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SCHOLARS'

EXPERIENCE

Groomed for leadership

ENDURING strenuous scholarship application processes that involved constant submissions and going through rounds of interviews was an enlightening experience for Mr Ashwin Hari Singh.

Among other things, he came to realise which organisation’s values and mission align with his own goals.

“A scholarship does not just represent a fully funded education but rather, a commitment to your future employer and organisation,” he says.

The 21-year-old is in the first year of his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at the National University of Singapore.

He is a recipient of the Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS), the only multi-industry scholarship in partnership with the Singapore Government to groom the next generation of young talents who aspire to be the leaders of tomorrow.

The scholarship, which is sponsored by semiconductor foundry, GlobalFoundries, provides full tuition fees and other approved academic charges, maintenance and hostel allowances, overseas exchange sponsorship, if requirements are met.

The scholars will go on internships and field trips, professional training, and participate in other local and global immersion activities, to prepare for a career with the company.

As a full-term SgIS scholar, Mr Singh will need to serve a four-year bond.

Diverse opportunities

He was drawn to this scholarship as it offers significant and diverse opportunities such as mentorship and job rotation to be exposed to a variety of roles in the organisation.

He says: “Upon joining GlobalFoundries as a scholar, I was informed of enriching internship opportunities during my semester breaks.”

“While my friends are busy searching for an internship during the semester, I can rest assured knowing that I will be doing something fruitful during my summer holidays.”

Beneficial career prospects aside, he was also interested in the networking opportunities to meet industry and political leaders at various events.

These promote better understanding of the happenings around various organisations and nations.

“This not only furthers our pursuit as global citizens but also moulds our mentality towards thinking as future leaders,” he adds.

Merit in hard work

However, there is a misconception that scholars tend to have an accelerated career path, says Mr Singh.

“Progression in a career should still be based on merit and a scholar should work just as hard as his peers. In fact, he may even be expected to work harder to keep up with the expectations of being a scholar and to possess the traits of humility and the willingness to learn to further improve himself,” he explains.

After he graduates in 2020, Mr Singh will begin his career as a process engineer at GlobalFoundries’ operations department, where he will be involved in the operations of Fabrication Plants (Fabs) in the Woodlands branch. He hopes to be involved in improving the yield in the plants and reducing cycle time, as well as in the management of resources to run the Fabs effectively.

“Ultimately, I look forward to taking up more leadership positions in the organisation, and hope to spearhead major projects such as the management of new Fabs locally and abroad,” he says.