In this fast-evolving digital era, the Smart Nation initiative is Singapore’s way forward, where people are enabled seamlessly by technology to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives, and businesses can be more productive to seize new opportunities in the digital economy.

Indeed, with that in mind, aspiring students who are passionate about technology are invited to apply for the Smart Nation Scholarship (SNS). Offered by three public agencies, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), this scholarship is an opportunity for talented individuals keen on a tech career in creating digital solutions and opportunities to transform our society, economy and government.

Undoubtedly, this is a meaningful way to start your career as our aspiring Scholars Ng Zhao Zhi Glendon, Jamie Toh Hui Lin and Tan Xin Yen have reckoned when they took up the Smart Nation Scholarship.

Opportunities abound for the scholars upon graduation as they get to choose to work with one of the three public agencies that are at the forefront of our nation’s efforts in transitioning to a Smart Nation. Glendon wants to work in CSA after his studies while Jamie has set her heart on GovTech. Xin Yen intends to embark on her tech career with IMDA.

Although they will be working in different agencies, Glendon, Jamie and Xin Yen have a common yet impactful goal, which is to improve the lives of Singaporeans through technology. Join the three scholars as they tell us more about their education journeys and career aspirations.

Glendon, what is it about cybersecurity that you enjoy?

Glendon: One aspect of cybersecurity that I enjoy is the need to have a breakdown and detailed understanding of systems before implementing any cybersecurity measures. It is also important to ensure policies and practices are compatible with the system so that the measures can be implemented effectively.

Jamie, tell us what led you to study Computer Science?

Jamie: I’ve been passionate about technology for as long as I can remember! This led me to pick up many tech-related hobbies. I love the way that technology can keep people connected and better the lives of others through the creative use of code, and that is what led me to pursue Computer Science.

Xin Yen, could you share more about your studies and how it is preparing you for your career.

Xin Yen: Studying Computing in Information Systems has not only equipped me with the necessary skills to kickstart my career in the tech sector, but it has also allowed me to venture into the latest trends in tech for enterprises.

What I have learnt during my course of study included communication skills, architectural design and development, building enterprise systems and more. That has helped equip me for a career in network engineering, systems architecture, IT management, or any other areas which connect people and tech systems.

Share with us some of the opportunities that you have benefited from as a Smart Nation Scholar.

Glendon: I can participate in events such as the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), organised annually by CSA and attended by many high-ranking delegates from countries all over the world. I got to view the dialogue and gain meaningful insights on the topic of ransomware and Operational Technology.

I am also given internship opportunities that allow me to apply theories and knowledge learnt in my undergraduate studies, while being exposed to industry best practices and deepening my technical skillsets. During my internship, I got to work on two issues of CyberSense, CSA’s monthly bulletin that highlights salient cybersecurity topics to the general public. I wrote about the dangers of Blockchain bridges and on wiper malware.

Jamie: The scholarship allows me to dive deep into one of the many tech domains (e.g., sensors & IoT, app development) that I can pursue after graduation through the Technology Associate Programme (TAP). This leadership-trainee programme offers a variety of tech domains for me to choose from and opportunities for job rotations, allowing me to broaden my skillsets early on in my career.

Xin Yen: I am offered the chance to intern at IMDA to learn and gain more knowledge about the challenges faced by businesses and the new innovations currently being developed. By working on projects with IMDA, I gained a lot more exposure to the tech industry and IMDA’s crucial role in spearheading new tech adoption in Singapore. These provided me with hands-on experience on the type of work that I will be doing at IMDA in the future.

Why did you choose to start your career with your respective agencies?

Glendon: I was drawn to the study of Information Security after reading about SingHealth’s data breach in 2018 which affected more than a million Singaporeans. And I was deeply motivated by CSA’s role to promote cybersecurity hygiene, coordinated efforts to develop the cybersecurity ecosystem and its work in protecting our critical services. This is increasingly important as our nation transits to a Smart Nation and a safer cyberspace is necessary for us to fully reap the benefits of technology.

Jamie: When I was younger, I used to watch crime/mystery television shows regularly with my family. The most memorable show we watched is ‘Bones’, where there was a character named Angela who developed her own software to help her team solve crimes faster, and that was what inspired me to join the Computer Science industry, and GovTech is where I can develop software that will help to improve the lives of others.

Xin Yen: I feel that what IMDA aims to achieve, which is to develop and enable the Infocomm and Media sector to bring about growth opportunities, aligns the most with my personal goal of wanting to use tech to make a difference in people’s lives.

Being in the public service and knowing that my job is a part of a larger initiative to improve the lives of fellow Singaporeans makes this scholarship more meaningful to me than other options.

What are your career aspirations and goals?

Glendon: I want to come up with ways to secure systems without compromising the convenience of users. I also wish to grow the cybersecurity ecosystem and encourage others to join the cybersecurity industry.

Jamie: I hope to have a meaningful career where I can help the community through my projects. I also want to work with talented individuals who have different perspectives and approaches on problems that we face and learn from them.

Xin Yen: I look forward to contributing to Singapore’s digitalisation and building a strong digital economy. I want to be a key enabler in strengthening Singapore’s competitiveness in the global market and helping businesses spearhead the use of technology to enhance their reach, as a way of giving back to the society. On top of that, I hope to continue my learning journey and pick up more technical abilities to equip myself with more skills!

What would you say to encourage someone to consider the Smart Nation Scholarship?

Glendon: The CSA Smart Nation Scholarship will be a great fit for anyone who is highly passionate about cybersecurity and is looking to fast-track their career upon graduation. The scholarship provides various support that allows Scholars to grow and gain professional experience ahead of their peers.

Jamie: This scholarship is not only one of the best ways to fast-track your career, but it also gives you the opportunity to embark on nationwide projects that would be unavailable elsewhere.

Xin Yen: If you have a passion for tech and want to play a part in spearheading digitalisation in Singapore, taking up SNS and joining IMDA is a great path to consider. The tech field is amazing but joining IMDA makes your career even more fruitful as you will get to put your skills to good use in meaningful projects and play a part in shaping Singapore’s digital future.