SINGAPORE: Temasek Foundation has allocated more than $4 million to provide scholarships with no service requirements to students from low-income families.
These scholarships, named after three prominent labour movement leaders, Mr G Muthukumarasamy, Mr Nithiah Nandan Arumugam, and Mr RKS Nachiappan, are set to benefit nearly 200 students over the next five years. The scholarships are also the first in the country to extend financial assistance to the beneficiary’s family members, in addition to offering a bond-free and merit-based opportunity for academically gifted low-income Singaporeans.
The three labour movement leaders after whom the scholarships are named have made significant contributions to Singapore’s labour movement over the years. Mr Muthukumarasamy, a former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers, Mr Nithiah, a founding member and later General Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE), and Mr Nachiappan, the former General Secretary and Emeritus General Secretary of UPAGE, are well-known figures in Singapore’s labour landscape.
The scholarships aim to empower the underprivileged by offering them a comprehensive support system for their higher education endeavours. The support extends to various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Singapore, including six universities, five polytechnics, and the ITEs (Institute of Technical Education).
The financial assistance provided under this scholarship is multifaceted. Recipients will receive financial aid covering living expenses ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Additionally, a unique aspect of this scholarship is the provision of $2,000 to be shared among the recipient’s family members. This family support acknowledges the vital role played by the beneficiary’s family and aims to alleviate the financial burdens they may face.
The first batch of scholarship recipients was recently announced, with 38 deserving students awarded this prestigious scholarship.
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam was present at the Temasek Foundation-Union Scholarship Award Ceremony on Wednesday (1 Nov) and addressed the awardees and their families. He said: “Let me thank your families for all the support they have given you. Let me also thank Temasek Foundation, the unions, and the IHLs, for making these scholarships possible. This is an effort that can change lives.”