Improve scholarship system, not abandon it via AsiaOne.com

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Improve scholarship system, not abandon it

Most of the current generation of young scholars are responsible and dedicated, but a few have a poor attitude and misplaced expectations, said chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Eddie Teo.

Mr Teo was speaking at an address in London during the Singapore Seminar 2009.

In his speech, titled 'Defending Scholarships but not all Scholars', Mr Teo spoke on issues such as bond breaking and the attrition of officers in the civil service.

He also defended Singapore's scholarship system despite criticisms from the members of the public, media, and politicians.

"A scholarship is not an escalator to success. For a scholar to progress in his career, hard work, demonstrated performance, and a commitment to public service are required. Not all scholars succeed, but enough do to justify the continuation of the system." said Mr Teo.

He also addressed the question on whether the Government is giving out too many scholarships and expressed concern about the attitudes of young scholars, who tend to place their personal interest above organizational interest.

He gave the example of one officer who asked "What is a retrenchment exercise?", when he was tasked to observe a retrenchment exercise at NTUC.

The example highlighted how some young officers can be divorced from ground issues, which is not what is expected of the public service.

However, Mr Teo stressed that just because "a handful of scholars give a bad name to the system does not mean that the system itself is rotten.

"In other words, we must improve the system, not abandon it."

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