Debated in Parliament on 6 Mar 2026.
Fadli Fawzi asked about the number of ASEAN Scholarship holders who have gained permanent residency or citizenship since the scholarship began in 1998, and the percentage this represents of all holders. Desmond Lee explained that the ASEAN Scholarship promotes mutual understanding among ASEAN countries, with graduates having the option to remain in Singapore and contribute to society. Many scholarship recipients continue their studies in Singapore, with about 70% of recent cohorts acquiring Permanent Residency or citizenship within five years after graduation. Remaining participants may still contribute to Singapore's economy or maintain connections as part of an overseas network.
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Education (a) how many ASEAN Scholarship holders have acquired permanent residency or Singapore Citizenship since the inception of the scholarship in 1998; and (b) what percentage does this represent of the total number of ASEAN Scholarship holders during the same period.
The Ministry of Education offers scholarships to promising students from ASEAN countries to promote mutual understanding and goodwill in the region. After graduation, some choose to stay on to contribute to our economy and society, while others continue to be part of our valuable global network, through the friendships and ties forged during their studies.
Similar to other international students studying in our schools, the decision to take up permanent residency or citizenship may occur from the time they are in school till much later in life. Generally, many do so progressively as they spend more time in Singapore.
Most who had received the ASEAN Scholarship choose to stay on in Singapore to continue their university studies. Of this group, about seven in 10 of those from the recent cohorts became Permanent Residents or Singapore Citizens within five years of graduation. Others who do not may still choose to stay on to contribute to our economy, even after their bond has ended, while the remaining become part of Singapore's overseas network of friends and partners.