Page 27 - Scholarship Guide Feb 2019

KEVAN KONG 25

Why did you choose the NEW scholarship?
I was a very active boy growing up and would always
spend a lot of time outdoors playing sports. There
was once when I forgot to bring my water bottle and I
got very thirsty. I started wondering what could hap-
pen if our reservoirs were to dry up, and our nation ex-
perienced a water shortage. It was then that I began
to develop an interest in the water industry. In sec-
ondary school, I always looked forward to Geography
lessons where I would learn about issues related to
water sanitation, and water and land constraints. As
a small country, Singapore has limited space to col-
lect rain water. As such, we invested in technology to
produce NEWater and desalination to meet our wa-
ter demands. When I was considering the different
scholarships offered by various companies and gov-
ernment ministries, the NEW Scholarship attracted
my interest because PUB manages the water system
in Singapore. I believe that PUB will be a good place
for me to gain exposure and utilise my knowledge and
skills to help ensure Singapore’s water sustainability.
What do you think makes the scholarship
stand out from the other scholarships on
the market?
The NEW Scholarship offers many opportunities for
scholars to be exposed to the different areas within tion systems, which enabled me to become a better
the environmental and water sector. For example, student when I returned to my home university.
PUB arranges site visits for scholars to its plants, When we start working, PUB encourages officers
operation centres and Waterhub, to help us better to continue to gain knowledge and exposure to differ-
understand and appreciate Singapore’s water supply ent areas of water management through on-the-job
and reclamation systems. I also had the chance to be training, job rotation in the various departments, and
involved in the Singapore International Water Week participation in overseas study trips and conferences.
(SIWW), where I learned about new and cutting-edge PUB also offers sponsorships for further studies, so
technologies used by different countries to improve we can continue to learn as we progress in our career.
water quality and supply. In addition, a mentor is
assigned to every scholar, which is very helpful be- What gives you the most job satisfaction?
cause I’d always have a senior from whom I could I feel that personal growth gives me the greatest job
seek guidance. satisfaction. I believe that everyone is unique and has
their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Some
What kinds of career and personal people may excel in one area more than others, while
development opportunities does your struggling in some other aspects. When I just started
company provide its scholars? working, I realised that I have to work with colleagues,
PUB believes in lifelong learning, and so places much each of whom have different working styles. I had to
emphasis on training and growth development for all learn to be adaptable to changes and multi-task. When
its staff. I did my Student Exchange Program at the re- I was a student, I could just focus on completing one
nowned Indian university, Indian Institute of Technol- task at a time. However, my job now requires me to be
ogy Bombay (IITB). It was an unforgettable semester able to manage several situations at any point of time
experiencing learning from a very different education while working on a project. Initially, it was very chal-
system. I also completed a Summer Exchange Pro- lenging to keep up with the pace. With support from
gram at Universitat Kassel in Germany, which was my teammates, I learnt that it is important to keep an
a once in a lifetime opportunity because I had the open mind, be willing to make changes along the way
chance to stay with a German host family in the coun- and seek help from others. To me, the greatest chal-
tryside. I learned about different cultures and educa- lenge is overcoming your own weaknesses. That is Kong Kai Weng Kevan
National Environment &
the only way for one to continuously improve in order Water (NEW) Scholarship
to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
Age: 25
“I see the scholarship What qualities are essential to have if a Attained:
student is interested in the scholarship?
beyond just a sponsorship It is important to understand the vision of the organi- Bachelor of Engineering
(Mechanical Engineering),
with a bond term. Instead, it zation as well as your roles and responsibilities when National University
you want to apply for a scholarship. Your passion and
of Singapore
is an opportunity for personal interest for your job is very important. I see the schol- Now:
arship beyond just a sponsorship with a bond term.
growth and development Instead, it is an opportunity for personal growth and Engineer
PUB, Singapore’s
development and eventually contribute back to our
and eventually contribute society. It is also important to keep an open mind and National Water Agency
back to our society.” have the willingness to learn. These qualities are es- From:
sential if you are interested in the NEW scholarship.
Singapore Polytechnic