MCI and SNDGG award 85 scholarships to nurture talent for Singapore's tech and media sectors

21 AUG 2023

SINGAPORE, 21 AUGUST 2023

The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and its statutory boards, as well as the Smart Nation Digital Government Group (SNDGG), have awarded 85 recipients with scholarships today. A total of six agencies are involved – MCI, SNDGG, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Government Technology Agency (GovTech), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and National Library Board (NLB). This is the second joint scholarship award ceremony by MCI and SNDGG, which are both under the Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, Mrs Josephine Teo. Senior Ministers of State for Ministry of Communications and Information, Dr Janil Puthucheary and Mr Tan Kiat How, also attended the ceremony to personally congratulate the recipients and their families.

The scholarships are part of a collective effort to groom technology, media, library and archives services, and communications talents. A total of five scholarship categories were awarded. They are:

a. IMDA SG Digital Scholarship

b. Smart Nation Scholarship

c. MCI Information Service Scholarship

d. MCI Postgraduate Scholarship

e. NLB Scholarship

Developing Future Leaders for the Technology, Media, and Information Sectors

(A) IMDA SG Digital Scholarship

63 individuals received the SG Digital Scholarship, an industry scholarship that focuses on developing future leaders for Singapore’s technology and media ecosystem. The IMDA invests in top talent at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The SG Digital scholars are given the flexibility to chart their own careers within the industry and take on key roles in a tech- or media-related field in an organisation of their choice in Singapore, contributing to Singapore’s digital future. As part of the scholarship, recipients will have access to internship, mentorship, and networking opportunities with IMDA’s industry partners, on top of funding support for tuition fees, courses and certifications beyond the school curriculum and overseas programmes to equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the tech and media ecosystem.

Of the 63 SG Digital Scholarships awarded this year, 16 scholars will focus on developing capabilities in future communications (e.g., 5G technologies and beyond). IMDA aims to jumpstart cutting-edge communications and connectivity research. This grows local capability to translate research into innovative products, services, and companies.

The SG Digital Scholars are part of a growing community of Singaporean digital leaders for the tech and media ecosystem under IMDA’s SG Digital Leadership Accelerator (SGLDA). Launched in August 2022, the SGDLA aims to fast-track leadership development of local tech and media talent in various stages of their career, who can drive Singapore’s digital future.

(B) Smart Nation Scholarship

12 recipients were awarded the Smart Nation Scholarship (SNS). The SNS seeks to develop future technology leaders who are passionate in making a difference to our national digital transformation. Jointly offered by the CSA, GovTech, and IMDA, scholars can look forward to a multifaceted career, specialising in a variety of tech domains and opportunities for job rotations across the different public agencies.

(C) MCI Information Service Scholarship

6 recipients were awarded the MCI Information Service Scholarship. This scholarship was introduced in 2008 to attract young talents with an interest in government communications. Information Service scholars will play an important role in public communications to ensure that citizens are heard and connected to the government. This includes engaging citizens on national and social issues through various channels, strengthening whole-of-government communications preparedness, communicating policies to the public, and managing government media relations.

(D) MCI Postgraduate Scholarship

2 recipients were awarded the MCI Postgraduate Scholarship. Beyond attracting and growing young talents, MCI also strives to develop in-service officers’ professional and specialised capabilities through this scholarship. This is awarded on a yearly basis to MCI officers to pursue postgraduate studies.

(E) NLB Scholarship

2 recipients were awarded the NLB scholarship. This scholarship seeks to build and nurture a diverse talent pipeline in information literacy, knowledge creation and preservation in the development of Singapore’s libraries and archives of the future. These scholarship holders will play a key role in realising NLB’s goal of transforming the reading and learning experience for all Singaporeans, as envisioned through LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) for building a Learning Marketplace, nurturing an Informed Citizenry, inspiring Singapore Storytellers, and being an Equaliser.

For media clarifications, please contact:

MCI
Adam Osman (Mr)
Senior Manager, Communications & Engagement
(65) 9152 0163
adam_osman@mci.gov.sg

SNDGG
Shadrina Mohamad (Ms)
Manager, Adoption and Engagement Directorate
Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, Prime Minister’s Office
(65) 9669 1856
shadrina_mohamad@pmo.gov.sg

CSA
Tan Yi Shu (Mr)
Senior Manager, Communications & Engagement
(65) 9741 3025
tan_yi_shu@csa.gov.sg

GovTech
Sharleen Teo (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Communications and Marketing Group
(65) 9100 8335
sharleen_teo@tech.gov.sg

IMDA
Kimberley Wang (Ms)
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
(65) 9436 8939
Kimberley_WANG@imda.gov.sg

NLB
Yeo Ya Ting (Ms)
Manager, Corporate Communications Division
(65) 9836 2817
yeo_ya_ting@nlb.gov.sg