Fact Sheet: The Defence Scholarships and Profiles of Scholarship Recipients

Recipients of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Scholarship

Introduced in 1971, The SAF Scholarship, formerly known as SAF Overseas Scholarship (SAFOS), is a prestigious scholarship second only to the President’s Scholarship. There are 347 recipients of The SAF Scholarship to date.

Past SAF scholars include Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, Permanent Secretary (Smart Nation and Digital Government) and Chairman of Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) Ng Chee Khern, Deputy President (Administration) and Chief Financial Officer of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) Ronnie Tay, and Chairman of the National Library Board (NLB) Lee Seow Hiang.

There are 7 recipients of The SAF Scholarship this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NameServicePost-Secondary/ Pre-University InstitutionCourse
MID Ang Zyn YeeNavyHwa Chong InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
OCT Joseph See YongAir ForceAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Aeronautical Engineering, Imperial College London
OCT Matthew Lau EndeArmyAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology
LTA Or Jia Yi DavidArmyRaffles InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
MID Shawn Cheng Wei XuanNavyHwa Chong InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
OCT Tang Tai RanArmyHwa Chong InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
OCT Xavier Tham Chun YewAir ForceNational Junior CollegeInternational Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science

Recipients of the Public Service Commission Scholarship (Engineering) – Defence and Security

The Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship (Engineering) was launched in 2017. In partnership with three engineering clusters in the Public Service, namely Defence and Security, Information and Communications Technology & Smart Systems, and Infrastructure & Environment, the scholarship aims to develop and groom individuals for leadership positions in the engineering and technology sectors. The Defence and Security cluster looks at the design, operation and maintenance of our national security infrastructure. There are 23 recipients of PSC Scholarship (Engineering) – Defence and Security to date.

There are 5 recipients of the PSC Scholarship (Engineering) – Defence and Security this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NamePost-Secondary / Pre-University InstitutionCourse
Faith Tan Jia YiVictoria Junior CollegeComputer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lim En NingDunman High SchoolComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Lim Xin YiRiver Valley High SchoolRenaissance Engineering Programme, Nanyang Technological University
Ngan Ming Wei EdmundVictoria Junior CollegeDeparting for studies in 2021
Yap Yi Tern, EldenNUS High School Of Mathematics And ScienceDeparting for studies in 2021

Recipients of the SAF Merit Scholarship

Introduced in 1983, the SAF Merit Scholarship is awarded to individuals who have excelled academically and who possess dynamic leadership qualities. There are 495 SAF Merit Scholarship recipients to date.

Past SAF Merit Scholarship award holders include former Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou and former Chief of Army, Major-General Ravinder Singh.

There are 17 recipients of the SAF Merit Scholarship this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NameServicePost-Secondary/ Pre-University InstitutionCourse
LTA Chuah Chong KoonAir ForceDunman High SchoolPsychology, Nanyang Technological University
CPT David Ong KaiAir ForceAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Economics, National University of Singapore
2LT Ho Zi MingNavyHwa Chong InstitutionPhilosophy, Politics and Economics, National University of Singapore
OCT Jolene Teo Mian EnArmyRiver Valley High SchoolPsychology, Nanyang Technological University
OCT Lee Qian Yu, DavinaAir ForceVictoria Junior CollegeBusiness Administration with Psychology, National University of Singapore
LTA Lim Fang JanAir ForceRaffles InstitutionAeronautical Engineering, University of Glasgow
LTA Lim Zhen YangAir ForceSingapore PolytechnicAerospace Engineering, University of Bristol
LTA Loke Hsien JieAir ForceHwa Chong InstitutionInformation Systems, National University of Singapore
LTA Mendel Huan Xue HanArmyAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Departing for studies in 2021
LTA Michael Liman ChowArmyRaffles InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
MID Phoebe Teo (Zhang Yurou)NavyRiver Valley High SchoolPsychology and Language Sciences, University College London
LTA Shawn Goh Bo YawNavyRaffles InstitutionComputer Science, University of California San Diego
LTA Shermann Ng Ding HengArmyTemasek PolytechnicMechanical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
2LT Tan Chia SherngArmyRaffles InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
LTA Tok Chang Yu WilliamArmyHwa Chong InstitutionSociology, National University of Singapore
ME4A Wong Jia Jing, MeganJointRiver Valley High SchoolPolitics, University of Edinburgh
LTA Yeo Tsing Ngia (Yang Qingya)NavyRaffles InstitutionPolitical Science and Social Work, National University of Singapore

