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EXPERIENCE

ITE student is learning to safeguard public cleanliness to prevent disease spread

BY REBECCA RACHEL WONG

The onslaught of Covid-19 has certainly highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards in public cleanliness and hygiene. 

Mr Daeng Budi Iskandar Jumahat understands this well. Having worked in a company providing cleaning services, the 17-year-old has become even more aware of how essential such jobs are. 

“Our experience with Covid19 reiterates the importance of maintaining good public hygiene and cleanliness to prevent the spread of viruses,” he observes. “While Singapore has one of the best cleaning standards, there are many examples of poor cleaning standards globally, which in the worst-case scenario, can lead to spread of diseases, and even death.”

Inspired to contribute 

Given his passion for keeping the environment safe and liveable, Mr Iskandar decided to apply for the NEA-Industry Scholarship last year. The scholarship, provided by the National Environment Agency, supports young talented individuals who are driven and care deeply for the environment. 

Mr Iskandar is currently in his second year at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College West, pursuing a Nitec in Built Environment (Mechanical & Electrical Services). The scholarship includes funding for his two-year Nitec course, internship opportunities and a two-year bond with Envi – ronmental Services (ES) firm Horsburgh Integrated Services. 

“I have always been curious about the work of the ES industry as well as NEA,” says Mr Iskandar. “I chose to undertake this scholarship with aspirations to work in NEA in the future. The scholarship will also offer the opportunity to learn new skills to boost my employability.” 

As his income from his part-time job suffered due to Covid-19, Mr Iskandar is also grateful that the scholarship came at such an opportune time. With many younger siblings in his family, the scholarship money would alleviate some of his family’s financial burdens. 

And being very protective of his loved ones, he wants to do his best to protect his family’s health by learning all he can about maintaining public cleanliness standards, through a career in the ES industry. 

Future-ready 

The NEA-Industry Scholarship puts Mr Iskandar on track for a purposeful career in the ES industry after he graduates. For his next steps, he hopes to pursue higher education by taking a Higher Nitec or a diploma at a polytechnic before working in the ES industry thereafter. 

Mr Iskandar believes the scholarship has given him a headstart in his career, especially through the two-year bond with Horsburgh Integrated Services. 

He also hopes to contribute new and innovative ideas for improving Singapore’s public cleanliness and hygiene — especially with the Covid-19 threat still lurking. 

“I would eventually like to share these ideas internation – ally so they can be adopted and create a positive impact on our environment,” he says.

Visit https://www.nea.gov.sg/esitm-nis for more information.