Education is invaluable to not just broadening the horizons of individuals but also unlocking their potential. At the same time, it makes one more adaptable to new technological trends and be more resilient to economic headwinds.
SAFRA Bond-Free Education Scheme was introduced in 1994 to provide opportunities for members to upgrade themselves with higher education. SAFRA has partnered with various educational institutions to offer diploma, advanced diploma and degree sponsorships. Some of these include the Singapore University of Social Sciences, SIM Global Education, PSB Academy, Kaplan Higher Education Institute and Aventis School of Management.
Aspiring applicants can simply complete an application form from the respective institutions and attach the necessary supporting documents for submission. They also need to have completed full-time National Service and be a valid SAFRA Ordinary A, B or Life Member.
Full-time National Servicemen under Ordinary A Membership may also apply if they are in their last year of service, with the operationally ready date falling at least three months before the start of the applied course.
To find out more about the scheme, visit www.safra.sg/education.
MSG (NS) Sanjeev Kumar Singh
What is your current occupation?
I’m a compliance manager at Pico Guards Pte Ltd. Previously, I was a regular in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, and then an AETOS auxiliary police inspector – that’s 14 years I’ve been in uniform!
How did you get to know about the SAFRA sponsorship?
While on reservist in September, when I was outfield, I found a copy of NSman in the 5-tonner, as we had to bring reading material during deployment. That’s how I read about last year’s sponsorship recipient from Gojek.
What are the key attraction(s) of the sponsorship?
When I was in polytechnic, I was on the SAF-Polytechnic sponsorship, which led me to find out about this sponsorship. I was also surprised that it has no bonds, even though I was ready to serve one.
Share your journey for the sponsorship application.
I indicated my interest and got an immediate response. Right after my reservist training, I had only three days to prepare the required essay and supporting documents. A week and a half later – and a few interviews – here I am!
How will the sponsorship help you be ready for the future?
It’s helping me to realise my dream of becoming a director of my own company. I’ve been in the security industry for almost 15 years, so this Master of Business Administration will help equip me with the necessary knowledge to run a business and start up a security company. I look forward to learning more about how businesses work – from finance and human resources to accounting.
What advice do you have for those who wish to apply for a scholarship in general?
Take the chance. You’ll never know what opportunities lay ahead until you try. Study your education programme to see how it can help your future and put in your best shot.
CFC (NS) Yeo Zhong Ying
What is your current occupation?
I am a media and communications intern at The Interior Lab and picking up marketing experience in a new field.
How did you get to know about the SAFRA sponsorship?
I was browsing the SUSS website for new courses, after I had signed up for a 10-year membership with SAFRA; it was there that I saw the web link to the SAFRA sponsorship.
What are the key attraction(s) of the sponsorship?
The main incentive is that it is bond-free! The financial assistance has really boosted my motivation to study.
Share your journey for the sponsorship application.
After submitting my documents, it was mostly interviews. I was initially worried about my grades, but was pleasantly surprised when I was called up for the second round of interviews. It was very quick!
How will the sponsorship help you be ready for the future?
I can now focus on my studies instead of worrying about my course fees. My own money can be better used for my future school projects and developing my portfolio. It helps me to realise my dream of becoming a technical artist and art director.
What advice do you have for those who wish to apply for a scholarship in general?
Just apply. Give yourself a chance to have a brighter future.
3/ CPL (NS) Mohammad Farid Bin Abdullah
What is your current occupation?
I’m an executive at the CPF Board, under MediShield Life. I started less than a year ago.
How did you get to know about the SAFRA sponsorship?
I was at a gym last year and spotted a poster on it, which led me to research more about the options available.
What are the key attraction(s) of the sponsorship?
The wide range of schools that SAFRA had to offer. And it’s bond-free!
Share your journey for the sponsorship application.
After surveying options for a year, it was an easy process that led to various interviews. It was only a few weeks in between the interviews and securing the sponsorship.
How will the sponsorship help you be ready for the future?
My new course will help me keep up with the trend of digitalisation.
What advice do you have for those who wish to apply for a scholarship in general?
Don’t use your age as a gauge on whether to apply or not. Just go ahead. Don’t worry too much about the financial aspects, as some companies do provide sponsorship options. To me, SAFRA is the best bond-free option!
PFC (NS) Goh Wee Tong
What is your current occupation?
I’m an operating theatre technical associate at Sengkang General Hospital. I prepare the theatre equipment and assist the doctors on the machines.
How did you get to know about the SAFRA sponsorship?
I had the intention of upgrading my skills and chanced upon it through a SAFRA Facebook post. I was following the club’s social media page where I learned about the member benefits.
Share your journey for the sponsorship application.
It took place over a few months and I almost lost confidence. Then an email from SAFRA got me excited. Considering my age, I feel fortunate to be selected after a few interview rounds.
How will the sponsorship help you be prepared for the future?
It financially helps members to further their studies and become more competitive. It also encourages people to never stop learning.
What advice do you have for those who wish to apply for a scholarship in general?
If you really want to do it, just go for it. Don’t feel shy about opportunities. If you wish to upgrade yourself by furthering your studies, age is not an issue.
