Chances are, many of you reading this are part of Generation Z, an incredibly connected, digital-first, and globally-minded generation, often referred to as the “activist generation”. With access to more information than any generation before you, you have come to understand the magnitude of the challenges and legacy problems we face today, from the grind of daily life—the way we live, work, and play—to the pressing global issues of climate change, inequality, and discrimination. It is no wonder so many of you feel a strong sense of responsibility to make a difference and create a better world.
“IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD, YOU NEED POWER.”—JEFFREY PFEFFER
But “changing the world” takes more than just good intentions; it needs resources:
- Education to build domain knowledge and leadership skills to inspire others.
- Funding to support research and innovation, including the inevitable failures before
eventual success. - The backing of a like-minded community.
- The support of policymakers and leaders across the fields you aim to impact.
So, like it or not, to ignite real, lasting change, you must be equipped with the right resources, or as Jeffrey Pfeffer puts it: “You need power”.
Pfeffer, the Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Stanford Graduate School of Business, has dedicated his career to studying successful leaders and the social science literature on power. As he aptly points out, “If you’re going to get anything done, you have to have power,” adding that “if power is to be used for good, more good people need power.”
Scholarships Could Be the Very Power You Need To Change the World
Earning the power to change the world might be more attainable than you think—through scholarships. Scholarships serve as a gateway to removing financial barriers, empowering aspiring changemakers like you to take the reins and make a difference.
More than just covering tuition fees, they provide access to internships, mentorship, expert network, global exposure, and a myriad of invaluable opportunities—equipping you with the skills, experiences, and tools to tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful change.
The impact of scholarships also creates a ripple effect within communities, inspiring other young talents to dream big and showing them that they too can be the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
“If You Had the Power To Change One Thing About the World, What Would It Be?”
A classic beauty pageant question, but it could also serve as your guide in choosing the right scholarship programme. Whether your ambitions lie in leading technology, transforming education, safeguarding national security, innovating in entrepreneurship, shaping urban landscapes, championing sustainability, or driving change in the arts, media, or community, there’s a scholarship waiting to empower your vision.
Technology
Jointly offered by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Government Technology Agency (GovTech), and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), The Smart Nation Scholarship nurtures tech leaders passionate about shaping Singapore’s digital future. Scholars can look forward to a multifaceted career with opportunities for job rotations across public agencies.
CSA’s scholars will join the Cybersecurity Development Programme, where they will earn industry certifications and work on national projects aimed at strengthening Singapore’s cybersecurity capabilities.
GovTech’s scholars will embark on the Technology Associate Programme, where they will be guided by experienced mentors, engage with a vibrant tech community, and access exclusive development opportunities.
IMDA’s scholars will join the AIM Graduate Development Programme, where they will be mentored by senior leaders and gain exposure across tech-driven regulatory, industry development, and social inclusivity domains to shape Singapore’s digital economy.
Education
The NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme (TSP) offers aspiring educators an exclusive pathway to shape the future of education. As part of the National Institute of Education (Singapore) Double Major Programme, TSP emphasises both academic discipline and education majors and minors, with opportunities to develop research skills under esteemed professors.
Scholars explore diverse education systems through global exchanges, teaching practicums, and internships. They also engage in a wide range of electives, conferences, and service-learning opportunities, gaining cross-cultural insights to tackle global challenges and build competencies beyond the classroom.
TSP scholars will graduate with a nuanced understanding of evolving education policies, prepared to inspire future generations and drive meaningful change in schools and beyond.
Digital Media
The SG Digital Scholarship by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is designed to nurture leaders in technology and media to shape Singapore’s digital future. This programme grants scholars the freedom to pursue careers in tech or media across any organisation or industry of their choice.
IMDA provides full sponsorship covering tuition, living allowances, and overseas exchange programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, cybersecurity, Infocomm Media (ICM), including digital & interactive media, film & TV, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Scholars gain access to top employers in tech and media for internships and job placements. They also benefit from the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator (SGDLA) network, which provides mentorship and networking opportunities with global tech leaders and exclusive invitations to industry events.
Upon graduation, SG Digital scholars are equipped with the skills, experience, and network to innovate and drive meaningful change across the organisations and industries they join.
National Security (Uniformed & Civilian)
With the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Scholarships, recipients will play a vital role in safeguarding the nation against evolving threats and shaping policies that ensure Singapore’s resilience.
The MHA Scholarships cover undergraduate tuition fees for academic pursuits at local and overseas universities, with opportunities for sponsorship of exchange programmes and post-graduate studies. Scholars gain hands-on experience through vacation attachments and build networks with like-minded individuals committed to the same mission. Upon
graduation, they will contribute to shaping policies, leading operations, or innovating solutions to drive meaningful change.
