Singapore Sustainability Scholarship Award Ceremony 2025 - Ms Grace Fu

1. Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here with all of you at this year’s Singapore Sustainability Scholarship Award Ceremony.

   1. This year’s ceremony holds special meaning as it marks Singapore’s 60^th year of independence. SG60 invites us not just to celebrate, but to also reflect on how far we have come as a nation, and to reaffirm our shared responsibility in building the future we want to see. Over the past six decades, Singapore has transformed from a small, resource-scarce island into a vibrant, sustainable, and globally respected city-state. We could not have achieved this without our most valuable asset which is our dedicated and committed public officers. That is why MSE has always placed strong emphasis on recruiting and grooming talented individuals who are passionate about building a better and more sustainable Singapore.

   2. It is heartening that so many passionate young Singaporeans have chosen to pursue a career in environmental sustainability. On behalf of our MSE family, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new scholars joining the MSE Family. Your decision to step forward and serve our nation at this SG60 milestone is a powerful signal of continued hope and commitment. Just as our pioneers laid the foundations for a modern metropolis, you will be part of our team to shape our future, build a home that is more environmentally sustainable and climate resilient, that future generations can look upon with pride.

   3. We are also joined by 16 in-service scholars, who have been making valuable contributions to our MSE family agencies and have been selected for the opportunity to further advance their knowledge, skills and expertise. Our in-service scholarship reflects MSE family’s commitment to continuous learning, skills upgrading, and nurturing our officers.

   4. Whether you are new or existing officers of MSE family, each of you plays an important role in driving MSE family’s mission and vision. Together, we are guided by our three core principles - Our Sustainability in stewarding limited resources responsibly, Our Resilience to prepare for and adapt to challenges, and Our Everyday to improve the daily lives of Singaporeans and our daily interaction with our environment. As we look ahead to Singapore’s next chapter beyond SG60, these principles will guide our shared journey toward a greener and more resilient nation.

Singapore’s Sustainability Journey

2. Climate change poses an existential threat. Its effects are no longer distant warnings but present-day realities that are impacting Singapore and the world at large.

   1. We are facing increasingly hotter days, more intense rainfall, and rising sea levels – changes that touch every aspect of our lives.

   2. Our work at MSE goes beyond addressing climate change. At its heart, it's about protecting what matters most to every Singaporean. When you turn on your tap, clean water flows. When you sit down for a meal, you can trust that your food is safe. When you take a walk in the park, you breathe clean air. These everyday assurances are the foundation of our quality of life that we protect and enhance.

   3. Every decision we make, from resource management to infrastructure development, will impact Singapore and re-shape the Singapore our future generations will inherit. The path ahead demands innovation, determination, and collective action.

Singapore Sustainability Scholarship Recipients

3. Addressing the complex nature of climate change, environmental, food and water issues require knowledge and understanding of many different fields. Through the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship, we strive to nurture future leaders who can strengthen Singapore’s resilience in the face of climate, economic, and resource challenges.

4. This year, we are awarding scholarships to 16 outstanding individuals to pursue courses across various science and engineering disciplines.

5. One of them is Mohd Kasyful Azhim Bin Mohd Kamal Ariffin. He is a PUB mid-term scholarship recipient who is currently pursuing Chemical Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology. Kasyful’s interest in engineering grew steadily over the course of his diploma studies in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. In tandem with his enthusiasm for driving sustainability initiatives within the community, Kasyful believes in harnessing both his passions to help build a more sustainable Singapore. Upon graduation, Kasyful is looking forward to joining PUB and contributing to Singapore’s Water Story. He will certainly be able to bring his passion, skills and knowledge to help PUB advance towards a resilient and sustainable water future.

6. Some of you may also know Darren Chua. He represented Singapore in swimming, winning both a Gold and Silver medal for Singapore at the 2023 SEA Games. Darren is now looking to also make a difference in the field of veterinary science.

   1. Growing up with most of his time spent immersed in water, ignited Darren's passion in working directly with aquatic environments.

   2. Darren is one of SFA’s scholarship recipients this year and he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland.

   3. His studies will equip him with the necessary skills to address both food safety and aquatic animal health challenges in Singapore to contribute to SFA’s efforts to support our local fish farms.

In-service Scholarship recipients

7. I am also proud of our in-service scholars, colleagues who continue to learn and grow even after years in service. This year, 16 officers from across MSE, NEA, PUB, and SFA have been awarded in-service scholarships.

