Summarized from ST
11 March 2015
SINGAPORE – A social science research council will be established later this year to facilitate research on the social sciences. The council will involve academics from local institutions and will also tap the expertise of social science researchers from abroad.
“As we progress and mature as a nation, the social sciences have become increasingly important. We are no longer a developing nation, struggling to survive and with its young population focused on just getting a job and making ends meet,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam. “But with progress and social transformation, comes new challenges. We must develop new ways to sustain a vibrant, fair and resilient society.”
He was speaking at a celebration dinner to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the Teochew philanthropic foundation, the Ngee Ann Kongsi.
Up to a dozen such scholarships will be made available. Applicants will be nominated by the local universities.
For the past 50 years, the Ngee Ann Kongsi has contributed over $340 million to education here, through various scholarships and bursaries administered through local tertiary institutions.
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