Got this off Balderdash's site, it was part of a series of posts covering everything from Jack Neo, China vs Taiwan, and a link on the NUSSU hotlines page.
I particularly liked that exhortation at the end of the letter to "study hard and expand your personal horizons, then come back to contribute and prove yourselves as worthy investments of Singapore."
Moral Responsibility of A*STAR Scholars
Dear A*STAR Scholars,
As you embark on your new journey, I wish you the very best in your academic studies.
At the same time, I take this opportunity to remind you of your significant responsibilities as A*STAR scholars towards your sponsors and country.
As A*STAR scholars, you assume serious social and moral commitments when you, of your own free will, apply and decide to take up our scholarship. These commitments entail returning home on completion of your studies to contribute to the scientific research and economic capacity of Singapore to build a knowledge-based economy for ALL Singaporeans.
Accepting the prestigious A*STAR scholarship carries with it a high moral responsibility beyond the contractual and legal obligations. A*STAR draws on Singapore tax payers’ funds to provide the best undergraduate/graduate education and intellectual exposure to fully develop each scholar’s passion and potential. Each A*STAR scholarship is therefore a generous investment of capital, time and effort.
Receiving the prestigious A*STAR scholarship is an honour and opportunity. A*STAR Scholarships are highly competitive, with many equally qualified applicants going through a stringent selection process, from which only a privileged few are accepted.
Consequently, a scholar who breaks his or her bond is deliberately depriving a fellow young Singaporean of the best undergraduate/graduate education and a major change in his or her life’s path.
A*STAR takes a very serious view of any scholar who deliberately breaks his promise. We will not hesitate to publicly name irresponsible scholars who intentionally break their bonds for selfish interests. Being named as a bond-breaker will irrevocably affect one’s standing and reputation in society.
Make the best of your scholarship, understanding that your fellow Singaporeans are the sponsors of your special education. Study hard and expand your personal horizons, then come back to contribute and prove yourselves as worthy investments of Singapore.
With Best Wishes,
Prof Lam Khin Yong
Executive Director
A*STAR Graduate Academy
