To receive a government scholarship and fulfilling the criteria of its bond is an act of commitment to the nation, and not a transaction, said Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the Foreign Service Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Friday (Aug 19).

SINGAPORE: Receiving a government scholarship and fulfilling the criteria of its bond is an act of commitment to the nation and not a transaction, said Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan at the Foreign Service Scholarship Awards ceremony on Friday (Aug 19).

Seven youths received the Foreign Service Scholarship at the event, which was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.

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Dr Balakrishnan said that by accepting the scholarship, they have also signed up to a "sacred" mission – to preserve, protect and nurture Singapore's right to exist as a sovereign state.

"I hope you understand that you're actually making a commitment to serve this nation. And in that journey, sometimes you have to compromise and give up your individual preferences, but you have to serve that bond period - and serve it as a matter of honour ... this is not a transaction, this is a commitment to serve the nation," he said.

The minister also touched on the significance of the award. "It's not just a recognition of your academic ability, it is a life-changing moment for you and your family," Dr Balakrishnan said.

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Dr Balakrishnan also advised the scholarship recipients to also pursue other interests outside of their studies. He also urged them to seize every opportunity to experience all they could to expand their horizons, and to make friends from various backgrounds at school.

Of the seven recipients of the scholarship, four received the Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship, and three were awarded the Singapore Government Scholarship. The scholars will be pursuing their studies in the United Kingdom, China and Germany.