Voodoo Vince

Cut scholarship bond period to stem brain drain: NMP
By Grace Ng


Bonds can be kept short and capped at about three years. Scholars can also be bonded to serve Singapore in both the public or private sector, rather than just the Government, suggested Mr Loo. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

CUT THE length of scholarship bonds and grant tax rebates for the overseas university fees paid by parents whose children return to Singapore after their studies abroad.

These measures were suggested by Nominated MP Loo Choon Yong in Parliament on Tuesday to help stem Singapore's brain drain.

Noting that about 1,000 talented young Singaporeans leave the country annually to study and work overseas, Mr Loo feared that these people 'may be lost to Singapore permanently' if they settle overseas after studying there.

While he supported the notion that these Singaporeans must return to serve the country, he added that the current policy of scholarship bonds is 'counter-productive' and urged the Government to review the policy.

Bonds can be kept short and capped at about three years. Scholars can also be bonded to serve Singapore in both the public or private sector, rather than just the Government, suggested Mr Loo.

In this way, scholars who choose to work in the civil service would do so willingly, attracted by the excellent compensation and improved work environment in Government agencies, as well as the pride of serving Singapore, he said.

The scholarships must 'not be instrument for converting free Singaporeans into indentured Singaporeans', he said.

In light of the current shortage of places at local universities, Mr Loo also suggested that the Government consider giving tax rebates to parents who send their children to approved overseas universities, when they return here to work.

These tax rebates can be to 'the tune of the subsidy for fees at local universities'.

This will help to grow the local talent pool and give more Singaporeans a chance at tertiary education, said Mr Loo.

'If we lose our young, we will have nothing,' he said.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2...ry_210671.html

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People don't plan to fail... They fail to plan.

T-Rex

Cut bond, then I will see many China students in Singapore.

Miss QQ

I think the NMP needs to looks at why there's a brain drain...

Most foreign students are here to study, get their PRs, and get a new job overseas in USA, UK, Europe, etc...

To them... Singapore is a spring board for them to jump to greater heights...

Life is full of unexpected surprises

Voodoo Vince

So true, so denied them a chance to study here, so no more brain drain?

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People don't plan to fail... They fail to plan.

StompTrooper

Agree.

sky1234

Cut scholarship bond period, faster and more brain drain