MOE-AU scholarship for students with clear passion for academic career

We thank Mr Sum Siew Kee for his views on the new Ministry of Education-Autonomous University (MOE-AU) Scholarship. (“Research and academic careers being fixed too early”; Feb 18, online)

The scholarship is being introduced to give young Singaporeans the opportunity to pursue an academic career at our autonomous universities. It sponsors recipients for up to four years of undergraduate studies, after which the recipient will apply for a postgraduate scholarship from the universities as part of the Singapore Academic and Research Talent Scheme.

We agree with Mr Sum that a scholarship such as this is a long-term commitment. This will be impressed on all prospective applicants from the outset.

In our experience in administering scholarships, the vast majority of recipients serve out their commitments to the MOE and society honourably.

We wish to add that the MOE-AU scholarship is not the only developmental opportunity available to young Singaporeans. Only those with a clear passion for an academic career, and who will be able to make such a commitment, will be considered. We will award the scholarship only to a very small, carefully selected group.

A distinctive feature of the scholarship will be academic mentorship and developmental opportunities offered by the universities, even during the period of undergraduate study.

Each scholarship recipient will be paired with an autonomous university and assigned to an established academic who will provide mentorship on academic, research and career matters.

This will help the recipients better appreciate the rigour of an academic career, and support them in their longer-term development as they prepare for a career in academia.

Through these efforts, we seek to ensure a good fit between the scholarship recipients and the universities. We also understand, however, that such a fit may not always be possible.

On an exceptional basis, taking into consideration the recipient’s suitability and commitment, the MOE will work with recipients eventually found not to be a good fit for an academic career to explore alternative careers in the public service after their undergraduate studies.

More information on the scholarship can be found at http://moe.gov.sg/education/scholarships/moe-au/. Applications are now open.