ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS

ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS: 5.

Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Prime Minister (a) in 2008 and 2009, how many applicants for Government scholarships applied to pursue their studies in engineering; (b) how many of these applicants are awarded scholarships; and (c) what is the Public Service Commission doing to ensure an even distribution of applicants for various courses ranging from humanities to engineering.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (Mr Teo Chee Hean) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, in 2009, the Public Service Commission

Column: 1464

(PSC) received more than 2,500 applications. Of these, 11% or 280 indicated Engineering as their top choice of study. Another 18% or 450 applicants indicated the Sciences as their top choice of study. Eventually, the Public Service Commission awarded 84 scholarships, out of which 13% or 11 scholarships and 18% or 15 were for Engineering and the Sciences respectively. In other words, in 2009, slightly more than 30% of all PSC scholarships awarded were for Engineering and the Sciences.

In 2008, PSC received 2,300 applications, with 6% or 140 indicating Engineering as their top choice of study. Another 17% or 390 applicants indicated the Sciences as their top choice of study. The PSC awarded 72 scholarships in 2008, out of which 11 (15%) and 14 (20%) were for Engineering and the Sciences respectively. This means that 35% of all PSC scholarships awarded in 2008 were for Engineering and the Sciences.

PSC offers its scholars the flexibility to pursue a wide range of courses, including Engineering, the Sciences and Humanities, in different countries. This ensures that scholars bring into the Civil Service a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. This is important as the Civil Service continues to confront increasingly complex challenges in a more inter-connected world.

The Public Service Commission would like to see many of its scholars continue to take up Sciences and Engineering. This will continue to be emphasised at PSC’s scholarship talks to students in Junior Colleges and Polytechnics.

However, the PSC is not the biggest recruiter of engineers and scientists into the public sector. Many statutory boards also offer scholarships.

Some of these statutory boards, such as A*STAR, DSTA, PUB and NEA, offer scholarships

Column: 1465

for Engineering and the Sciences to meet their specialised manpower requirements. For instance, in 2009, A*STAR awarded 13 Engineering and 32 Science scholarships. DSTA awarded 38 Engineering and eight Science scholarships. These two statutory boards, in particular, work very closely with schools to cultivate students’ interest in Science, Technology and Engineering. This is done through initiatives such as camps, competitions and research attachments.

Er Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister for the comprehensive answer. Supplementary question, please.

The President's Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship in Singapore, was not given to anyone studying Engineering for the last two years. I would like to know why. Is it because top grade engineers are no longer required in Singapore?

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Sir, I think the Member has got the logic upside down. The President's Scholarship is awarded to the top students in Singapore who choose to devote their lives to serve in the Public Service and this can come from any discipline in Singapore. The numbers awarded each year are few and it depends on the quality of the candidates.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong (Tampines): Sir, can I ask the Deputy Prime Minister what is the spread of those who are awarded scholarships for Arts and Humanities because these courses are also essential in equipping our people with the problem-solving skills and different perspectives to life and problems?

Mr Teo Chee Hean: First, Sir, I did not quite understand the question – what did the Member mean by "the spread"?

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong: Sir, the Member of Parliament Er Lee Bee Wah

Column: 1466

mentioned about Engineering courses and the need to have to make sure that PSC gives scholarships to Engineering courses and I think that is fine. But I am just asking the Deputy Prime Minister whether there is also a concerted effort to make sure that scholarships are also provided to those studying courses in the Arts and Humanities as well to ensure an even balance or at least that emphasis is also given to such courses.

Mr Teo Chee Hean: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is yes.

Column: 1466