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APR 17 2000 A govt scholarship is not simply a study loan
IN APPLAUDING the move by DBS Bank to allow its scholars to convert their bonds into loans, Mr Adrian Low, in "Mutual respect, not a bond, ensures scholars return" (ST, April 14), commented that the practice of naming bond-breakers seemed short-sighted, and that "forcing people to do something against their will is not a hallmark of an enlightened policy". Nobody is forced against his will to accept a scholarship from the Government. Parliament debated the issue of bond-breaking at length in March 1998. DPM Lee Hsien Loong has stated the Government's position: A government scholarship is not simply a study loan, with an option to serve in lieu of repaying the loan. Nor is it a commercial contract, which may be settled purely by paying the liquidated damages. Apart from the legal obligation, scholars also bear a moral responsibility to serve the nation. Government scholars are carefully selected, based not just on academic results, but also on their leadership qualities and sense of service to the nation. Outstanding academic results do not automatically guarantee a government scholarship. During their studies, the sponsoring agencies stay in touch with the scholars. They organise activities for them, and keep them updated on developments at home. Ministers and senior managers of the sponsoring agencies make it a point to meet scholars when they are overseas. They would not be doing all this if the scholarships were purely commercial contracts. This does not mean that the scholar must always serve willy-nilly till the last day of his bond. Unforeseen circumstances may arise, making it unfeasible or awkward for the scholar to continue serving. Then the break clause provides a way out. But preferring a non-government career even before starting work is not such a situation. DBS Bank may have its own reasons for changing the treatment of its scholarship bonds. But this government position on the obligations of its scholars has not changed. JOYCE CHIA
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