PSC, A*STAR clarify scholarship policies after Philip Yeo's remarks
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 July 2008 0133 hrs

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SINGAPORE : The Public Service Commission (PSC) said all government scholarships, including those awarded by the Public Service Commission and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), are awarded strictly on merit, regardless of family background.

According to its secretary, Goh Soon Poh, there is no limit on the number of PSC scholarships this year.

She said the commission does not discriminate against one scholarship applicant over another on the basis of family background, if all other factors are equal. And if both are equally deserving and meet the commission's high standards, they will be offered an award.

In the same statement on Friday, Ms Goh disclosed that for the 2008 batch of PSC scholars, 47% reside in HDB housing, 27% in private non-landed property and 26% in landed property.

Ms Goh's statement followed comments made by former A*STAR chairman Philip Yeo on Wednesday, that with all things being equal, he would prefer to give scholarships to bright youngsters who come from poorer families. That way, he explained at a Pioneers of Singapore Dialogue Session, they could improve their lives and that of their families.

Mr Yeo, known for his frank manner, is now the chairman of SPRING Singapore and a Special Advisor for Economic Development in the Prime Minister's Office.

A*STAR's Director of Corporate Communications, Choong Ket Che, said in a statement on Friday that its scholars are selected for their passion for science and research, excellent academic ability and a commitment to contribute to Singapore.

She said the agency had a small base from which to select scholars, so deserving applicants would be offered scholarships. The agency's challenge, she said, was to have enough of such meritorious applicants.

According to Ms Choong, 57% of the agency's National Science Scholarship (Bachelor of Science) scholars live in HDB housing, 26% in private non-landed property and 17% in landed property.

These percentages, she said, are consistent with the agency's average numbers in the past.

On Friday, the agency also launched a new science award for upper secondary students.

Currently, only junior college students are eligible, but from 2009, the A*STAR Science Award (Upper Secondary) will also be given out to over 120 secondary three students in 30 schools in the first year.

The agency also launched the A*STAR International Fellowship, aimed at supporting PhD graduates taking up research training in top universities and laboratories overseas.

The programme is open to graduates from the Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore. Up to 30 fellowships will be awarded each year.

These were announced by Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong who handed out A*STAR scholarships and awards to over 300 recipients at a ceremony on Friday. - CNA /ls