84 DEFENCE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

He once banned the entire platoon from speaking Mandarin to a particular soldier. The reason? Lieutenant (LTA) Kew Yi Hong wanted to help the soldier – a Singapore permanent resident from Malaysia – to pick up English. 

"As an officer…it's your duty to help them walk out of NS a better person," said LTA Kew, a platoon commander with the 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards (1 Gds). Today, the Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) can hold a conversation in English with ease. 

The 22-year-old LTA Kew had chosen a military career out of a desire to nurture people, signing on near the end of his 10-month training at the Officer Cadet School. Three months into his posting to 1 Gds, his commander encouraged him to apply for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Merit Scholarship.

On 20 Jul, he received the scholarship from Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Heng at a ceremony held at the Istana. He was among 84 scholars who were awarded various Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and SAF scholarships.

Speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, Dr Ng explained the need to invest in the future leaders of Singapore’s defence.

"The scholarships we award today are the country's long-term investment, on a 20-year time frame, to ensure that we have the right leaders, in values and aptitude to lead MINDEF, SAF, DSTA, DSO and other government organisations," he said.

"It's what today's leaders – this generation's leaders – invest for the next generation, so that the next generation can secure our way of life and independence through a strong defence."  

Changing profile 

Applications for defence scholarships hit a new high this year – with a 60 per cent increase from 2014 to more than 1,300 applications, Dr Ng noted.

"This is a good sign for Singapore. Despite increasing affluence, young Singaporeans still value public service," he said.

He also noted that this year's scholars came from 17 different schools and polytechnics, and included a greater number of females – double that of a decade ago. Some came from humble backgrounds, living in HDB three-room flats or smaller.

"It is in MINDEF and SAF's interest to have such scholars succeed," Dr Ng said, adding that he had asked MINDEF and SAF to work with school and polytechnic principals to help more students from poorer families to apply for defence scholarships.

"The selection criteria must still be merit-based. But we should also give due recognition that those who come from families with fewer resources will need more encouragement and support," he said.

Coming from a typical heartland family, LTA Kew was one such example, and he valued his stint in 1 Gds because it allowed him to mix with people different walks of life. 

LTA Kew's dad is a shuttle bus driver, and mum a clerk. The family, including his younger brother aged 19, stay in a HDB flat.

He studied aerospace engineering at Temasek Polytechnic, and emerged as the second top student in his cohort. He will continue to pursue this field of study at Nanyang Technological University.

In order to accompany his 1 Gds soldiers through their key training sessions, he chose to start his studies next year, instead of this year. He clearly has his soldiers' well-being at heart. 

Overseas studies

For SAF Scholarship recipient Midshipman (MID) Audrey Tey, 19, an overseas university studies used to be a remote possibility.

Her parents divorced a few years ago and she stays in a HDB flat with her 17-year-old sister and 47-year-old mum who works as a private tutor.

With the SAF Scholarship in hand, she plans to head to the United States to read psychology, although she has yet to decide on a university.

Formerly known as SAF Overseas Scholarship, the SAF Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship second only to the President’s Scholarship.

"I knew all along that I wanted a career in the government sector. I have benefitted a lot from the Singapore system, and I wanted to contribute back," said MID Tey.

"No matter what background you are from…it doesn't matter (because) when you go to schools, everyone is given equal opportunities. As long you work hard…you are able to reach your fullest potential," added the Victoria Junior College alumnus.

Initially she was unsure if a military career was suitable for her. But a three-day MINDEF/SAF attachment programme last year, which included an overnight sail on board a Landing Ship Tank, cemented her decision.

"I learnt a lot about what the Navy does, and I think it really aligned with what I wanted to do," said MID Tey, who enlisted earlier in January this year.

She was also inspired by female Regulars who have excelled in the SAF, including Brigadier-General Gan Siow Huang, the first female in the SAF to attain the one-star rank. 

However, her greatest inspiration came from her mum, who fully supported her career choice even though it's rare for girls to join the military.

Meaningful career

For Military Expert (ME) 4 Apprentice (A) Tan Pin Ray, his reason for taking up the SAF Engineering Scholarship was to contribute to the society.

He had signed on as a naval engineer after his Basic Military Training and the scholarship application was an afterthought.

"All along I knew what I wanted to do was…something meaningful," he said. During his junior college days, he had volunteered at Meet-the-People sessions, where he got to meet people who were struggling with bread-and-butter issues.

"These interactions shaped my mindset…(and I knew) I wanted to work in a career that allowed me serve the society," he said.

He hopes to contribute to the defence of Singapore's sea trade lines through his work as a naval engineer.

"I hope to be involved in implementing new systems and engineering designs so as to help the Navy to fight and work better," said the 19-year-old who will be studying engineering at University College London.