FOR THE LOVE OF SCIENCE AND COUNTRY

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has a fan in Lim Xin Yi.

Deeply appreciative of the role that the SAF plays in the safeguarding the country, Ms Lim told cyberpioneer: "Even though I have not been through National Service myself, I am very proud of our defence capabilities and the SAF."

To do her part in serving the nation, the 19-year-old has decided to tap on her talent for science. She is one of the recipients of the this year's Defence Science & Technology (DSTA) - DSO National Laboratories (DSO) Scholarship.

The scholarship aims to ensure a steady pool of defence scientists and engineers who will help maintain Singapore's technological edge in defence and homeland security.

"In school, maths and the sciences were my favourite subjects," she said. "And I am impressed with the way that the SAF is transforming into a 3rd Generation fighting force. It will be meaningful to pursue a career along with my passion for maths and science."

Testament to her desire to contribute to Singapore's technological advancement in defence, the young woman speaks fluent German - a language she picked up because Germany is "renowned for being a leader in the areas of science and technology". Ms Lim will commence her overseas studies in August.

Mr Lim Min, a 2007 recipient of the DSTA-DSO Scholarship,will also begin his overseas studies later this year. The 21-year-old served as a combat engineer during his National Service and now carries "deep impression of the importance of defence technology as a force multiplier in the SAF".

"I believe that the Scholarship will further hone my mathematical skills and prepare me to contribute in a greater way to the defence of Singapore," he said.

A former recipient of the DSTA Junior College Scholarship, Mr Lim listed Cryptography - the analysis of codes and coding methods - as an area of interest.

Upon graduation, the scholarship holders can look forward to a a career within the defence ecosystem, taking up positions in DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, the Ministry of Defence, as well as the Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies.

The scholars received their certificates from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean on 24 Jul, in a ceremony held at Orchard Hotel.

In addition, 22 DSTA staff members and 20 officers from DSO received postgraduate awards from Mr Teo.

One of the recipients of the postgraduate scholarships, Mr Daniel Tan, was elated when he received news that he will be heading to the University of California, San Diego, to pursue a doctorate in Signal and Image Processing - a branch of Electrical Engineering.

"The PhD programme will strengthen and sharpen my research skills and I will also have the chance to work with experts in this field," said Mr Tan.

Without these defence scientists and engineers, it would be impossible for the SAF to even begin its transformation into a 3rd Generation fighting force, said Mr Teo in his keynote address during the scholarship presentation ceremony.

"Our scientists and engineers must be people who dare to dream, aim to excel, and have the courage to act. They must possess the desire to constantly pursue and develop technological surprises that the SAF can use," added Mr Teo.

This year, the DSTA-DSO Scholarship attracted 1,045 applicants, of which 115 were awarded the prestigious scholarship.