Record number of applications received for the NEW Internship programme

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND PUB

Singapore, 6 August 2012 – A record number of more than 250 applications were received for the NEW Internship programme this year, a 58% increase from 2011. The NEW Interships is a unique aspect of the National Environment and Water (NEW) Scholarship – a joint undergraduate scholarship offered by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB, Singapore’s national water agency. 27 scholars were awarded with this scholarship at a presentation ceremony graced by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources today (refer to Annex A). At the same ceremony, six scholars, with a strong passion for research in water technologies, were awarded the National Research Foundation (Environment and Water Technologies) [NRF (EWT)] PhD scholarship by the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) (refer to Annex B).

NEW Scholarship

Some of the NEW Scholarship recipients were selected after completing the 4-6 week internship with NEA and PUB, which offers interns a realistic experience of working in the government and environment sector in Singapore. The internship programme, NEW Internship, identifies talented young people with an interest in environment and water issues and aims to nurture this passion through work-based learning activities. Interns are exposed to challenging assignments and those who show promise are subsequently recommended for the NEW Scholarship.

One of the scholarship award recipients, 21-year old Saw Yong Kai has experienced life in five different metropolises in the world, including Beijing, Vancouver and Singapore. He remembers that, while living in Beijing, his school was located next to a factory which at times emitted the smell of burning tyres. He said, “There were days I played soccer and my lungs would burn as I gasped for air. I have never forgotten that suffocating feeling and, in a way, those days give me the impetus to want to work towards improving environmental standards in cities.” Having been exposed to different living conditions and standards, he has developed a strong desire to be part of a team that works to ensure a good living environment for residents. He wants to come back to Singapore and work in NEA where he will get this opportunity to make a difference. He feels that a career with NEA will be dynamic, challenging and real and one that he will find rewarding. Yong Kai will go on to pursue a degree with a major in Environmental Engineering from John Hopkins University, USA.

Another scholar, Lim Yan Ying Fabia, 19, will join PUB after graduating from University of Bath with a degree in Civil Engineering. She said, “I did a 6-week internship with PUB whereby I was given the opportunity to see how PUB’s engineers plan and manage water infrastructure to support PUB’s mission of ensuring an efficient, adequate and sustainable supply of water. This strengthened my interest in civil engineering. I look forward to learning the mechanisms of various structures and systems in University of Bath. More importantly, I want to be able to play a part in designing and managing PUB’s facilities and systems after graduation”

CEO of NEA, Mr Andrew Tan, said, “The NEW Internships is a signature feature of our NEW Scholarships. It gives the interns an excellent opportunity to experience our working environment and work culture before they apply for the scholarships. The NEW Scholarships will augment NEA and PUB's ongoing efforts to groom the next generation of leaders who possess both the passion and abilities to lead the way in protecting our environment and managing our water resources.”

National Research Foundation (Environment and Water Technologies) PhD Scholarship

Leading efforts in developing Singapore’s global hydrohub is the EWI - an inter-agency body led by PUB, the national water agency and comprising agencies such as the Economic Development Board (EDB), International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and SPRING Singapore. EWI spearheads the growth of the industry and its vibrant water ecosystem with a firm emphasis on water technology R&D to promote the innovation of sustainable water solutions.

In developing capabilities to support this fast-growing industry, the NRF, through the EWI, is offering the NRF (EWT) PhD scholarships to groom talents in the water sector. 

The NRF (EWT) PhD Scholarship programme aims to groom research experts to tackle today’s pressing water challenges, push the frontier in water science and technology and contribute to Singapore’s water sustainability. The six NRF (EWT) PhD scholars are pursuing studies in specialised areas such optimising the biological used water treatment process and a desalination system using gold nanotube membranes.

The Path Ahead

The NEW scholars will be developed for leadership roles in the rapidly growing and vibrant environment and water sectors. Upon graduation, NEW scholars will work in either NEA or PUB and be involved in a diverse range of portfolios that includes addressing climate change, encouraging energy efficiency, developing Singapore’s water resources, fostering industry and technology development and engaging the People, Private and Public sectors. NRF (EWT) PhD scholars will be working in the water industry in Singapore, whether public, private or academia.

The scholars can look forward to a stimulating and challenging career in the Environment and Water sector, doing their part to build a sustainable living environment for Singapore. 

Mr Chew Men Leong, Chief Executive of PUB, said, “Singapore’s evolution from a water-challenged nation to a global hydrohub was made possible through years of developing a strong foundation in water management, applying sound water policies, as well as investing in innovative water solutions and technologies.  Together, the NEW and NRF (EWT) scholarships tap on the spectrum of bright young minds who hold the key to these innovative solutions for a better future. These scholars will be immersed in an exciting and dynamic world of technologies brimming with opportunities to make a difference not just for environment and water sustainability in Singapore, but for the world.”

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Annex A

NEW Scholarship Recipients for 2012

Annex B

2012 NRF(EWT) PhD Scholars