For one polytechnic student, the British Council helped make her dream of studying in the UK come true.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Growing up, Tee Ting Hui harboured a fascination with the UK, especially after seeing photographs of her cousins taken while they were there. Thus began her dream of studying in the UK, home to one of the world’s richest historical backgrounds and a plethora of cultures.

Known as an international cultural relations body for Britain, one of the British Council’s aims is to help bring students all over the globe together in an effort to strengthen cultural ties. For Ting Hui, the British Council assisted in making her dream a reality.

“British Council gave me the most useful advice, especially on module exemptions and culture in different parts of the UK. British Council has information on a wide range of universities, from which it is easier to choose the university that meets my criteria, academically and financially,” she recalls.

Conceptualising policies, strategic planning and affecting lives – these are all in a day’s work for CPF Board scholar Mr Desmond Chew.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Every month, 34.5% of an employee’s salary is saved in their Central Provident Fund (CPF) account, from which they can withdraw from the age of 55. This retirement savings scheme has been allowing workers to seamlessly transit into retirement with financial stability.

Before the CPF Board was set up in 1955, Singaporean citizens did not have a mandatory savings scheme, putting the nation in the vulnerable position of possibly turning into a welfare state. Now, the much familiar CPF scheme has been developed to become the backbone of Singapore’s healthcare, housing and retirement systems, and is a key instrument for overall national growth.

Set to take the infocomm world by storm are National Infocomm Scholars Yew Siong and Pamela, who will soon embark on exciting careers with Microsoft Singapore and Barclays Capital.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Attracting foreign investments, sustaining long-term growth, and enhancing global competitiveness – these are just a few of the ambitious aims of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). With its global perspective, IDA is regularly on the lookout for the future leaders of Singapore’s infocomm industry – scholars who will not only be the best at what they do, but also have a passion for it.

Enter Lim Yew Siong and Pamela Chua, recipients of the National Infocomm Scholarship (NIS) offered by IDA and current undergraduates in Stanford University and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) respectively.

From food safety and animal health to emergency planning, AVA is the best option for anyone with an interest in the multifaceted scope of veterinary science.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Most people would think that a degree in Veterinary Science can only be utilised in a clinical practice. However, the establishment of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) in April 2000 has given vet science students more options.

The FIREfly scholarship has opened many doors for Yvonne, one of which is the chance to attain her university education in Japan.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Japan is known for its vibrant tourism landscape, attracting over eight million foreign visitors annually. This is just one of the reasons why the chance to observe firsthand the high hospitality standards in this Asian country is so appealing. For Yvonne Sim, the choice to pursue her tertiary education in this distinctive location has been made possible through the FIREfly scholarship.

Amongst the six different agencies offering scholarships under the FIREfly Scholarship Programme, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) stood out as the best option for the chatty and friendly 21-year-old.

After studying and working in the US, Japan and China to broaden his horizons, PSC scholar Eugene Lim returns with a vast spectrum of knowledge and experience to serve the public.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) has been a cause for celebration for many Singaporeans, seeing how this inaugural event is set to be held locally in August this year. Together with the champions, the men and women in the Singapore YOG Organising Committee (SYOGOC) are the people who work hard to make this first-of-its-kind Olympic event a success.

At the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), heavy involvement in the YOG is inevitable. Since the organisation plays the role of building a cohesive society in Singapore, the YOG serves as an ideal opportunity to encourage and promote this through sports.

Conceptualising policies, strategic planning and affecting lives – these are all in a day’s work for CPF Board scholar Mr Desmond Chew.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Every month, 34.5% of an employee’s salary is saved in their Central Provident Fund (CPF) account, from which they can withdraw from the age of 55. This retirement savings scheme has been allowing workers to seamlessly transit into retirement with financial stability.

Before the CPF Board was set up in 1955, Singaporean citizens did not have a mandatory savings scheme, putting the nation in the vulnerable position of possibly turning into a welfare state. Now, the much familiar CPF scheme has been developed to become the backbone of Singapore’s healthcare, housing and retirement systems, and is a key instrument for overall national growth.

The many aspects of healthcare provide a wide range of health science career choices. For both Fang Yi and Jacintha, the MOH Health Science Scholarship has helped them to shine in the growing healthcare industry while assisting those in need.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Singapore’s aim of becoming a healthcare hub has led to a growing demand for qualified health science professionals. Several new hospitals and healthcare institutions will be completed in the next few years, which means that training and opportunities need to be given to those who want to contribute to the health science profession. For Ong Fang Yi and Jacintha Hee, the Health Science Scholarship by the Ministry of Health (MOH) presented an opportunity for them to pursue their respective interests in healthcare.

At PUB and NEA, scholars are given a remarkable platform to pursue their options.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

The National Environment Agency (NEA) and national water agency PUB are two key organisations within our nation that deal with management of environmental and water resources, a pertinent issue in a small country like Singapore. To do that effectively, NEA and PUB provide numerous opportunities for learning and career advancement to scholars like Looi Wah Loong and Wong Xin Wei.

A career with the RSN is more than just adventure out at sea. Scholars LTC Kelvin Lim and CPT Eddie Sue tell us how working in the Navy is both challenging and meaningful.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

When you step onto the wharf at Tuas Naval Base, what greets you is the oceanic landscape you’d usually associate with a picturesque beach holiday – with, of course, the exception of the naval warfare paraphernalia lining it. But before you think it is all sun, sea and fun, let LTC Kelvin Lim and CPT Eddie Sue share more about what life in the Navy is truly about.

The Navy is tasked with the crucial role of defending Singapore and its vital sea lines of communications from sea borne threats. Joining the navy may be one of many choices in the entire spectrum of careers available to a job-seeker, but for these two scholars, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) stands out as an ideal fit for anyone seeking a meaningful life.