and natural sciences. SFA focuses on Sciences such as Agricultural and Aquacultural Sciences, Chemistry, and Food Science.
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This article was first published on 24 July 2023 on National Environment Agency website: https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/15-young-talents-awarded-singapore-sustainability-scholarship-2023