| Others deprived of funding
I REFER to the article, "" "Rethink or quit scholarship now' '' (ST,
July 12).
There has been an uproar over the alarming number of
scholarship holders planning to break their bonds even before
starting university.
I am 19 years old and will be starting university soon. But I am
facing the gloomy prospect of withdrawing from Brown
University, a premier Ivy League college in the United States,
due to a lack of funds.
It is extremely disappointing for me to see that my peers who
have been awarded scholarships do not value the opportunities
given to them.
A scholarship should not be viewed as a trophy or a line in one's
resume.
And if a person is able to support himself through college
comfortably, I do not see the need to get a scholarship.
If the scholarship holder truly wants to embark on a particular
career with an organisation, would it not be possible for him to
apply for a job or be headhunted for that position after
graduation?
Many who aspire to study abroad are unable to pursue their
dreams simply because there isn't any funding left.
The scholarship sponsors said they believe that their
scholarship-selection system will continue to identify scholars
with the right abilities and personal qualities.
Yet there has to be something inherently wrong with the system,
judging by the opinion poll on bond-breaking.
How reliable are a string of interviews, essays and one-day
selection processes at judging a person's character?
The experienced interview panel was unable to pick up the ""basic
character flaw''.
Admittedly, it is easy for a person to appear as the ideal
candidate, brimming with enthusiasm and confidence during
interviews.
And I doubt that anyone considering breaking his bond would
have the courage to resign from his scholarship right now.
It would be too humiliating, even if he were not named.
During my search for alternative funding, I found financial aid
was sorely lacking.
Perhaps a study-loan programme, similar to the various Federal
Loan Programmes in the US and other countries, could be
implemented to help those without scholarships realise their
aspirations.
In the past, it was often said that education was the privilege of
the rich. Let's not make overseas education the privilege of the
rich.
YEW ZHONG MING
 
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