APR 18 2000

EDB scholars must serve the nation

MR ADRIAN Low applauds the move by DBS Bank to let scholars convert their bonds into loans to be repaid with interest in "Mutual respect, not a bond, ensures scholars return" (ST, April 14).

As a financial institute, DBS Bank, even if it loses a scholar, gains a loan customer.

The Economic Development Board is not a bank. We are not in the loan business. Our scholarship programme is funded by taxpayers, on top of corporate sponsorship and private donations.

We support the position stated in the letter, "A govt scholarship is not simply a study loan" (ST, April 17), from the Public Service Division.

Our intent is to find talented young men and women of integrity and commitment to serve in the public and private sectors, to realise the economic potential for Singapore.

Those who sign a deed with EDB are expected to honour their commitment to the board and to Singapore. Anything less would be doing a disservice to their sponsoring organisation and the nation.

Not all scholars serve their entire bond, and some may have good reasons for not doing so. But to opt for another career before even starting work is not only irresponsible but also unfair to the many unsuccessful candidates who could otherwise have another chance to get an EDB scholarship.

Mr Low says students cannot know what they want at age 18. Scholars who have so far broken their bonds were men who took up the scholarship around the age of 21, after serving 2-1/2 years' full-time national service. They certainly are not immature boys.

No scholarship applicant has ever been forced or coerced into signing a bond with EDB. Our officers spend much time counselling candidates, their parents and sureties, before they sign the deed.

So if students are "fishing" for an EDB scholarship, as Mr Low puts it, they do so with their eyes open. How then can they suddenly express surprise or shock when they are named publicly for not having served at all?

TIMOTHY SEBASTIAN
Deputy Director
Human Resources
EDB

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