I APPLAUD Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Eddie Teo for his open letter to schools on what the PSC is looking for when awarding scholarships to students.

Mr Teo's letter gives a rare look at how the PSC selects talent. The qualities that the PSC is looking for are: integrity, commitment, ability, leadership skills and emotional quotient.

It is understandable that the PSC feels a strong sense of responsibility for ensuring that the high standards of Singapore's public service are maintained.

This is because the decisions that the PSC makes will determine the kind of publicsector leaders Singapore will have in 15 to 20 years' time.

Our Government has always stressed the importance of getting good leaders and people of integrity.

Besides having outstanding academic achievements, scholarship holders should have what it takes to be good public servants and potential public-sector leaders.

Some of our youth are our future leaders. So, it is good of the PSC to let schools and parents understand what it is looking for, and to debunk some of the myths that students may harbour.

The information will serve to remind students to be clear about their reasons for applying to the PSC for a scholarship. Would-be scholars should therefore pay close attention to the tips given by Mr Teo.

Mr Sebastian Tan

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