Recipients of the SAF Engineering Scholarship

Introduced in 2016, the SAF Engineering Scholarship is awarded to aspiring engineers who will be joining the SAF as Military Experts. These scholars will form the next generation of leaders in our engineering corps who will catalyse the next phase of development of the SAF. As military engineers, they will assume a range of challenging engineering appointments in MINDEF/SAF. There are also opportunities for them to be rotated to the wider defence technology ecosystem to build up engineering expertise and gain exposure in cutting-edge defence technologies. There are 21 recipients of the SAF Engineering Scholarship to date.

There are 5 recipients of the SAF Engineering Scholarship this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NameServicePost-Secondary/ Pre-University InstitutionCourse
ME4A Chin Kang JieAir ForceSingapore PolytechnicAerospace Engineering, University of Bath
ME4A Jasper ChuaAir ForceSingapore PolytechnicMechanical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
ME4T Joshua Kwan Shu WeiAir ForceNational Junior CollegeEngineering Product Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design
ME4A Tan Wen LinNavyAnderson Serangoon Junior College (then Anderson Junior College)Departing for studies in 2021
ME4A Yee Jia JunArmyTemasek PolytechnicChemical Engineering, National University of Singapore

Recipients of the Defence Merit Scholarship

Introduced in 2002, the Defence Merit Scholarship is awarded by MINDEF to selected individuals with the calibre to chart Singapore’s future. Recipients will be groomed to be a leader, a major contributor to defence policies and more. There are 133 Defence Merit Scholarship recipients to date.

There are 18 recipients of the Defence Merit Scholarship this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NamePost-Secondary/Pre-University InstitutionCourse
Ang De RenVictoria Junior CollegeHistory, National University of Singapore
Arjunan KirubakaranNUS High School Of Mathematics And ScienceDeparting for studies in 2022
Chang Ri Jian, JoelAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Economics, University of Cambridge
Charmaine Lee Wen XinRaffles InstitutionPsychology and Linguistics, University of Edinburgh
Cheng Min JingHwa Chong InstitutionEnglish, University College London
Elizabeth Chia Si Yi (Xie Siyi)Hwa Chong InstitutionLaw, London School of Economics and Political Science
Hor Jasrene (He Jiaen)River Valley High SchoolEconomics, University College London
Jarren LokeEunoia Junior CollegeDeparting for studies in 2022
Lee Xiong Jie, IsaacAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Computer Science, National University of Singapore
Lim Le Yi KellyEunoia Junior CollegePhilosophy, Politics and Economics, University College London
Loh Su JeanRaffles InstitutionLiberal Arts, Columbia University
Luke Tay Wen LiangAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Departing for studies in 2022
Quek Jia Ying RachelAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Law, National University of Singapore
Tan CalebHwa Chong InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2022
Tan Hong Liang, RyanSingapore PolytechnicDeparting for studies in 2021
Tan WeiRaffles InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
Tay Check KingHwa Chong InstitutionHistory, University of St. Andrews and College of William & Mary
Wong Zi LingHwa Chong InstitutionSocial Sciences, University College London

Recipients of the SAF Medicine Scholarship

Introduced in 1991, the SAF Medicine Scholarship is awarded to those who aspire to serve as military medical professionals. Recipients will pursue studies locally and embark on a career as a Medical Officer in the SAF Medical Corps. There are 187 SAF Medicine Scholarship recipients to date.

