UTILISING THEIR TALENTS IN SCIENCE TO HELP DEFEND SINGAPORE

"My two years in National Service broadened my knowledge about what Singapore needs from the defence viewpoint, and helped me to realise how important innovation is to the defence of Singapore," said Defence Science and Technology (DSTA) Undergraduate Scholar Akash Philip.

To learn more about defence technology, Mr Philip signed up for the DSTA internship in February. During his four-month stint, he explored methods of reconstructing 3D objects from aerial images for better mission planning.

"The internship has allowed me to better understand the culture of innovation in DSTA, and to discover my interest in Naval Systems, (an area) where I would like to work in the future," said the 21-year-old, who will be studying Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London. He added that he was impressed with the depth of his mentors' engineering expertise.

Mr Philip was one of 92 DSTA-DSO National Laboratories (DSO) Scholarship recipients who received their certificates from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in an award ceremony on 23 Jul at Orchard Hotel.

In his keynote address, Dr Ng highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in enhancing the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) defence capabilities. Citing examples such as the retrofitting of the Navy's Archer-class submarines, as well as the development of the Army's Trailblazer Counter-mine Vehicle, he said: "Each new system that the SAF deploys depends on DSTA and DSO's ability to develop customised solutions for our country's defence needs."

Said Dr Ng to the scholars: "This ability to adapt or create new technology for our defence needs is quite dependent on the passion, ability and innovative spirit of our defence scientists and engineers... The fact that you chose to take the DSTA-DSO scholarship demonstrates your deep passion for defence science and technology and your commitment to our nation s defence."

Among the recipients, 40 were awarded the DSTA Undergraduate Scholarship, 29 were awarded the DSTA Junior College Scholarship, 13 were awarded the DSTA Postgraduate Scholarship and 10 were awarded the DSO Postgraduate Scholarship.

With a portfolio that spans over nine years, Ms Elizabeth Heng, a DSTA Postgraduate Scholar, recently managed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) projects at the Air Systems Programme Centre in DSTA. She was also part of a DSTA team that developed the Skyblade III mini-UAV, which boosts the Army's reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.

"The defence landscape is very dynamic and I relish the different challenges that are present in the ever-changing defence industry. I also love the many learning opportunities that the defence sector has to offer as well as the different kinds of exposure that I get, such as programme and project management," explained Ms Heng on her passion in defence technology. She will be pursuing a Master's degree in Defence Technology and Systems (Communications Track) at the Temasek Defence Systems Institute.

Sharing similar sentiments was DSO Postgraduate Scholar Pan Xinghao, who will be heading to the University of California, Berkeley, United States, to pursue a doctorate in Computer Science.

"Embarking on a PhD now will give me the chance to contribute to, as well as learn about, the development of cutting-edge technologies," he said.

"I would like to contribute such that the Singapore defence community can be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs... This would not only allow us to utilise new technologies but also develop our own, thus giving us an edge over others."

The DSTA-DSO Scholarship Awards aim to ensure a steady pool of defence scientists and engineers, who aspire to contribute towards maintaining Singapore's technological edge in defence and homeland security.