“When I was 15, I lost my father to cardiac arrest. Ever since then, I worked part-time while juggling my studies. I was determined to study hard and enter my dream course in polytechnic.” - Ho Jiaxuan, Michelle

When I was 15, I lost my father to cardiac arrest. Ever since then, I worked part-time while juggling my studies. I was determined to study hard and enter my dream course in polytechnic.

Now, I am a final year student pursuing a Diploma in Banking and Finance at Nanyang Polytechnic. I am grateful to receive the HYC-PSA Scholarship which has helped me not only to focus on my studies but also to impart my fellow schoolmates with the necessary financial knowledge. I represented my school as part of the Citi-SMU Financial Literacy Student Council in 2019. There, I kick-started NYP’s very own Financial Literacy Camp as the overall-in-charge.

Financial literacy is an important skill everyone should have. I aim to help my peers with the same generosity I received by sharing what I have learned through organising such events.

“I learned to give not because I have much, but because I know exactly what it feels like to have nothing. My mission is to help every individual that crosses my path in life.” - Jena Lim Xiang Ying

I learned to give not because I have much, but because I know exactly what it feels like to have nothing. My mission is to help every individual that crosses my path in life.

Becoming a single mother at the age of 19 was never in my plans, but life knew what I needed before I did.

Being awarded with the HYC-PSA Scholarship enabled me to provide for my son's needs while I completed my diploma.

I am now able to be a blessing to others who are struggling to get back on their feet, just like how the scholarship was a blessing to me during the hardest moments of my life.

“These valuable experiences had made my university life an enriching one and had helped to shape me into the person I am today.” - Seah Hui Ling

My mother brought me up single-handedly as my father passed away when I was little. To help reduce the financial burden on my family, I would take up part-time job during the term breaks to save up for the household bills and my tuition fees.

I am really grateful to be awarded the HYC-PSA Scholarship as it has eased our financial burden greatly, allowing me to focus more on my academics and to participate actively in school events. For example, Science Camp, Freshman Orientation Programme, and Welfare Services Club. Furthermore, I was able to take up research projects during the term breaks to explore possible career options and opportunities.

These valuable experiences had made my university life an enriching one and had helped to shape me into the person I am today. As I embark on my final semester in NTU, I hope to be able to strive harder and contribute back to society to the best of my abilities.

“Life was very difficult during my childhood as I had to live with several tenants in my house and learn to hold back on my material wants. Nevertheless, these experiences have made me what I am today, and I learnt that hard work pays off.” - Seah Jie Ling, Monica

My father passed away when I was young and my mother single-handedly raised my sister and me. Life was very difficult during my childhood as I had to live with several tenants in my house and learn to hold back on my material wants. Nevertheless, these experiences have made me what I am today, and I learnt that hard work pays off. I am thankful to be acknowledged and awarded the HYC-PSA Scholarship in 2020 to fearlessly pursue my dreams.

I am currently studying Life Sciences at NUS with dreams of becoming a teacher. Teaching is not an easy task but the satisfaction from sharing my interest in Science has inspired me to pursue a career in teaching.

Besides my academic work, I am also passionate in serving the community to help those less fortunate than I. I am an active member of the Radin Mas Youth Network where I help underprivileged residents in my community. With the scholarship, I am less burdened by my finances and now have a larger capacity to help those around me.

“Growing up, I had always dreamed of being an inspiration to others and making a positive impact on the world.” - Syaqilla Christina Anastasia Gupta Amirrudin

Growing up, I had always dreamed of being an inspiration to others and making a positive impact on the world.

By receiving the scholarship I can focus on my studies and constantly improve and upgrade myself as a person before I go out and help others and inspire them.

“I wish to contribute back to the community and make the people around me proud of what I have accomplished. I will continue to strive harder to be the best of me.” - Tan Song Ting Adeline

I am currently a Nanyang Technological University Undergraduate majoring in Sport Science & Management in my final year. Back in 2018, I was a recipient of the HYC-PSA Scholarship.

Without the help from this Scholarship, I would have to take up study and tuition fee loans for my university education. With the monthly allowance, I was able to better concentrate on my studies without taking additional part-time jobs during the academic term.

