Passion to contribute to Singapore’s Digital Future drives growth in Smart Nation Scholarship

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

The Smart Nation Scholarship continues to attract strong interest with 723 applications¹ received this year, an increase from 614 applications received in 2019. The field was narrowed down to fifteen recipients after a rounded assessment of their potential for technical leadership, and how they imbue the public service ethos to serve people and country. 

Minister-in-Charge of the Smart Nation Initiative Dr Vivian Balakrishnan addressed the fifteen scholarship awardees at a virtual engagement session held today. The rising number of applications each year signals increasing interest from the younger generation to co-create Singapore’s digital future, and develop technology for the public good. Technology is critical to a productive economy for Singapore’s future and a key enabler for the government to serve citizens and businesses better.

Launched in 2018, the Smart Nation Scholarship is a long-term talent investment to nurture a pool of passionate innovators within the public service who will drive Singapore’s digital transformation. Recipients will join one of the three Smart Nation agencies after they complete their studies – Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (“CSA”), Government Technology Agency (“GovTech”) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”). They will undergo rigorous technical training under the agencies’ respective talent programmes, and take on key roles in national projects that will shape Singapore’s Smart Nation journey. The scholarship selection panel is led by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and Ministry of Communications and Information.

The scholarship recipients will pursue undergraduate studies in various disciplines, ranging from Computer Science, Smart City Management and Technology, Information Systems, to Law. Of the 15 recipients this year, six will join CSA, five will enter GovTech and four will join IMDA after completion of studies.

"Cybersecurity excites me as it is constantly evolving. Besides new cyber threats that cybersecurity professionals have to tackle, there are also new technologies being developed to combat the new threats. Having been a victim of hacking, I have realised how vulnerable we are to cyber threats. Joining CSA will enable me to contribute to strengthening Singapore’s cybersecurity and keeping the public safe from the cyber threats."

Ang Bin Sheng
SNS recipient joining CSA

"I am thankful to receive the Smart Nation Scholarship and to have the opportunity to work at GovTech after my studies. GovTech has been at the forefront of the country’s Smart Nation initiative in developing impactful and meaningful digital services for citizens and businesses. It has been described as a ‘start-up for the people’, embodying the twin values of collaboration and innovation. I believe that I excel in this sort of fast-paced, on-the-job learning environment, where new ideas are continuously being bounced around and change is the only constant. I can’t wait to complete my studies and join GovTech!"

Zhang Yufeng
GovTech’s Smart Nation Scholars

"Smart cities are the future – the way we work, play and even rest is all about to change. While there have been debates on unintended societal impacts of a smart city, I believe effective leadership will help guide and mitigate such issues. The Smart Nation Scholarship will offer me the exposure and experience to mould my development in this field. Joining IMDA allows me to be at the forefront of the national digitalisation movement, where I will leverage technology to serve different needs of Singaporeans."

Nicholas Singham
SNS recipient joining IMDA

Please refer to the full list of scholars from the three agencies in Annex A.

¹ Nine out of 233 applications were awarded the scholarship in 2018, and fourteen out of 614 applications were awarded the scholarship in 2019. 

JOINTLY ISSUED BY THE CYBER SECURITY AGENCY OF SINGAPORE, GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY AGENCY OF SINGAPORE, AND INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. 

About Cyber Security Agency
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) provides dedicated and centralised oversight of national cyber security functions and works with sector leads to protect Singapore’s critical services. It also engages with various industries, and stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness as well as to ensure the holistic development of Singapore’s cyber security landscape. The Agency is part of the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information. For more information, please visit www.csa.gov.sg

About Government Technology Agency
The Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) is the lead agency driving Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative and public sector digital transformation. As the Centre of Excellence for Infocomm Technology and Smart Systems (ICT & SS), GovTech develops the Singapore Government’s capabilities in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Sensors & IoT, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.

GovTech supports public agencies to manage enterprise IT operations and develop new digital products for citizens and businesses. GovTech is the public sector lead for cybersecurity, and oversees key government ICT infrastructure, as well as regulates ICT procurement, data protection and security in the public sector. GovTech is a Statutory Board under the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) in the Prime Minister’s Office.For more information, please visit www.tech.gov.sg

About Infocomm Media Development Authority
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.