Scene and Heard
Enhanced Scholarships to Boost Early Childhood Workforce
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) announced enhancements to its scholarship programme on 30 October 2025, aimed at attracting and retaining talent in Singapore’s early childhood (EC) sector. The ECDA Scholarship will be renamed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Scholarship, reflecting its expanded role as a sector-wide award for EC educators.
The enhancements, effective from the July 2027 intake, include higher study bonuses, a new full-time scholarship, and expanded postgraduate opportunities. In-service EC educators pursuing part-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies will receive an increased study bonus of up to $8,000, up from $2,000. A new scholarship at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) will support eligible full-time undergraduates with full course fee sponsorship, a $2,000 monthly allowance, and a one-time $2,000 learning resource allowance. The current Training Award (University) will conclude with its final intake in 2026.
Since August 2025, the ECE Scholarship has also supported a new part-time Master of
Education in Early Childhood (Chinese) programme at SUSS, allowing in-service Chinese educators to deepen their expertise in specialised areas of EC education.
These enhancements reflect ECDA’s continued investment in building a strong and sustainable EC workforce, with targeted support for educators at different stages of their careers. Together, these initiatives reinforce early childhood education as a meaningful career choice for passionate individuals committed to making a lasting impact on our young children’s development.
The enhancements were announced by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Family and Social Development, Eric Chua, at the ECDA Scholarships and Training Awards Presentation Ceremony, where 274 aspiring EC students and in-service educators were recognised.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders
Sixteen young individuals have received the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (SSS) to pursue courses in engineering, environmental, food, and science-related disciplines locally or overseas. The scholarships were presented by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, at the award ceremony on 21 July 2025. The SSS is jointly offered by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), the National Environment Agency (NEA), national water agency PUB, and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Minister Fu also presented certificates to 16 in-service scholars, recognising their commitment to enhancing skills and professional expertise, and their potential to make even greater contributions to public service.
Since its inception in 2008, a total of 293 scholarships have been awarded. The SSS identifies potential future public service leaders with a passion for environmental stewardship, nurturing them to tackle challenges in climate change, environmental sustainability, water supply resilience and food safety and food security. Upon graduation, recipients will embark on careers with MSE, NEA, PUB, or SFA, contributing to initiatives such as safeguarding Singapore’s coastline, ensuring a safe and secure food supply, and implementing the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Photo: Contributed by Amanda Soh
From Crimewatch Fan to MHA Scholar: My Journey
Amanda Soh, a 2025 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Civilian
Scholarship (Generalist) recipient, discovered her calling through
an unlikely source: Subhas Anandan’s books and countless
Crimewatch episodes.
I was fascinated by true crime shows but realised I wasn’t cut out for courtroom drama or frontline work. What really intrigued me was why people turn to crime and how we could prevent it through better systems and policies.
This curiosity sparked a deeper realisation about where I wanted to make my mark. I began to see how the right policies could make tangible differences to how Singaporeans live, work and play.
While crime prevention initially drew me to MHA, the #DiscoverMHA internship cemented my decision. I discovered that Civilian Generalists are the architects of national security strategies, working alongside uniformed officers to contribute to Singapore’s safety and security.
What truly won me over was MHA’s vibrant culture — attending Townhalls that brought officers together for insightful discussions and laughter, and bonding with colleagues over board games and lunch. I’m excited to join an organisation where people genuinely care for each other.
Now studying International Social and Public Policy with Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, I’m excited to return and contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s safety. Who knows? Your unexpected passion could be the start of an equally rewarding journey with MHA.
NUS Medicine Launches $3 Million Mental Health Scholarship
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Medicine has launched a new scholarship for its Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy (MCMHP) programme, following a S$3 million donation from the Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation (EESF). The gift is the largest single scholarship received for the programme and will support up to 24 full-time students over the next three years.
The scholarship will fully cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend of S$3,000 for the 18-month programme. Awards will be based on merit, and while no service bond is required, recipients are encouraged to make a two-year moral commitment to working in mental health and related sectors. Scholars will be selected by a joint committee from MCMHP and EESF.
Launched in 2024, the MCMHP programme addresses the rising demand for trained mental health professionals in Singapore and the region. It aligns with the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy and the Tiered Care Model, equipping graduates to support individuals with mild to moderate mental health needs in both clinical and community settings.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift from Mr and Mrs Saverin. At a time when mental health challenges are becoming increasingly urgent and widespread, this donation will enable us to train more individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to support those in need,” said Professor Chong Yap Seng, Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine, Dean of NUS Medicine. “We hope this contribution will not only strengthen our capacity for mental health education but also help drive meaningful transformation across the sector.”
The inaugural MCMHP cohort began in January 2025, admitting around 25 students from healthcare, social services, education, and allied health sectors. Applications for the next intake will open on 1 December 2025 and close on 3 March 2026, with classes commencing in August 2026.
