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Sim Li Noi Melissa,
23
Journalist at The Sunday Times, English/Malay Newspapers Division.
Melissa graduated from London School of Economics with a
Bachelor of Science in Economics, and completed Masters of Arts
in Humanities at University of Chicago.
 After
studying abroad for four years, I've come to believe that some
misconceptions need clearing up. They say that by going abroad,
you learn to be independent. Truth: you only learn the true
meaning of independence when technology fails you, and every
other week, you end up squatting on the floor, scooping water
out of that boon to humanity we call the washing machine. They
say that cooking is necessary for survival. Truth: cooking is
necessary for making lasting friendships - even the worst curry
is appreciated by a hungry student. They say you'll come back
more mature. Truth: you might not make it back at all, because
you might have died in a fire, caused by your flat mate, who's
boiling barley water...without water. They say you won't regret
going abroad. Truth: with memories like that, how can you?
As for the scholarship, this is the only one that allows you
to come back with a masters degree and hunt for wild boars during
office hours. What more could you ask for?
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Zakir Hussain,
25
Journalist at The Straits Times Political Desk, English/Malay
Newspaper Division
Zakir graduated from Oxford University with a Bachelor of
Arts in Modern History and Politics. He has also completed Masters
of Science in Journalism at Columbia University, USA.
 "I'm
glad for the opportunity to study and follow the media in the
UK - it's developed my interest in journalism and let me hear
from, meet and question newsmakers and journalists in person
outside the classroom. In my first year at Oxford, I've listened
to journalists from Jon Snow to Yvonne Ridley debate and interviewed
CNN international correspondent Nic Robertson for the student
newspaper Cherwell on reporting from the frontline, in his words
"doing what we all enjoy, finding and telling the truth".
The presence of a rival student newspaper made chasing that
campus scoop worthwhile, and travelling on a student budget
during vacations didn't just offer much to write about - it
was a great way to see how the other side of the developed world,
and the developing one, live. And notwithstanding the differences
between the undergraduate essay and the newspaper article, looking
back on my recent internship, small tutorial group sizes and
heavy reading lists were great training for conducting interviews
and writing pieces that required much research in a short time!"
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Ding Lee Yong, 25
Journalist at Zaobao Local News
Desk, Chinese Newspapers Division.
Lee Yong graduated from Warwick University with a Bachelor
of Science in Economics. She has also completed her Masters
in Applied Economics at Michigan University.
 "Being
an SPH scholar gives me alot of freedom and lexibility to
pursue any course that I'm interested even though it may be
not be in the field of journalism or media related. I am given
the opportunity to explore many different fields of study
including politics, economics and business management etc
and gained invaluable knowledge in the process. I read Economics
for my undergraduate degree at the University of Warwick in
the UK. The UK education system promotes an in-depth study
into the dynamics of Economics at an advanced level, which
not only enhanced my grasp of Economics fundamentals but have
also increased my penchant for further study… "
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Chan Cheow Pong, 27
Journalist at ZaoBao Political
Desk, Chinese Newspapers Division.
Cheow Pong graduated from London School of Economics with
a Bachelor of Science in Economics and completed Masters of
Arts in International Development Economics at Yale University.
 What
makes SPH scholarship special?
"Personally, I find the SPH scholarship unique as the
selection process is to a very large extent, mutual, between
the organisation and potential scholars. Applicants need to
perform a period of internship with the company, and after
having a taste of the life of a journalist, make a decision
when they are finally offered the scholarship. Thus, SPH is
very much in the business of matching aspirations.
I am impressed by the flexibility of the management in allowing
scholars to make their own decisions in terms of their country
of study and their university courses. As a scholar from the
Chinese Newspaper Division, I had the opportunity to read
Economics in London and soon I will be leaving for the United
States for my Masters course. Such decisions represent the
confidence SPH have in their scholars and at the same time,
demonstrates their belief that scholars need to acquire a
range of exposure."
Life overseas:
"Essentially, studying overseas may not be as 'glamorous'
as others may perceived. For many, it would be the first time
leaving home for such a long period of time. Naturally, there
would be a mixture of fear and anticipation. From my own experience,
life can be a struggle sometimes but by overcoming those difficulties,
coping with solitude and becoming emotionally independent,
I have become a much stronger person.
Studying overseas means that you make your own mistakes and
you are wholly responsible for yourself. There will be classes,
assignments, deadlines and exams to worry about but there
are also parties, gatherings, weekend trips and long backpacking
travels to look forward to. Make the best out of it and I
am sure everyone will have their own interesting stories to
tell!"
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Foo Jong Peng
Alvin, 25
Journalist at The Straits Times Sports
Desk, English/Malay Newspapers Division.
Alvin graduated from the London School of Economics with a Bachelor
of Science in Economics.
 "It
has opened up avenues and opportunities which I could only dream
of previously. If you are looking for a vibrant job that's always
on-the-go, then this is the scholarship for you."
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Poon Wai Keong
Arthur, 26
Journalist at The Straits Times News
Desk, English/Malay Newspapers Division. Completed
Engineering Degree at Cambridge University. Arthur has also
completed his Masters in Engineering at Massachusetts Institute
of Technology.
 "The
multifariousness in journalism requires a diversity of educational
backgrounds. Even as i pursue a specialised field in Aeronautics,
i can still apply my engineering skills of analysis and critical
thinking to areas of my work in future. As long as you have
a passion for writing and commitment to informing our readers,
journalism can be very exciting and rewarding."
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Teh Jen Lee, 26
Journalist at The New Paper
 In
her final year of scholarship, Teh Jen Lee fulfilled her dream
of travelling to England, Tanzania, India, Philippines and Mexico
in an 8-month International Honors Program. She got to meet
many unique communities like these Maasai guides in northern
Tanzania, Africa
"Scholarships provide a chance for you to pursue your life
goals. So get to know your passion and develop it. Most importantly,
keep your dreams alive. Looking back I am surprised at how many
of my dreams have come true."
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Lim Meow Nar,
23
Meow Nar has completed her Politics & Sociology Studies
at Warwick University. She is pursuing a Masters of Arts in
Transnational Communications and Global Media at Goldsmiths
College, UK.
 Meow
Nar is a scholar attached to the Chinese Newspaper Division.
"Going abroad is indeed an eye-opener. Learn to cook, learn
to mingle with people from across the globe, learn to take care
of yourself; most importantly, you learn most about yourself
and from yourself, be it from what you thought you could never
have achieved or your silly little mistakes. The overseas experience
stretched my potential further as i compete with people with
very diverse background. For a journalist-to-be who is going
to write for the people upon graduation, i think such experience
and interaction will definitely better equip me with the confidence
and discretion in order to do a good job."
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