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SCHOLARS'

EXPERIENCE

He is using his skills to harness the transformative power of technology 
By Bryant Tan
Being an SG:D Scholarship recipient enables Mr Hariprasath Mohan to be part of an extensive network of alumni and industry professionals. PHOTO: FRENCHESCAR LIM

With the Singapore Digital Scholarship, computer science undergraduate Hariprasath Mohan believes social media can be a force for good  

Most parents often complain that their children spend too much time on Instagram or TikTok, but not Mr Hariprasath Mohan’s parents.

That is because they understand that their son, a computer science undergraduate, is not merely keeping abreast of the latest trends online, but is determined to use social media – and technology collectively – as a force for good.      

As a Digital Ambassador at Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s SG Digital Office, Mr Hariprasath educates the elderly on how to safely navigate online platforms.

 It is no surprise that his motto is “Contributing towards the betterment of society” – a personal philosophy he has had since he was in secondary school. That was when he had his first taste of programming through his school’s infocomm club and realised how technology could be strategically used as a tool to improve people’s lives.

 Inspired, he sought out programming tutorials online to broaden his knowledge, eventually joining the then-IDA Youth Infocomm Ambassadors. Collaborating with other Ambassadors also allowed him to see the myriad possibilities with a career in cyber security.

 These positive experiences stayed with him throughout his cyber security and digital forensics studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, inspiring him to go for the Singapore Digital (SG:D) Scholarship offered
by IMDA. 

 Depending on the type of scholarship, the SG:D Scholarship permits scholarship recipients to serve their bond in any organisation after graduation, as long as it is in a tech or media-related role.

BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY    

With the SG:D Scholarship, Mr Hariprasath hopes to further his knowledge in cyber security by attending overseas technology competitions, seminars and internships while broadening his understanding of the tech landscape by working in different parts of the world. 

“In the IT field, project work and internship experiences are just as important as grades,” he says. “Having the support to pursue certifications and overseas experience will give me the opportunity and flexibility to build my industry knowledge.”

Flexibility is exactly what SG:D Scholarship recipients get, as they can – subject to approval – fulfil their bond at any company they choose, provided they hold a tech- or media-related position.

“The scholarship also gives me the opportunity to do internships with IMDA and help deepen my understanding of Singapore’s tech landscape,” he adds.

Being an SG:D Scholarship recipient also means that Mr Hariprasath is part of an extensive network of alumni and industry professionals, giving him access to a huge array of job opportunities, talks and workshops, which range from product management to artificial intelligence to application development. That is why the SG:D Scholarship appeals to him: Having the opportunity to try out different things and explore specific areas that he is interested in. 

“There is something for everyone,” he says.

Visit go.gov.sg/sgdscholarships for more information.