Strengthening awareness on national security threats and attracting talent through ISD Junior College and Polytechnic Scholarship

Question:

Mr Lee Hong Chuang: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how will the Ministry assess whether the Internal Security Department (ISD) Junior College and Polytechnic Scholarship strengthens youths’ awareness of national security threats and interest in national security related careers; and (b) whether similar scholarships or exposure programmes by other public agencies will be encouraged, where appropriate, to build early awareness and attract talent.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Internal Security Department (ISD) Junior College and Polytechnic Scholarship is part of ISD’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen public awareness of Singapore’s internal security threats.

2. These initiatives include partnering agencies through the SGSecure movement, community partners such as the Religious Rehabilitation Group and the Ministry of Education, to increase greater awareness among the general public and students, about the threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation.

3. The Junior College (JC) and Polytechnic Scholarship is a new initiative to deepen awareness amongst our youths of our internal security threats and introduce pre-tertiary students to career opportunities with ISD. Launched in August 2025, the initiative attracted 231 applications. Ten students from various JCs and Polytechnics were selected for the inaugural award in early 2026. In addition to a $2,500 cash prize, the recipients participated in a two-day Immersion Programme at ISD, where they gained deeper insights into ISD's work, including opportunities to engage with ISD officers.

4. Participants shared that the Immersion Programme had deepened their understanding of ISD's work and internal security threats facing Singapore. They also expressed greater interest in a career with ISD, describing its work as deeply fulfilling and meaningful, contributing to the protection of Singapore's national security.

5. The ISD JC and Polytechnic Scholarship complements similar efforts across the Home Team Departments to engage students early and raise awareness of the Ministry of Home Affairs' work and career opportunities, through a range of initiatives, including book prizes, internships, learning journeys, work attachments and job-shadowing opportunities for pre-tertiary and tertiary students. We will continue to consider other opportunities for early engagement, taking into account the nature of each Department’s work and talent needs.