NEA-Industry Scholarship Award Ceremony 2026 - Dr Janil Puthucheary

1. Good morning. I am delighted to join you today for the NEA-Industry Scholarship Award Ceremony.  

The Environmental Services Industry: Essential and Evolving 

2. It is heartening that so many passionate young Singaporeans have chosen to pursue a career in the Environment Services Industry. The Environmental Services Industry is the backbone of Singapore’s public health and environmental sustainability. The environment we enjoy every day is the result of the strong dedication and hard work of our Cleaning, Waste Management and Pest Management Sectors. Through the years, we have witnessed remarkable transformation in how environmental services are delivered. Today, the industry leverages more technology and innovations, ranging from autonomous cleaning robots to advanced waste treatment systems and data-driven pest control solutions.  

3. As global economic conditions continue to evolve, the Environmental Services Industry continues to demonstrate strong growth potential. The demand for environmental services continues to rise, driven by urbanisation and environmental sustainability ambitions. Industry transformation continues to guide our efforts to strengthen innovation, enhance productivity, and create better job opportunities.  

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders  

4. The NEA-Industry Scholarship programme, launched in 2020, is a key talent attraction programme for the Environmental Services Industry. Today marks a significant milestone – we welcome eleven new scholars, our largest number of scholars in a single cycle! Across five successful cycles, we have now awarded a total of thirty-six scholarships. The increasing number of scholars reflects the industry's growing appeal and recognition of the Environmental Services Industry as a dynamic and rewarding career path.  

5. The NEA-Industry Scholarship programme’s success is evident in our scholars’ achievements. Several of them have already completed their studies and have joined their respective Sponsoring Organisations in diverse, full-time roles, such as Facility Technicians, Laboratory Assistants, Management Associates and Supervisors. Some of them are with us this morning, and I look forward to hearing their journey in shaping the future of the industry.  

6. This year's cohort brings exceptional diversity in backgrounds, academic disciplines, and career aspirations. What unites them is a shared passion for environmental sustainability, and a vision of leveraging technology and innovation to advance environmental services in Singapore. Some have already demonstrated leadership in sustainability initiatives, and others bring fresh perspectives on the applications of data sciences and digital transformation in business operations. 

7. One of the Scholars, Mr Chan Jun Wei, Ian, studying a Diploma in Data Science at Ngee Ann Polytechnic brings a unique combination of environmental commitment and technical expertise to the industry. Ian’s environmental awareness was shaped by his own beach cleaning experiences at East Coast Park, where he observed single-use plastics, cigarette butts, and discarded lighters, strewn on the ground close by a rubbish bin. This experience made him question why people would choose to litter in shared spaces where families gather, and sparked curiosity in how technology could address such environmental challenges. Ian hopes to be part of the solution and to contribute to the new wave of technology transforming the cleaning sector in his role with LS 2 Services Pte Ltd as a Data Science Analyst Assistant when he joins the company after graduation and completing his National Service.  

8. Another scholar, Miss Balaji Elakkiya, who is studying a Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic, has always felt a strong pull towards environmental sustainability. Her interest in environmental sustainability began when she learnt about Singapore’s significant food waste challenges. Putting ideas into action, Elakkiya programmed an Intelligent Bin using smart sensors to detect bin fill level as part of a school project. The data was used to alert waste collection teams when the bins required emptying. Through the project, Elakkiya learnt more about the collection and transfer of waste management data, and how this can deeply impact decision making and operations planning. After graduation, she will join BNL Group as a Management Trainee, where she hopes to give back to the environment and the community, and to ensure our living spaces remain clean, safe, and liveable. 

 Celebrating our Industry Partners 

9. The success of this programme would not be possible without the steadfast support from our industry partners. I would like to extend my appreciation to all sponsoring organisations who participated in this fifth cycle of the NEA-Industry Scholarship. Thank you to Hong Ye Group Pte Ltd, LS 2 Services Pte Ltd, Re Sustainability Cleantech Pte Ltd, and RS Facilities Services Pte Ltd for your continued participation in our scholarship programme. These organisations have also sponsored scholars from previous cycles, demonstrating their sustained commitment to developing talent. I also warmly welcome new sponsoring organisations in this cycle – BNL Group, and Cimelia Resource Recovery Pte Ltd. Your partnership demonstrates genuine investment in the future of our industry and confidence in the potential of our young talents. 

 Conclusion 

10. Let me conclude by congratulating all our scholars. Your achievements were borne from hard work and perseverance, and I am sure it was with unwavering support from your families, friends, and teachers. Please join me in applauding our scholars and everyone who has supported them on their journeys. 

11. To our eleven new scholars, you stand at the threshold of an extraordinary journey that will shape both your futures and Singapore's environmental legacy. Your partnership with leading industry sponsors will immerse you in the frontlines of environmental innovation, where you will witness firsthand how today's challenges become tomorrow's breakthroughs. Through internships and on-the-job training, you will build expertise to become environmental leaders. I challenge you to seize every opportunity and push boundaries with bold solutions that will elevate our Clean and Green Singapore.  

12. I wish you all success in your studies and new careers and I look forward to your contributions to make a meaningful difference to Singapore’s Environmental Services Industry. Thank you.