[Featured Photo: (L – R) Col Chin Pak Chuen, LTC Yeo Hock Seng, LTC Thiruthakka Devan, Col Tay Chee Bin, Ms Anne Boelling; Prof Benedict Lim, Prof Thomas Menkhoff, Dr Philip Zerrillo, BG Benedict Lim, Col (Ret) Yong Wui Chiang, Col Ho Kok Loke, LTC (NS) Humphrey Chin, LTC Lock Kok Leong.]

Following the successful launch of the SMU Warriors Scholarship programme in January this year, another nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel have been awarded SMU Warriors Scholarships to the University’s postgraduate programmes.  At a ceremony held on 1 August 2014, they received their scholarship awards from Dr Philip Zerrillo, Dean of Postgraduate Professional Studies, in the presence of their proud family members, fellow Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, as well as staff and faculty members of SMU.

The Scholarship was made possible by an agreement signed between SAF Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, and SMU President Professor Arnoud De Meyer on 14 January 2014.  Under the agreement, SMU will sponsor up to 20 postgraduate scholarships annually, for a period of three years.  The bond-free scholarships, which have been established to recognise the contributions made by Singapore’s military personnel to the country and to promote talent development for the nation, are multi-disciplinary and currently cover some 21 SMU postgraduate programmes.  It is estimated that the total scholarship value will be approximately S$1 million per annum.

[Photo: Professor Zerrillo welcoming new SMU Warrior Scholars into the SMU Community.]

At the award ceremony, Dr Zerrillo reiterated that the scholarship programme was developed with the intent to honour the people who have put in much for the nation-building of Singapore.  “In the 14 years that the university has been in existence, we have been part of the fabric of Singapore; we hope that through this effort and through the continuation of this programme in the next few years, we would be able to help our scholars to continue to be great contributors to Singapore.”

In extending a warm welcome to the new scholars into the SMU family, he also highlighted that the SMU Warriors are a significant addition to our postgraduate classes.  “In fact, the first batch of scholars has managed their studies with tremendous discipline, thought and maturity”, he said.

Dr Zerrillo also expressed his gratitude to his military counterparts from SAF “for their support and for finding us these excellent candidates.”

[Photo: BG Benedict Lim shared his experience at the award ceremony. BG is seen here receiving his scholarship award from Dr Zerrillo. On his left is Mrs Lim.]

One of the scholarship recipients, Brigadier-General Benedict Lim, who had already embarked on the EMBA programme since May this year said at the ceremony, “As military personnel, our focus has been to defend Singapore and our way of life.  What we do has been about duty, honour, country.  So I’m very thankful for the milestone on 14 January because the inking of the MOU opens up opportunities, as SMU recognises our service to the country and to Singaporeans… We in uniform fly the national flag wherever we go; post-SMU when we graduate, we know that as ambassadors of SMU, we will also fly the flag of this fine university.”  He also urged his counterparts who are contemplating on furthering their postgraduate studies to take the step and apply for the scholarship. 

In his parting words, Dr Zerrillo summed it up well.  “I am proud of all of you for taking this step (of pursuing a postgraduate education).  I hope that the journey will be as enriching for you, as it is for your families and for those people who look up to you.  So, with my warmest appreciation and my greatest hopes for you, thank you for choosing SMU,” he said.

The nine scholars awarded on 1 August are enrolled in the Executive MBA, Master of Science in Communication Management, Master of Science in Wealth Management, Master of Science in Innovation and MBA programmes.  They are:

Executive MBA

BG Benedict Lim

Col (Ret) Yong Wui Chiang

Master of Business Administration

LTC Lock Kok Leong

Master of Science in Communication Management

LTC (NS) Humphrey Chin Hong Fei

LTC Thiruthakka Devan s/o K Perumal

Master of Science in Innovation

Col Chin Pak Chuan

LTC Yeo Hock Seng

Master of Science in Wealth Management

Col Ho Kok Loke

Col Tay Chee Bin

Here’s bringing you more happy photos from the award ceremony, as the scholars celebrated the joyous occasion with their family, friends, and programme directors.

[For more information on SMU Warriors Scholarship Programme, please see here.]