I am thankful for being one of the recipients and I strive hard in everything I do to achieve greater heights in life. I wish to contribute back to the community and make the people around me proud of what I have accomplished. I will continue to strive harder to be the best of me.

““Kites fly highest against the wind not with it” by Winston Churchill. I completely agree with this quote as through adversity; I managed to persist and achieve success.” - Tang Yu Alexander

“Kites fly highest against the wind not with it” by Winston Churchill. I completely agree with this quote as through adversity; I managed to persist and achieve success. During my national examination year, my grandmother passed on the day of my 16th birthday. Just a few months later, my father passed on too. Battling with grief, I managed to overcome my loss with the encouragement of my ITE lecturers.

HYC-PSA Scholarship has helped me to focus on my studies by reducing the persistent financial stress I had. With that, I managed to graduate with all distinctions and a perfect GPA of 4.0. In addition, I won the Lee Kuan Yew Gold medal and Lee Hsien Loong Outstanding All-Round Achievement award. Without the HYC-PSA Scholarship reducing my financial burden, I would not have managed to win the prestigious awards.

“It is my hope that I will graduate not just with a degree, but with the ability to produce compelling multimedia packages that evoke the hearts and minds of my audiences.” - Shintaro Tay Chin Hoe

My polytechnic education provided me with the core skills of storytelling with the right tools. But beyond that, my time in university has broadened my horizon through learning how to analyse film, journalism and current affairs with a critical eye.

I am humbled to be a recipient of the Howe Yoon Chong-PSA Scholarship as it allows me to upscale my passion for photography, journalism and documentary-making with their generous support of my university education!

Without having to worry about the high cost of education, I can put my focus on learning. I’ve also been able to spend my spare time during the holidays to pursue an internship with The Straits Times as a Photojournalist Intern. Meeting people from different walks of life and hearing their stories has helped me to appreciate life better.

It is my hope that I will graduate not just with a degree, but with the ability to produce compelling multimedia packages that evoke the hearts and minds of my audiences. With the HYC-PSA Scholarship, my journey has been fruitful and I look forward to gaining new experiences in university.

“I may not be financially independent but I am able to lighten my mother’s load. I am determined to work hard to strive for a better future for her.” - Belvin Tan

At the age of 10, my parents divorced and my mother brought me up single-handedly. Being a single parent was not easy for her – she was often unwell and unable to work.

When I entered polytechnic, the maintenance fee provided by my father was not enough to support the family so my mother had no choice but to work part-time. Since then, her health has been on the decline but she still continues to work to support me.

I am very grateful to be awarded the HYC-PSA Scholarship. With this scholarship, I may not be financially independent but I am able to lighten my mother’s load. I am determined to work hard to strive for a better future for her.

“My dream is to be able to help contribute back to Singapore in the Petroleum and Refinery industry and I am working towards it.” - Bryan Tan Guang Jun

My dream is to be able to contribute back to Singapore in the Petroleum and Refinery industry. It is my dream job and I am working towards it. I am also an active grassroots member in the Limbang Youth Executive Committee; actively giving back to my society and community.

I was a HYC-PSA Scholar from AY2014-2016. During my time in ITE, I was the President of the Student Council and was the only student in the cohort to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Because of my passion for community services, I had the chance to lead a group of ITE students on a humanitarian mission to Chiang Rai, Thailand. I am happy that I was able to make a small difference in the lives of the people there.

At my graduation I was the valedictorian. I was the top student for my cohort and was awarded the LKY Role Model Student Award, the LKY Gold Medalist award and the LKY STEP Scholarship which sponsors my current studies for a Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic.

“It would be such a proud moment to be wearing a Singapore flag on my jersey and representing Singapore in the Olympics and international competitions.” - Mavis Xu Jiaxuan

I have been playing volleyball ever since I was 13 years old and I am still full of passion for the game. Because of my love for the sport, I am dreaming of being a member of the the national team in future. It would be such a proud moment to be wearing a Singapore flag on my jersey and representing Singapore in the Olympics and international competitions.

I am currently studying in ITE College East; completing my studies in Business Services in December 2016. With the help of the scholarship that I am awarded, I have more time to focus on my academics, play volleyball and take care of my own well-being. Before receiving the Scholarship award, I was struggling with my school work, sports and a part-time job.