Pioneer Batch of Smart Nation Scholars

1              The pioneer batch of Smart Nation Scholars with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister-in-Charge of the Smart Nation Initiative, Deputy Secretary (Smart Nation and Digital Government), Chief Executives of Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and Deputy Chief Executive of Cyber Security Agency (CSA)

2              The Smart Nation Scholarship was awarded to nine recipients by Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister-in-Charge of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, at the inaugural scholarship award ceremony today.

3              Launched in March 2018, the Smart Nation Scholarship offers a deep technical career path for scholars with a passion in applying technology for the public good. It seeks to develop and nurture a pool of next-generation leaders who will spearhead our national digital transformation.

4              Singapore’s vision of a Smart Nation is aimed at enhancing a vibrant competitive economy with many new job opportunities, an inclusive society with a high quality of life and innovative responsive government services.

"It is absolutely essential for us to attract top talent with deep digital skills for us to fulfil our Smart Nation ambitions. We will invest in our long-term engineering capabilities, to ensure that we have a core group of passionate innovators to lead and drive technology change, both within the civil service and across the private sector."

Dr. Balakrishnan - Pioneer Batch of Smart Nation Scholars
Minister-in-Charge of Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative

5              The scholarship was awarded to students who have distinguished themselves beyond academic merits and leadership qualities. They were selected through a rigorous assessment process comprising aptitude tests, management interviews, and agency-specific assessment days. 

6              Many of the pioneering cohort of scholars were self-taught in their technical knowledge and skills such as programming and data visualisation. They also showed their drive by participating, and excelling, in various ICT competitions and challenges.

7              The Smart Nation Scholarship recipients will be pursuing undergraduate studies in ICT-related disciplines, such as computer science, information security and mathematics, at reputable local and overseas universities. More information can be found in the Annex.

8              The recipients will go on to undertake national projects in the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). They will be groomed for various information & communications technology (ICT) leadership roles in the public sector, with opportunities to work on a diverse range of cybersecurity work, and shape Singapore’s infocomm and media ecosystem.  

JOINTLY ISSUED BY CYBER SECURITY AGENCY, GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY AGENCY OF SINGAPORE, AND INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

About Cyber Security Agency of Singapore

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) provides dedicated and centralised oversight of national cyber security functions and works with sector leads to protect Singapore’s critical services. It also engages with various industries, and stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness as well as to ensure the holistic development of Singapore’s cyber security landscape. The Agency is part of the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information.

About Government Technology Agency of Singapore

The Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) is a statutory board formed in October 2016 after the restructuring of the Infocomm Development Authority.

Following the formation of the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group in May 2017, GovTech is placed under the Prime Minister’s Office as the implementing agency of the Group. GovTech works with public agencies to develop and deliver secure digital services and applied technology to individuals and businesses in Singapore. GovTech builds key platforms and solutions needed to support Singapore as a Smart Nation. As a leading centre for information communications technology and related engineering such as the Internet of Things, Data Science and Application Development, GovTech also enhances the capabilities of the Singapore Government in these domains.

About Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.