Following the release of the GCE A-Level results on 23 February 2018, we speak to one of Victoria Junior College’s (VJC) fresh alumni, Keane Ong, on how he managed to keep his eyes on the stars and his feet on the ground during his junior college (JC) years. Read on to hear his views on his scholarship preferences, choices, and how his school has guided him along the path to achieving his professional and personal goals.

How has your JC aided your academic and holistic development?

Keane: Academically, the way the curriculum is structured and planned at VJC is progressive so that we peak at the optimal period. Hence, the pace of studies is good which allows for our external commitments, such as co-curricular activities (CCAs).

Non-academically speaking, leadership positions in my JC are great platforms for the teachers to guide and groom you as leaders. For myself, I was the chairperson of the Outdoor Adventure & Activities Club, and I benefitted immensely from my experience. At VJC, we work hard and play hard, which are the great factors in creating good memories.

Which scholarship(s) do you have your eyes on, and why?

Keane: I am highly interested in the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) scholarship, as it is an engineering scholarship in the science defence and technology industry. I appreciate the creativity and innovation in their engineering and would love to develop my passion there. I am also not a desk-bound kind of person; thus the dynamic roles at DSTA would suit me perfectly.

The other would be Singapore-Industry Scholarships (SgIS) as I am interested in working with Novartis, which is a pharmaceuticals company. This field is pivotal and essential to human lives as it cures illnesses and empowers people. That is why I am interested in it.

What are your academic and career goals moving forward?

Keane: I hope to study at Cambridge or Oxford as they have highly intellectual modules and tutorial structures are one-on-one. As engineering is a very applied topic, this practical aspect will enrich and help me more.

In general, I want to be humble when offered a scholarship and be a leader in the organisation in the future. My life motto is leaving the world a better place than when I came in.

How do you think a scholarship will facilitate your personal and professional development in achieving these goals?

Keane: A scholarship is not about the monetary benefits – such as a high salary or a free ticket to study overseas. The opportunities, such as a tailored career path for scholars, are extremely valuable. This path includes mentoring and internships, which will groom me into the leader that I want to be.

View full list of scholarships here.