By Leow Si Wan

TOGETHER, the two latest recipients of the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship have been studying for nearly 10 years while on government scholarships and have spent their entire careers in the public service.

Wanting to leave a lasting mark, both Lieutenant-Colonel Ng Chad-Son, 34, and Mr Gabriel Lim, 33, want to continue contributing to Singapore society when they return from pursuing their Masters of Science in Management at the Stanford University in the United States.

The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship, launched in 1991, has given 26 other outstanding Singaporeans the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies both here and overseas, without having to serve a bond. Each scholarship is worth about $60,000.

Mr Lim, who left on Wednesday, said of the 10-month programme: 'It was highly recommended by some colleagues who have taken it and will cover some very useful skill sets such as personal effectiveness, leadership and management.'

Both scholars hope the programme will enable them to pick up useful business concepts which can be applied to the public sector.

Lt-Col Ng said he wants to learn about leadership and change management, skills which would come in handy as the armed forces are transformed to meet future challenges.

Both men agree that passion and commitment are key factors in their decision to serve in the public sector.

Mr Lim said: 'I think my job is extremely rewarding - I can sit back and think how I have helped a person, or contributed to Singapore.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.