ASEAN SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS STUDYING IN SINGAPORE (Particulars)

Mr Ho See Beng asked the Prime Minister (a) whether he has figures for 1976, 1977 and 1978 of students from ASEAN countries, who have been granted state scholarships to study in our two universities; (b) whether the offer of such state scholarships will affect the opportunities of our own students for the same scholarships; and (c) whether he is aware of any criticism from our ASEAN neighbours that the offer of our state scholarships is causing a brain-drain in their countries.

The Minister for Law and Science and Technology (Mr E.W. Barker) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Prime Minister has asked me to reply on his behalf.

The number of undergraduate scholarships awarded to students from ASEAN countries to study at our local universities was 21 in 1976, 21 in 1977 and 43 in 1978. In the same years, 121, 105 and 251 scholarships respectively were awarded to Singapore citizens. This is about five or six times more than those awarded to foreign students. In addition, about 100 scholarships were awarded to Singapore citizens to study overseas every year.

The number of ASEAN scholarships awarded does not affect the number of scholarships for Singaporeans. We can afford to give as many scholarships as there are deserving Singaporeans. In any case, many of these ASEAN scholarships are for teaching; scholarships which are not keenly sought after by Singaporeans.

The numbers of scholarships awarded are insignificant to the places we provide for private students from ASEAN countries for further studies here. We cannot assume that these students will not return home after their studies.

Mr Ho See Beng (Khe Bong): Sir, I would like to ask the Minister concerned whether he will consider withdrawing the scholarships if our Government is aware that the offer of these scholarships to ASEAN students is causing a brain-drain in their countries.

Mr Barker: Sir, we will cross the bridge when we come to the river. At the moment, there is no brain-drain. As I stated just now, the Member is assuming that these ASEAN students will not go home, whether they are scholars or private students. So far they have all gone home. So there is no question of withdrawing the scholarships. Their numbers are small. These countries are friendly to us, and I think it is a good thing if we carry on giving them scholarships.