MOE-AU scholarship: Not wise to target pre-university students

I disagree with Mr Sanjay Perera’s view that the Ministry of Education-Autonomous University scholarship is an idea that should be pursued. (“MOE-AU scholarship for students with clear passion for academic career”; March 17)

Instead, I echo the sentiments in “Five reasons to rethink MOE-AU scholarship” (March 13).

While it is heartening that the ministry is trying to build a core group of Singaporean researchers in our universities and research institutes, the money would be better spent trying to attract Singaporean academics now working overseas.

At least, the scholarship should be offered only to promising undergraduates from their penultimate year onwards or, ideally, postgraduate students who show a penchant for research.

Unlike the typical undergraduate programme of three to four years, the training of an academic takes around 10 years, as stated in the March 13 letter.

Can a pre-university student understand whether he is really interested in academic research and what he is getting into, having not been exposed to research and training at that level?

Even career counsellors or guidance courses may not be useful in helping them determine their suitability for academia because an academic’s progression and life is different from other careers, including that of a civil service scholar.

Even if one gets a tenure-track position after completing a PhD, there is no guarantee one will secure tenure.

Unless the ministry interferes with our universities’ hiring practices, which Mr Perera opposes, the situation will remain because of an oversupply of PhD holders and lack of open positions.

Would a pre-university recipient of the scholarship know this before signing on the dotted line?

As there is immense opportunity cost involved when training to secure a tenure-track position, would he lament having taken the scholarship if he realises after 10 to 15 years that he is unsuitable for academic life?

I doubt that the scholarship is in our young pre-university students’ best interests.

The ministry should reconsider the scholarship details. Senior undergraduates and postgraduate students have a better idea of whether they want to head towards academia.