Talent Scouting
Poised for accelerated growth, the environment and water industry hopes to attract promising individuals with the NEW Scholarship.
Young people with an interest in climate change, developing Singapore’s water resources and other environmental and water issues can turn their passion into a cool career with the NEW (National Environment and Water) Scholarship.
Launched in July 2008, this undergraduate scholarship is offered by PUB and the National Environment Agency (NEA) to attract young talents to a high-growth industry. Jobs in the environment and water industry are expected to increase to 20,000 as environmental sustainability becomes a key challenge for Singapore.
To identify potential NEW Scholars, students will be invited to take up internships under the NEW Programme, at PUB, NEA or related environment and water organisations. The chance to participate in environmental and water projects will give young minds a better understanding of the sector’s dynamic future. Students who show particular promise during the NEW Programme will be offered the NEW Scholarship.
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW SCHOLARSHIP
1. The NEW Scholarship is tenable for a three- or four-year undergraduate course at reputable local or overseas universities. It is open to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with outstanding GCE ‘O’/ ‘A’ Level results (or equivalent) and a noteworthy Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) record.
2. Scholars can opt for undergraduate degree programmes in Environmental Science, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Economics and other courses relevant to NEA or PUB.
3. Top-performing scholars can apply to pursue their Masters thereafter, subject to the sponsor agency’s agreement.
4. Upon graduation, NEW Scholars can look forward to a diverse range of portfolios including developing Singapore’s water resources and fostering industry and technology development.
5. The NEW Scholarship, a joint talent search project of the MEWR family, will replace the PUB Undergraduate Scholarship for scholars commencing their undergraduate studies from 2009 onwards.
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), said: “Environmental sustainability is important not just for Singapore but also the world. Singapore has been at the forefront with our approach to integrated water management and projects such as NEWater, Marina Barrage, Semakau Landfill and Deep Tunnel Sewerage System. Our people not only play a pivotal role in helping Singapore gear towards environmental sustainability, their experience and knowledge can also be shared with the world.
“The NEW Scholarship will provide more opportunities for young talents to be developed for leadership roles in the challenging and dynamic environment and water sectors.”
For more information, log on to www.NEWscholarship.gov.sg
PURSUING THEIR DREAM
What is it like to be a PUB scholar? Two bright sparks share their xpectations and ideals.
photos Steve Zhu & Ealbert Ho
DARREN LEONG
24, ENGINEER, WATER SUPPLY (PLANTS)
WHAT COURSE OF STUDY DID YOU PURSUE IN UNIVERSITY?
I studied Mechanical Engineering in the US at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN WATER ISSUES?
Yes, water and environmental issues affect the quality of our lives now as well as that of generations to come. Water dominates life!
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO AT WORK. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT WORKING AT PUB?
My job is to provide technical support in the operations and maintenance of mechanical plants and equipment in water treatment works. I enjoy learning from a remarkable team of operators and engineers who specialise in water treatment.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS WITH PUB?
I hope to play a part in planning and optimizing Singapore’s water resources.
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU READ ABOUT PEOPLE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD WHO HAVE NO ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER?
It makes me appreciate, all the more, PUB’s efforts in maintaining clean waterways and ensuring we have good quality drinking water.
CELINE TEO
19, UNDERGRADUATE
YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO STUDY SOCIOLOGY AT VASSAR COLLEGE IN THE US. ON OBTAINING YOUR DEGREE, HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO PUB?
I want to read Sociology as I enjoy observing people. On graduating, I hope to provide a different perspective and a panoramic view of any situation — skills I expect to hone from a broad-based education.
DO YOU HAVE ANY AREAS OF INTEREST WHEN IT COMES TO WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES?
I have a keen interest in urban geography and I’m concerned about water management in urban cities like Singapore. The twin challenges of conserving and utilising water are ongoing problems in need of sustainable solutions.
AS A PUB SCHOLAR, YOU MUST HAVE GAINED AN UNDERSTANDING ABOUT SINGAPORE’S NATIONAL WATER AGENCY. WHAT IMPRESSES YOU MOST ABOUT PUB?
I support the view that to succeed in any industry, the key is to go global. As seen from the recent Singapore International Water Week, PUB is heading in the right direction. From dialogues between high-level delegates to simple tea-time conversations, the value of knowledge transfer and networking is priceless.
ARE YOUNG PEOPLE YOUR AGE CONCERNED ABOUT WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES?
Our awareness of environmental issues is definitely satisfactory. However, knowledge on water shortages and conservation is sorely lacking. This is due to the lack of personal experience. We are neither living in drought-prone Australia nor in ’60s Singapore when water rationing was de rigueur.
IF YOU HAD TO MARKET NEWATER TO YOUR OVERSEAS FRIENDS AT VASSAR COLLEGE, HOW WOULD YOU DO IT?
I’d say: “Take a swig! This is Singapore’s very own unique brand of water. Do you like the taste?”
The NEW Scholarship will replace the PUB Undergraduate Scholarship for scholars commencing their undergraduate studies from 2009 onwards.
