SINGAPORE Press Holdings and SPH Foundation today presented a total of 29 scholarships at its annual scholarship awards ceremony held at the SPH News Centre.

Of these, 8 were the SPH Journalism scholarships, 15 were scholarships given to children of staff and newspaper vendors, and 6 were for the SPH Foundation Lim Kim San Memorial scholarships.

Presenting the scholarship awards was Dr Tony Tan, Chairman of SPH and SPH Foundation.

In his opening address, Dr Tony Tan highlighted the importance of quality journalism: "We believe that as we invest more and more in quality and credible content, we will not only survive but continue to succeed. As we continue to invest in new media platforms to keep up with the times, we will also continually be on the look out for top media talent to ensure good content is created daily."

He added: "With a strong editorial team, fast and insightful coverage of global and local issues; thought provoking commentaries and creative graphics, we live up to our tagline - to engage minds and enrich lives in our nation."

Mr Wong Kang Wei who is a SPH Journalism scholarship award recipient doing a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Nanyang Technological University, said: "I harboured dreams of becoming a journalist ever since i took part in a Chinese newspaper making competition 6 years ago. I hope to broaden my experience by interning with different newspapers during my course of study, and practise reporting in the field of technology and defence upon graduation. Eventually, I would like to be a Chinese newspaper News Editor and guide future journalists."

Since its inauguration in 2006, 4 outstanding students pursuing languages are awarded the Lim Kim San Memorial Scholarships annually. These bond-free scholarships are targeted at helping deserving students from low-income families fund their language studies degree programmes at the local universities. SPH Foundation decided to award the scholarship to six recipients, up from the usual four, because of the financial crisis and increased number as well as the better calibre and quality of applicants this year.

Ms Nur Diyana Bte Abdul Kader who will be pursuing Malay Studies at the National University of Singapore said the scholarship gives her the opportunity to help serve the Malay community.

She said: "Through my course, I will have an in-depth understanding of the legal, historic and socio-economic aspects of the Malay society. The skills and knowledge acquired will place me in good stead to promote and further the cause of the Malay community."