Scene and Heard
NTU Launches College to Empower Tech Changemakers
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has launched a new flagship undergraduate college aimed at empowering students to harness technology for a good cause and lead change for a better world.
The NTU Honours College will bring together high-potential students, such as those from the University’s signature programmes: Business; Computing & Data Science; Engineering; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Medicine; and Science. The modules offered by the College are designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, cultivate bold thinking, and empower students to deliver meaningful solutions with real-world impact.
In the Tech-For-Good Service Learning Course, for instance, students will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to develop tech-driven solutions to address societal needs. The NTU Venture Creation Programme also offers a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform bold ideas into viable, impactful business ventures.
In addition to their academic requirements, students enrolled in the new College will engage in learning experiences that nurture an innovative mindset and help them gain skills such as entrepreneurship and leadership.
Upon graduation, students will receive an NTU Honours College Certificate in addition to their degree certificate—a mark of their academic excellence, innovation readiness, and a commitment to social change.
The inaugural cohort of the NTU Honours College will comprise students enrolled in NTU’s signature programmes in August 2025. Freshmen who demonstrate academic excellence and aptitude by the end of their first year will be encouraged to apply to the College in their second year. The College expects to admit about 500 students annually.
Sport Singapore Unveils Inaugural Batch of 12 spexEducation Undergraduate Scholars
Sport Singapore has announced the inaugural batch of 12 recipients of the Sport Excellence Education (spexEducation) Undergraduate Scholarship. This new programme, under the Sport Excellence (spex) framework, provides financial support for active athletes who are keen to pursue undergraduate studies.
First announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in 2024, the spexEducation Undergraduate Scholarship was introduced to enhance the employability of Team Singapore athletes. There are two tracks under the programme: the Dual Career track and the New Career track. Among the 12 athletes, nine are on the Dual Career track, including Zeanne Law (Wushu) and Sheik Farhan (Pencak Silat). The remaining three— former national shuttler Jessica Tan, swimmer Teong Tzen Wei, and Wushu athlete Jowen Lim—are on the New Career track.
In addition, the Sport Excellence Scholarship (spexScholarship) added seven athletes across six sports, while the Sport Excellence Potential (spexPotential) programme—designed to strengthen the youth-to-senior athlete towards the spexScholarship—added 26 athletes across 15 sports.
These athletes have consistently demonstrated excellence in their respective sports at major competitions. The scholarships allow them to pursue both their sporting and academic goals with peace of mind in fields ranging from Sport Science and Sport Management to Marketing and Accountancy.
This is further supported by a Memorandum of Understanding between Singapore Sports School (SSP) and the six Autonomous Universities, which offers athlete-friendly practices such as aptitude-based admissions, priority selection of course modules, flexible curriculum planning, and alternative assessments where needed.
Student-athletes on these scholarships can look forward to structured meetings with their universities and SSP to monitor and support their development.
Beatrice (first row, left) with fellow MHA Civilian Scholarship (Generalist) recipients at the 2023 Singapore Police Force Scholarship & MHA Scholarships Award Ceremony.
Photo: Contributed by Beatrice Tan
From Aspiration to Action: My MHA Scholar Journey
Beatrice Tan, a 2023 recipient of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Civilian Scholarship (Generalist), shares her journey thus far.
I was drawn to the MHA Civilian Scholarship (Generalist) because I’ve always wanted a career where I could make a real difference and help keep Singapore one of the safest places in the world. Reading about how secure our country is got me thinking: What goes on behind the scenes? And more importantly, how can I be part of it?
When I came across the MHA Scholarships, it felt like the perfect way to turn that curiosity into something meaningful. I was excited by the chance to work on policies that matter. It matched my growing interest in public service and gave me a clear path to contribute in a hands-on, impactful way.
During my scholars’ vacation attachment at MHA’s Policy Development Division, I saw policymaking in action. I worked on policy research in criminal justice and cross-border legislation, and it became clear how every piece of policy fits into the bigger picture that keeps Singapore safe.
These experiences have shaped my time at Singapore Management University where I am currently a Law student. I’ve led projects and mentored others with the same sense of purpose. I’m excited to join MHA upon my graduation—keen to dive into the work, pick up new skills, and see where the journey takes me.
SUSS Launches New Flagship School of Social Work & Social Development
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has announced the launch of its new School of Social Work & Social Development, which will open in the third quarter of 2025 at SUSS’ current campus in Clementi. This launch is aligned with the broader national agenda to develop professionally competent social workers and support Singapore’s vision of a caring and inclusive society.
The school aims to develop more qualified social work professionals, especially in light of Singapore’s ageing population and growing complexity of contemporary social issues. It also seeks to inform national social development policies, advocate for positive social impact across communities, and advance interdisciplinary learning and applied research on social issues.
At the undergraduate level, students will benefit from a closer integration of the programme with the different areas of social work such as protection, disability, and healthcare. Enhanced practicum opportunities will be offered in close collaboration with industry partners. The curriculum will also be streamlined with graduate offerings for career development, including opportunities to switch to other social work areas or build adjacent competencies that allow them to refresh their careers in the sector.
At the postgraduate level, a pivotal area in which the new School will contribute is the development of social work thought and practice leaders through two specialised tracks, ‘Policy and Management’ and ‘Professional Clinical Practice’.
The school will also offer reskilling opportunities to those seeking to transition into social work from another industry. Graduate offerings will remain stackable, in line with SUSS’ educational model that facilitates adult learning.
