The Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholar or SAFOS is a prestigious scholarship offered to the top graduating cohort of students in Singapore. This scholarship is second only to the President's Scholar. Some SAFOS are also President's Scholar.
Once awarded the SAFOS, all university tuition fees are paid for with salary and bonuses paid during the study period. After graduation, SAFOS scholars return to the Singapore Armed Forces to serve a bond ranging from 4 to 6 years depending on which university they have studied in.
In the SAF (Army / Airforce/ Navy), they are groomed to take on leadership and command appointments. Most SAFOS scholars will stay on in the SAF even after their bond ends as they are likely to be appointed to the pinnacle positions in the SAF. This includes the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Chief of Army, Chief of Navy, and Chief of Airforce.
After retirement from the SAF, they are also offered opportunities to work either in the civil service, government statutory boards or government- linked companies. At the civil service or ministries, they commonly hold deputy secretary or permanent secretary roles. At the statutory boards or GLC companies, they hold Deputy CEO or CEO roles.
Many of these SAFOS scholars also forge illustrious careers in the private sector. These are the brightest people in the tiny nation of Singapore and the sheer number of people who have obtained this scholarship are almost guaranteed to make it into the top echelons of society.
But is this really the case? This blog intends to explore more.
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