88 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO DEFENCE SCIENCE TALENTS

"As we operate in times of troubled peace, we need a strong core of defence engineers and scientists to understand cutting edge technologies, and how these can be used either against us, or as a tool for us."

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen emphasised this point at the DSTA-DSO Scholarship Award Ceremony held at Swissotel The Stamford on 29 Jul.

He noted how in the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories (DSO), "innovation and passion are traits that are encouraged, not feared. Members are not afraid and are encouraged to look for "out of the box" solutions, not only for the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) but beyond".

Dr Ng cited examples of successful innovation such as the integrated Command and Control (C2) Centre for checkpoint operations, which was designed by DSTA to strengthen security. "This C2 Centre puts together information from an extensive network of sensors and systems, and strengthens sensing and detection capabilities thus improving traffic flow and reducing waiting time."

He also announced the launch of a new initiative: "DSTA will be setting up a new National Engineering Programme Centre by the end of this year (which will) work closely with other public agencies to implement engineering solutions to benefit all Singaporeans."

This year, 88 scholarships were awarded. Among the recipients was DSTA undergraduate scholar Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Martens Bradley Andrew Rowsing.

Since young, he has been fascinated by advanced weapon systems. "My father was my inspiration to become a defence scientist. He was a combat engineer, and he used to tell me stories about how he had to manhandle the bridges into position and how technology has progressed since then."

"I also read about new and innovative cutting-edge technology every day. I've also been reading historical literature, and it's interesting to see how weapons have advanced through the decades," said the former Signaller in 1st Commando Battalion.

He will be reading Engineering (Electrical Engineering) at the National University of Singapore. On what he hopes to achieve, the 21-year-old said: "I plan to help every Singaporean soldier carry out their roles more effectively and efficiently by having better equipment, while reducing manpower through mechanisation."

When asked why she took up the DSTA post-graduate scholarship, Ms Sharon Ang Mei Ling said: "I've always had a passion for defence engineering I think it is a very rewarding field, because you get a sense of achievement when you see your solutions being implemented to solve real-world problems."

A senior engineer at the Land Systems Programme Centre in DSTA, the 27-year-old has worked on robotics that help the SAF to counter chemical, biological, radiological and explosive threats. Ms Ang will be heading to the United States (US), where she will pursue a Master's Degree in Human Computer Interaction at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Like Ms Ang, Corporal (CPL) (NS) Foo Wei Jian, will also be studying in the US. A senior defence engineer in DSO s Emerging Systems Division, the 28-year-old has worked on electromagnetics systems that boost the survivability of aerial platforms. CPL (NS) Foo also serves as gunner in the 63rd Combat Service Support Battalion.

He will be pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Ohio State University. Said the DSO postgraduate scholarship recipient: "Defence engineers work on and improve defence technology which helps to provide an advantage to our soldiers. Technology is a force multiplier (and) since Singapore has a small fighting force, it has become very crucial for us to use technology to our advantage as our military force may become smaller in the future due to Singapore s low birth rate."

Among the 88 scholarships awarded this year, 31 were undergraduate scholarships. There were also 21 DSTA postgraduate scholarships, 15 DSO postgraduate scholarships, and 21 Junior College scholarships.