Career opportunities range from uniformed roles in the Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Prison Service, and Central Narcotics Bureau to civilian careers in Generalist, Intelligence, Internal Security, Commercial Affairs, Psychology, and Science and Technology.
Entrepreneurship
The Stephen Riady Young Entrepreneur Scholarship is a prestigious, bond-free scholarship aimed at nurturing exceptional individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations. Funded by Dr Stephen Riady, Executive Chairman of OUE Limited and a renowned philanthropist, the scholarship is open to freshmen from all disciplines at the National University of Singapore (NUS), providing comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees and living allowances for four years of undergraduate studies.
Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, a strong record of co-curricular activities, outstanding leadership qualities, and their drive to develop their entrepreneurial skills and advance their ambitions in the business world.
Scholars are guaranteed placement in the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) and receive priority for on-campus accommodation during their first two years. They will also benefit from participating in the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme, which offers internships in entrepreneurial hubs worldwide. Upon graduation, scholars have the opportunity to apply for seed funding of up to SGD50,000 to kickstart their business ventures.
Urban Development
The HDB Undergraduate Scholarship by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) offers an exciting opportunity for students passionate about shaping the future of Singapore’s public housing and fostering vibrant communities.
Open to a range of disciplines, including Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Data Science, Business Analytics, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Economics, Real Estate, Engineering, Sociology, Urban Planning, and more, the scholarship seeks forward-thinking individuals eager to contribute to the nation’s development, building quality homes and creating smart, sustainable communities.
Scholars gain hands-on experience through HDB attachments, working on public housing projects alongside industry experts. The programme also offers opportunities for global exposure and development, encouraging fresh perspectives to enhance Singapore’s housing landscape.
Sustainability
Jointly offered by the National Environment Agency (NEA), PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (SSS) empowers young talents passionate about strengthening Singapore’s environmental resilience and ensuring food and water security.
The SSS is designed to nurture the skills necessary for addressing complex, real-world sustainability issues. It provides a platform to cultivate transformative thinking and equip scholars with the tools to drive meaningful change.
Upon graduation, scholars will embark on impactful careers with NEA, PUB, or SFA and contribute to efforts such as mitigating climate change, enhancing energy efficiency, developing water resources, or ensuring the nation’s food safety and security.
Non-Academic Fields (Arts, Sports, Community Leadership, Etc.)
The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Talent Scholarship recognises and nurtures exceptional achievements in non-academic fields. Awarded to undergraduates with outstanding talents or who have made significant societal contributions, the scholarship celebrates individuals excelling in areas such as the arts, sports, and community leadership. Past recipients include an internationally published poet inspiring others through her work and a green start-up co-founder leveraging technology to promote sustainability.
Scholars can also apply for a talent grant to further develop their talent and interests. The grant may be used to enhance scholars’ expertise, participate in competitions, or develop initiatives that contribute to their field or community.
In addition to financial support, scholars will join the Student Talent Development Programme (STDP), which offers curated experiences such as learning journeys, capability development sessions, conversations with industry experts, and mentorship. The programme culminates in an impact initiative, empowering scholars to apply their talents and newly gained insights to real-world challenges by implementing projects benefiting NTU and the wider community.
Community Impact
For over 60 years, NTUC has been dedicated to uplifting the lives of workers in Singapore. With 58 affiliated unions and seven associations, NTUC strives to improve the wages, welfare, and work prospects for people of all collars, ages, and nationalities. From moderating the cost of living to helping workers stay relevant throughout lifelong learning, NTUC remains committed to positively impacting people’s lives.
The NTUC Scholarship provides full coverage of tuition fees and accommodation, annual living allowances, support for overseas exchange programmes, airfare coverage for overseas scholars, internship opportunities, and mentorship from Labour Members of Parliament.
Upon graduation, NTUC scholars will embark on fulfilling careers such as Industrial Relations Officers (IRO) where their responsibilities include collaborating with union leaders, members, and management to maintain positive industrial relations, addressing workers’ grievances, negotiating collective agreements to support worker welfare, and advocating for upskilling practices to enhance productivity and improve lives.
Be the Change You Want To See
Your journey to creating a better world begins with gaining the right support. With the power of scholarships, you can unlock your potential, develop the skills to make a difference, and inspire others to do the same. Find a scholarship that aligns with your passion and take the first step towards becoming the changemaker you aspire to be. And remember: “With great power comes great responsibility.”