$2-million fund for NIE students from Mothercare and Government

SINGAPORE - National Institute of Education (NIE) students can soon benefit from a $2 million fund that will give out a scholarship, a student achievement award and three book prizes each year.

The Tan Poey Quee Teaching Excellence Fund is from a $1 million donation from retailer Mothercare that was matched equally by the Government. The million dollar fund with five components will be administered by the NIE.

The fund was launched Wednesday night at Mothercare's 30th anniversary dinner, where Education Minister Heng Swee Keat was guest of honour.

Mothercare Chairman Mr Pang Kim Hin said: "The idea for the fund was inspired by my late mother. She completed her Cambridge school certificate, not so common in those days, wanted to be a teacher but was not allowed to do so by her father who had other plans for her."

"With the fund, we hope to recognise talented educators and inspire more of them to undertake research to improve the quality of teaching and learning in Singapore schools."

The fund will give out one scholarship per year to a Doctor in Education which will cover the entire course fees. This starts in 2016, along with annual awards of $1,000 to the top Doctor in Education student and $500 to the student with best dissertation.

The last two components are two annual $500 awards - starting this July - which will go to NIE student teachers in the degree and diploma programmes who do well in their teaching attachment to schools.

kxinghui@sph.com.sg

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.