10 years of science scholarship

Today, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) celebrates its 10th year of giving out scholarships to young Singaporeans.

Guest of honor: Minister for Education Mr Heng Swee Keat giving his speech

I felt rather nostalgic looking at these young scholars receiving their awards.


10 years ago, I received the A*STAR National Science Scholarship, which paid for
1) My undergraduate studies in the US

Freshman year bonfire!

and

2) PhD studies in the UK

Rowing for Cambridge May Bumps

And now I am back in Singapore serving out THE BOND.


Of course, there have been times when I doubted my decision to take up the scholarship. Hey, I was only 19 when I signed my life away! But as the saying goes, "the grass is not always greener on the other side, but greener where you water it". 

This scholarship gave me the chance to study at top universities, let me spend the prime of my youth overseas, and took care of me financially. Importantly, I have an interesting job now and am optimistic about future career prospects.

For all of that, I thank A*STAR (and Singapore taxpayers' money!) for helping me get to where I am today.

So, thank you, and happy 10th anniversary.