14 September 2018 – NUS undergraduate, Ong Jing Yin (Computer Science; Year 3) was awarded the inaugural Smart Nation Scholarship and the award ceremony was held at Conrad Centennial Singapore, on 17 August 2018.
The scholarship aims to develop and nurture next-generation talents to lead Singapore’s digital transformation towards a smart nation. Jing Yin was selected from 233 applicants to form the pioneer batch of Smart Nation Scholars. Offered by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Government Technology Agency (GovTech), and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the scholarship gives recipients the opportunity to carve out their own career pathway in applied technology for the public good.
Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Jing Yin would like to apply her skills and help defend Singapore against cyber-attacks. She said, “Among the different fields in Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity forms the core of it. Joining CSA will give me the chance to develop my technical skills and view cybersecurity from a broader perspective, across all sectors of the nation. As Singapore progresses to become a Smart Nation, our reliance on technology in our homes, liveable spaces and work places will grow. This increased connectivity to the internet will increase our vulnerability to cyber-attacks. I hope to apply my skills and play my part to protect Singapore in the future.”
She mentioned that one of the highlights of the scholarship process was the CSA Insider Scoop, where she had the chance to learn more about CSA. Through hands-on activities, Jing Yin observed how cyber threats can infiltrate systems. “There was a lot to learn from the session and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I am motivated to learn and explore much more in CSA, so I can defend Singapore’s cyberspace well,” said Jing Yin.
Jing Yin is one of two women to receive the scholarship and is thankful to be given the opportunity to serve Singapore in the field of cybersecurity. She wants to be a role model and inspire more students (especially, women) to join her, in defending Singapore’s cyberspace. She said “With growing cyber threats and advancement of technology, cyberspace has become another frontline for Singapore, and cybersecurity will be critical in securing our services and infrastructure. I see this scholarship as a great opportunity to pursue my ambition of becoming a skilled security specialist and to inspire future generations of Singaporeans.”
Jing Yin recalled that her interest in technology was nurtured by her father, who worked as an IT consultant. She added, “Throughout my childhood, my father often shared stories with me on how technology can be applied in businesses and organisations. I was intrigued by the importance of technology and how it could be utilised in various industries. This made me realise that ICT was something that I would like to do in the future and hence, I decided to pursue Computer Science in NUS. Also, I am thankful to my family and friends for their support and advice.”
About the Smart Nation Scholarship:
The Smart Nation Scholarship develops and nurtures technology talents and leaders within public service. Offered by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Government Technology Agency (GovTech), and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the scholarship gives recipients the opportunity to carve out their own career pathway in applied technology for the public good.
The Scholarship is targeted at top students who have demonstrated potential for technical leadership, and have a passion to serve in the public sector. Candidates are assessed on a holistic set of eligibility criteria. On top of academic performance, other aspects such as co-curricular activities and involvement in ICT events and competitions, among others, will also be taken in consideration.
News Mention:
The Straits Times, 17 August 2018