There are 7 recipients of the SAF Medicine Scholarship this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NameServicePost-Secondary/ Pre-University InstitutionCourse
2LT Chng Hao Sheng AlvinArmyAnglo-Chinese Junior CollegeMedicine, National University Of Singapore
OCT Chua Shi MinArmyRaffles InstitutionMedicine, National University Of Singapore
OCT Elizabeth Leong Yong MeiArmyAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
OCT Mac Teo Yu KaiArmyNational Junior CollegeMedicine, National University Of Singapore
OCT Mar Teng Chou, NathanArmyRaffles InstitutionMedicine, Nanyang Technological University
OCT Ong Jin Wayne, KylerArmyHwa Chong InstitutionMedicine, Nanyang Technological University
OCT Rajesh Muthu S/O RamanathanArmyAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Medicine, National University Of Singapore

Recipients of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Scholarship

Introduced in 2000, the DSTA Scholarship is awarded to budding engineers and scientists with a keen passion for science and technology to provide leading-edge technological solutions for Singapore’s defence and security. It offers scholars the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies of their choice in science and engineering at renowned universities worldwide.

There are 36 recipients of the DSTA Scholarship this year. They are (in alphabetical order):

NamePost-Secondary/ Pre-University InstitutionCourse
Ang Yong MingRaffles InstitutionInformation Security, National University of Singapore
Chan Ee HongHwa Chong InstitutionComputer Engineering, National University of Singapore
Chan Zhuo YangHwa Chong InstitutionComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Chong Che Hean PierceVictoria Junior CollegeDeparting for studies in 2021
Choo Yi KaiNUS High School of Mathematics and ScienceInformation Security, National University of Singapore
Chua Wan NingRaffles InstitutionElectrical Engineering, National University of Singapore
Darell Chua Yun DaNUS High School of Mathematics and ScienceElectrical & Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego
Daryl TaiRiver Valley High SchoolAerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
Eng Jian FuRaffles InstitutionElectrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London
Foo Tze En LinusTemasek Junior CollegeComputer Science, McGill University
Hubert Choo Jin CongRiver Valley High SchoolDeparting for studies in 2021
Jacky Kung Wei EnHwa Chong InstitutionComputer Science, University of Cambridge
Joel Huang Ze EnAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Double Major in Computer Science and Physics, University of Michigan
Joshua Cheng Xuan EnHwa Chong InstitutionElectrical & Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Koh Kai Yen AmandaHwa Chong InstitutionMechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Lauren Shak Luo JunRaffles InstitutionComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Lee Kai Wen, AloysiusSingapore PolytechnicInformation Security, National University of Singapore
Leo Tan HeqinRaffles InstitutionPhysics, University of Cambridge
Lim Jun WeiAnglo-Chinese Junior CollegeComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Lim Wan NingNgee Ann PolytechnicComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Lo Pei XuanEunoia Junior CollegeComputer Science, University College London
Lo Yong Ern, MatthewDunman High SchoolScience, National University of Singapore
Ng Jong Ray, EdwardHwa Chong InstitutionInformation Security, National University of Singapore
Ng Jun Wei, TimothyAnglo-Chinese Junior CollegeComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Ong Tjun JetRaffles InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
Ong Wen Sheng ChristopherRaffles InstitutionMathematics, University of Cambridge
Pang Kai LinRiver Valley High SchoolElectrical Engineering, National University of Singapore
Raphael Low Kang SiangHwa Chong InstitutionDeparting for studies in 2021
Russell Yang Qi XunNUS High School of Mathematics and SciencePhysics, University of Oxford
Tan Le YiTemasek Junior CollegeComputer Engineering, National University of Singapore
Tay Kai JunNUS High School of Mathematics and ScienceDeparting for studies in 2021
Tham Jin LinDunman High SchoolComputer Science, National University of Singapore
Thio Zhi Kai BrandonAnglo-Chinese School (Independent)Computer Science & Business Administration, National University of Singapore
Wang An, AloysiusHwa Chong InstitutionEngineering Science, University of Oxford
Yap Guo Dong NicholasNanyang PolytechnicData Science and Artificial Intelligence, Nanyang Technological University
Yeo Zheng Xun, NormanHwa Chong InstitutionComputer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Abbreviations
MIDMidshipman
OCTOfficer Cadet
ME4(T)Military Expert 4 (Trainee)
ME4(A)Military Expert 4 (Apprentice)
2LTSecond Lieutenant
LTALieutenant

This article was extracted from MINDEF website: https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2020/July/29jul20_fs