New scholarships to encourage students to pursue engineering at ITE, polys and universities

SINGAPORE - The development of engineering talent that is needed across various sectors of Singapore’s economy, and to drive green and sustainable growth, is set to receive a financial boost with a new scholarship fund.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) on July 13 said it will raise about $210,000 through various fund-raising events to offer scholarships to needy and deserving students taking up engineering courses.

For a start, there will be six scholarships with a combined value of $38,000 a year – two for students attending university, two for those going to polytechnics, and two for those going to the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

The scholarship money will be awarded in a single payout, without any bond.

Speaking at the launch at ITE College Central, which was part of an event to mark National Engineers Day, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasised the critical role that engineers play in providing core services such as public transport.

He also noted how engineering innovations are key to supporting Singapore’s development in a more resource-constrained world.

“From the challenges of building rail lines in a densely populated city, to maintaining the intricate mechanical and electrical systems that are required to keep our rail network operating smoothly, engineers play a critical role to keep Singapore moving,” Mr Chee said, adding that the same is true for the development and operation of Singapore’s airports and seaports.

“As we continue to strengthen our connectivity, engineers will have many opportunities to make a difference to the lives of our fellow Singaporeans,” the minister said, adding that the new scholarships will help to nurture the aspirations of the next generation of engineers here.

Looking to the future, Mr Chee said there are many challenges when making the transition to a cleaner transport system, as well as to a cleaner energy sector.

“But at the same time, it opens up a lot of new opportunities for research, for collaboration, for new innovations and breakthroughs,” he added.

Mr Chee urged young engineering students to make the best use of the opportunities they have.

“I hope that each of you will continue to pursue your interests in engineering in one way or another, and challenge yourselves to continue innovating and exploring the limitless possibilities within the field,” he said.

Mr Chong Kee Sen, chairman of the IES Scholarship Fund Committee, called on the wider community to invest in and empower future engineers.

“Among our younger generation are exceptionally talented individuals who are deeply passionate about engineering, yet face financial hurdles in seeking an engineering education,” he said.

Mr Syafiq Shahul, executive director at IES and chairman of the National Engineers Day 2024 organising committee, told The Straits Times that the need for engineering talent with “green skills” has become increasingly important due to concerns over climate change and the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.

He said that given the growing need for infrastructure development as well, more needs to be done in Singapore to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“We must shift the perception that engineering is difficult,” he said, noting that IES is now on a mission to showcase how engineering has evolved by organising technical talks and visits.

Besides launching the new scholarship fund, IES also held a career fair in partnership with the National Trades Union Congress on July 13.

Prizes were also given out to students who participated in the annual Engineering Innovation Challenge, a national competition for students to create engineering solutions to tackle real-world challenges.

For 2024’s edition, students looked into the areas of renewable energy and materials, digital transformation, health innovation and food supply.