8. One of them is Say Yueyang, Symus from NEA’s Nuclear Science and Technology Department. He oversees the implementation of Singapore's obligations under various nuclear safety conventions and agreements, and is involved in strategising and planning engagements with international partners to enhance NEA's capabilities in nuclear safety, safeguards and security.

   1. Symus will be pursuing an International Master's Programme in Nuclear Engineering and Management at Tsinghua University.

   2. This programme will provide comprehensive professional education and research opportunities in nuclear science and engineering, and strengthen his technical foundation to enable more thorough assessment of nuclear energy technologies.

9. We also have Fareena Binte Abdul Rahim from NEA's Pollution Control Division. She is responsible for safeguarding Singapore's environment through regulating industrial pollutants and managing hazardous substances and toxic industrial waste.

   1. Fareena will be pursuing a Master of Science in Data Science for Sustainability at the National University of Singapore.

   2. Driven by her ambition to develop advanced skills in addressing environmental challenges through data analytics and evidence-based solutions, this programme will position her at the forefront of emerging technologies and innovative approaches in environmental sustainability.

10. Xie Nanzheng oversees PUB's cybersecurity strategy and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

    1. He started off his career as an Engineer at Changi Water Reclamation Plant before taking on the role of Cybersecurity Analyst in PUB’s Infotech & Digital Transformation Department.

    2. Committed to continuous learning, Nanzheng will be pursuing a Master of Information Management and Systems at University of California, Berkeley.

    3. Through this programme, he will be able to play a vital role in strengthening PUB's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity capabilities.

11. Matthew Goh, a Director at SFA’s Licensing Division, oversees policies that govern licensing, grading, and the enforcement of farm-to-fork food safety standards.

    1. Matthew has demonstrated strong leadership in guiding his teams and driving key initiatives including the development of our new Safety Assurance for Food Establishment (SAFE) Framework. When implemented, the SAFE Framework will further strengthen Singapore’s food safety standards.

    2. Matthew will be pursuing a Double Master's in Public Policy and International Political Economy at Nanyang Technological University and the University of Warwick, enabling him to deepen his understanding of global food systems and sharpen his analytical capabilities. The knowledge and networks that Matthew builds during his further studies will serve him well in addressing complex challenges such as climate change, geopolitical risks, and supply chain disruptions, ultimately bolstering Singapore’s food security. 

Achievements of a Past Scholar

12. Our scholars have done well over the years, and Jason Cheng, Deputy Director in NEA’s Sustainability Division, is an example.

    1. Like our scholars here today, Jason was awarded the SSS scholarship in 2009, and began his career with NEA in August 2014, after completing his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London.

    2. Over the years, Jason has taken on a variety of roles. He was seconded to MSE, where he served as Assistant Director in our Environmental Policy Division. He also spent time at Temasek as an Assistant Vice President in Sustainable Solutions. These diverse experiences have given Jason a broad and well-rounded perspective on environmental and sustainability in Singapore.

    3. In his current role, Jason oversees the policy development of our Beverage Container Return Scheme and the licensing of its Scheme Operator, as well as the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. Jason also oversees the implementation and ongoing policy review of the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme, and manages our National Recycling Programme.

13. Though our scholars come from varied backgrounds and pursue different disciplines, they are united by a single deep passion for building a sustainable and resilient future for Singapore. Through the MSE family's Singapore Sustainability Scholarship and in-service scholarships, we provide talented and driven individuals with the opportunity and platform to grow their skills and pursue their ambitions, empowering them to help Singapore overcome the complex climate change and environmental challenges that lie ahead.

Conclusion

14. Let me conclude by once again congratulating all our scholars.

    1. Your achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of your family and loved ones.

    2. It also comes at a defining moment for our country. As Singapore celebrates SG60, your role in shaping our shared future becomes even more meaningful.

    3. The support and encouragement from your teachers and colleagues have also played an important role in driving your interest and passion in environmental sustainability and resilience.

15. Today marks not just the next step in our undergraduate scholars’ journey of learning but also the first step in your induction into our MSE Family where you will contribute to Singapore’s climate action. For our in-service scholars, this is an important milestone in your careers which will better equip you to contribute to Singapore and the MSE Family at an even deeper and broader level. I wish you all success in your studies and I look forward to your contributions to help build a greener and more sustainable Singapore. I sincerely hope that you find meaning and purpose in your career with our MSE family.

16. Thank you.