Grooming young talent for global roles

SINGAPORE - Student Lee Min Shing has always wanted to work abroad ever since he spent some time travelling across the region, and that goal came a step closer yesterday.

Mr Lee, 23, was among 10 recipients of the Young Talent Programme Scholarship that is aimed at people keen on careers that go beyond Singapore's borders.

The programme, which is co-funded by trade agency IE Singapore and six Singapore companies, gives scholars a chance to take on global roles at the sponsoring firm.

The mid-term undergraduate scholarship, launched last year, covers full tuition fees and a monthly maintenance allowance. IE Singapore funds up to 70 per cent of the costs.

The participating companies this year are Advanced Holdings, Charles & Keith, Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing, Swiber, YCH Group and international serviced residence operator The Ascott, which Mr Lee will be joining when he graduates.

Travel experiences such as a month-long motorcycle expedition in Vietnam and backpacking in India and Thailand "really made me want to work overseas", said Mr Lee.

The third-year National University of Singapore real estate student is now taking Vietnamese language classes and intends to become fluent in the language.

"The hospitality sector will allow me to interact with many people, which I really enjoy," said Mr Lee.

Ms Tan Mui Hong, the vice-president of human resources at The Ascott, said the company intends to groom its scholars for careers in operations and property management.

"They will be trained to head up properties and become residence managers, with opportunities to manage more properties, or become country managers," she added.

IE Singapore also awarded six of its own scholarships at yesterday's ceremony to students keen on working with the trade agency.

About a third of IE Singapore's scholars are based overseas, across emerging and developed markets.

Companies expanding overseas need strong human resource strategies to drive their international business plans, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran at the ceremony.

"When well-executed, it will enable the organisation to develop a strong talent pool, from which it can groom future leaders."

This article was first published on August 26, 2014.
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