By Leow Si Wan
IN WHAT is the most extensive bond-free scholarship programme
ever offered by a group representation constituency (GRC),
residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh ward can tap a new $3.1 million
community scholarship scheme from next year.
Up to 35 Singaporeans who are pursuing tertiary studies in local
universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education
(ITE), may be awarded scholarships annually. These are valued at
$5,000 each year for bachelor degree programmes, $2,000 for diploma
programmes and $500 for Nitec and Higher- Nitec programmes at the
ITE.
The scholarships will cover students for the full duration of
their studies, with the GRC prepared to run the programme for 15
years. This announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan
Seng, who is one of the GRC's Members of Parliament, at a community
event on Saturday.
'We are targeting those who have already secured places, or are
currently pursuing tertiary studies, but whose results may not get
them other academic- based scholarships from other organisations,'
he said. 'The scholarships are the most substantive and meaningful
investment by the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC in the education of our
residents' children.'
Applicants should not have received scholarships from other
organisations and should come from households with an income of not
more than $4,000 or not more than $800 per person in the
household.
The scholarship programme was made possible by two hefty
donations: a $2 million cheque from 'remisier king' Peter Lim, and
$750,000 from Dr Albert Hong, chairman of RSP Architects Planners
and Engineers. The citizens' consultative committees raised another
$350,000.
