Understand why some scholars break their bonds

 

Hi editor,

 

I refer to the comments on scholarship bonds by Mr Adrian Low, as well as the replies from PSD and EDB.

 

I would argue that the term "scholarships" do not apply in Singapore, evident from our intent to shame bond breakers.  I would rather we call these scholarships "labour contracts" where the organization is forking out money to secure the services of bright Singaporeans by dangling in from of them the opportunity of an overseas education.

 

This is in contrast to the situation in the United States, where scholarships are given on academic merit.  Thus, I would suspect one reason why some of our scholars break their bonds arises because of a perception of equity.  It is very easy to be proud of being a “bonded scholar” when you are still in Singapore, because your reference group encompasses only your fellow Singaporeans.

 

In the United States, however, these Singaporean scholars inevitably expand their reference group to include fellow bright Americans, who may or may not be as good as them academically, and these Americans hold scholarships with no bonds attached.  Furthermore, the Singaporean scholars, in many cases, are also able to apply for these “no bonds attached” scholarships from the American universities after some time.  It is easy then to see how a perceived inequity can arise in their minds.

 

In this aspect, I find it rather amusing that both PSD and EDB emphasize that no scholarship applicant has ever been forced or coerced into signing a bond.  I hope they understand that, once our scholars expand their reference group from the overseas exposure, that argument above will not help in any way. 

 

It is hard for these scholars to realize what is going on in the US before they sign the bond.  As human beings, our notion of equity is primarily based on whom we choose to be in our reference group, similar to the fable of the frog in the well.

 

Thus, I agree with Mr Low that mutual respect is important.  Organizations in Singapore should decide what they want: Do they want their scholars to return on their own free will or to return because they fear being shamed in Singapore?

 

Kelvin Tan Tuan Wei