JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN MSE, NEA, PUB AND SFA
Singapore, 22 July 2024 – Seventeen outstanding young individuals set to pursue courses in earth and planetary science, molecular and cell biology, plus other science and engineering disciplines, received the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (SSS) from Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, at an award ceremony today. 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 our Singapore Green Plan 2030.
2 Each year, the SSS identifies and nurtures future leaders to tackle the challenges posed by climate change, energy efficiency, water security and food security in Singapore. These scholars will embark on 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 implementing the strategies outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Since the inception of the SSS in 2008, a total of 277 scholarships have been awarded.
Singapore Sustainability Scholarship recipients
3 NEA’s scholarship recipient, Ms Alicia The, will be pursuing a Master of Science in Environment Science at the University of St Andrews. Alicia took a degree in Chemistry with Nanyang Technological University, which piqued her interest to foray into scientific work. She took on an internship with NEA during her undergraduate studies, which provided her on-the-ground experience of NEA’s work. During her internship, she worked with the team investigating unpleasant odours using what she learnt from analytical chemistry to identify these odorous compounds and their potential sources. Alicia found the work to be meaningful and she made the decision to pursue a longer-term career with NEA and took on the SSS to pursue her post-graduate studies. “Amidst the ongoing climate crisis, I felt a personal calling to contribute to environmental efforts and found immense fulfilment from being involved in such projects. With the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship, I hope to continue using science to tackle Singapore’s environmental issues and create a more sustainable future for our home.”
4 PUB’s scholarship recipient, Ms Melissa Koi, who was also previously awarded a PUB Diploma Scholar who will study for a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering at the Nanyang Technological University. Her passion for environmental conservation at a young age prompted her to pursue a Diploma in Environment and Water Technology at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, instead of taking the Junior College route. The 20 year-old had an opportunity to intern at PUB’s Water Quality Department, where she learned about the importance of ensuring a clean and safe water supply for Singapore. Having read extensively about the impact of climate change and Singapore’s vulnerability to rising sea levels, she is eager to contribute to Singapore’s coastal protection journey. “I intend to specialise in coastal protection as this topic has become a national priority and will be a multi-generational challenge over the next few decades. I hope to play a role in addressing the environmental challenges and help safeguard Singapore’s coastal areas.”
5 SFA’s scholarship recipient, Ms Abie Chi, will be pursuing a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. The ex-national gymnast aims to promote sustainable food practices in Singapore. “I believe that veterinary studies will provide invaluable exposure to different systems and equip myself with necessary skills to proactively address challenges in food safety.”
In-service scholarship recipients
6 At the ceremony, Minister Fu also presented certificates to 13 in-service scholars from MSE, NEA, PUB, and SFA, recognising their commitment to enhance their skills and professional expertise. In-service scholarships are in line with MSE family’s efforts to foster a skilled and future-forward workforce that possess the relevant expertise to tackle the demands of sustainable development.
7 Mr Ackburally Mohammad Djamil from NEA will be pursuing a Master of Public Health at the National University of Singapore. As a Deputy Director in NEA’s Vector Control Operations Division, he is responsible for executing strategies and devising plans to keeping vector population low in Singapore. His current focus is on the prevention of mosquito and rat associated diseases. Coupled with his extensive experience in the field, the Master programme will help sharpen his ability to devise robust and sustainable execution plans to achieve desired vector control outcomes.
8 Mr Faisal Ahmad from PUB currently oversees the Smart Operations Division in the Infotech and Digitalisation Department. He is responsible for implementing enterprise digitalisation projects to build a productive and future-ready PUB that can do more with less. One successful project was a central video management system, which connects all of PUB’s CCTV systems to collate key video alert information for enhanced incident response. By pursuing a Master in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development at the University College London, he hopes to contribute towards integrating AI seamlessly into PUB’s core operations and ensuring its effective management.
9 Mr Ong Yihang from SFA will pursue a Master of Engineering (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering) at the Nanyang Technological University. Yihang is currently working on a research project that explores the production of microalgae-based single-cell protein as a sustainable feed ingredient for Asian seabass in Singapore’s aquaculture industry. This project will provide insights and pave the way for further research and innovation in sustainable protein sources for our aquaculture industry.
Types of scholarships
10 Under the SSS, NEA, PUB and SFA offer both full-term and mid-term undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships. SFA also offers diploma scholarships to students from local 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, Biology, Veterinary Science, and Food Science. The full list of SSS recipients and in-service scholars are in Annex A and B respectively.
This article was first published on 22 July 2024 on National Environment Agency website: https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/17-young-talents-awarded–singapore-sustainability-scholarship-2024
Annex A – Profiles of Singapore Sustainability Scholarship Recipients
Annex B – Profiles of In-service Scholars