P@SSPORT (Aug 06) - STB NEWS - 37 FIREfly scholars take off in 2006

August 2006

37 FIREfly scholars take off in 2006

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is sponsoring 11 of the 37 students awarded the prestigious FIREfly Scholarships this year.

The total number of scholarships is more than double the 18 awards given out last year. More scholars also chose to pursue their degree courses in non-English speaking countries. This year, ten scholars picked France, Germany, Japan and China, besides the traditionally popular locations of the United States and United Kingdom.

Miss Joyce Lim, who will be reading Applied Business Management at Imperial College, London, in the UK, said: 'The FIREfly-STB scholarship was my top choice because it promises to offer a dynamic career that few others could match. Work at STB is fun, fast paced and engaging and this suits my character best. Furthermore, I am interested in the hospitality business and hence a scholarship from STB is a dream come true.

'After graduation I would like to be posted to the BTMICE (Business Travel and Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions) division. The BTMICE industry is a key driving force of Singapore’s tourism industry and I want to be in the heart of the action. It is here that I can contribute the most to Singapore’s economy. Working in such a challenging environment is an opportunity I am looking forward to.'

Over 1,400 applications for the FIREfly Scholarships were received this year. The 37 scholars will be pursuing multiple disciplines such as Economics, Engineering, Political Science, Bioengineering, Biomedical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Cultural Studies and Hotel Administration.

Launched in April 2001, the FIREfly Scholarship programme is a unique human resource collaboration between seven agencies under the Ministry of Trade & Industry. The seven agencies are the Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Economic Development Board; Energy Market Authority; International Enterprise Singapore; JTC Corporation; the Singapore Tourism Board; and the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board.

Mr Chia Ghim Chuan, another FIREfly scholar the STB is sponsoring will read Economics at the University of Michigan in the USA. He said working on the National Day Parade Carnival@Marina ’05 as a communications officer made him want to work for the STB.

'After I graduate, I intend to carry on a process of lifelong learning and self development in my career. I hope that by working in STB, I will come to glean a greater understanding of the workings of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and to do my bit by contributing to the organisation and country,' said Mr Chia.