NTUC encourages members' children to strive for academic excellence
26 October 2007
Media Release
1. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is holding its annual General Branch Scholarship Awards and Education Grants Ceremony on 27 and 28 October 2007, at the NTUC Centre. For the 12th year running, these scholarships are awarded to children of NTUC General Branch members who performed exceedingly well in their studies. In addition, education grants are also awarded to students from lower income families, to help them cope with their education expenses.
2. Guest-of-Honour at the ceremony, Deputy Secretary-General for NTUC, Mr Heng Chee How said,” The General Branch Scholarship is intended to reward good performance and spur our members’ children to continuously strive for academic excellence. This year, we are awarding the highest amount of scholarship and education grants, benefiting more than 900 students. 220 of these students come from the lower income families as we hope these grants provide assistance to their education needs.”
3. The scholarship awards and education grants to be presented this year are worth $128,300. The NTUC General Branch Scholarship is available to General Branch union members whose children are currently pursuing their studies in a recognised local institution or university. The scholarships, ranging from $100 to $1,000, are awarded based on academic performance. The Education Grant is a one-time $100 assistance to help members with schooling expenses for their children. For more information on the breakdown of amount awarded, please refer to: http://www.ntuc.org.sg/gbscholarship/index.htm.
4. Other union members from the Ordinary Branch can apply for scholarships and education grants through their respective unions. These grants are also given out on a yearly basis to assist those in need and are distributed through the unions.
5. Mr Cyrille Tan, Chairperson, Selection Committee, NTUC Central Committee Member & General Secretary of the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (UWEEI), said,” We are awarding 916 applicants this year and have also increased the scholarship and education grants by more than $26,000, as compared with last year’s award amount of $101,700. Based on the merits of their own academic performance and needs of these students, we felt it was worthwhile to increase the amount of scholarship awards and grants. In comparison to 2006, we are able to reach out to more students, helping an additional 257 members’ children and their families.”
6. “I am very glad to receive the education grant for both my daughters as this amount of money can help with their schooling expenses,” said Mr Rahmad Bin Badri, who came to know about the education grant when he became a member in 2004. Mr Rahmad’s wife is suffering from chronic asthma and he is the sole bread winner for his family of seven.
7. Madam Tan Sok Tian, an administrative and accounts assistant, and NTUC union member for the past four years said, "I am heartened to see Jun Hao do well in his studies and be recognised for his efforts through the scholarship award. Though I may not be able to reward him with material things, I am happy that the scholarship money can be used to help him pay for a laptop for which he has been saving up for a long time."
For Scholarship & Education Grant queries, please contact:
Catherine Cho (Ms)
Assistant Director (Services)
NTUC Membership Department
National Trades Union Congress
DID: 6213 8042
Email: chowp@ntuc.org.sg
Annex 1
General Branch Scholarship Ceremony 2007
Date: 27 and 28 October 2007
Venue: NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard, Auditorium, 7th Floor
Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Commonly used Chinese Terms
About National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a national confederation of trade unions in the industrial, service and public sectors representing 500,000 workers in Singapore. NTUC comprises 63 affiliated unions, 6 affiliated taxi associations, 9 co-operatives and 6 related organisations. NTUC’s objectives are to help Singapore stay competitive and workers remain employable for life; to enhance the social status and well-being of workers; and to build a strong, responsible and caring labour movement. NTUC's vision is to be an inclusive labour movement for all collars, all ages and all nationalities. For more details on NTUC, please visit our website at www.ntuc.org.sg
