Sukhminder Singh hopes to broaden his horizons on good governance, policy formulation and analysis in different countries.
Malaysians pursuing their postgraduate studies in Singapore under a scholarship programme are hoping to utilise their experience there to bring improvements back home in the future.
Johorean Lim Pau Hua, who received an offer to study at National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), aims to contribute to the bilateral relations of both countries with his new knowledge and experiences.
“Malaysia, especially Johor, has a long-standing, broad and multifaceted relationship with Singapore.
“In order to ensure a permanent bilateral relationship, understanding the demands, expectations and realities of both nations is key.
“I encourage more Malaysians to apply for educational opportunities like this because our country stands to benefit from more well-trained people from different policy schools.
“This will ensure that the decision-making in any sector, whether public or private, will create a good and profound impact on future generations,” said Lim, who hails from Labis, Segamat.
He believes that the two-year course will be useful in helping him to stay relevant in Asia’s developments.
“I resigned from my role in the Johor Mentri Besar’s Office to pursue the Master in Public Policy course as it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about public policy, which is my interest.
“Since starting in August, it has been refreshing as the institution is a melting pot of dynamic opinions, beliefs and thoughts.
“It has a strong alumni network too, comprising well-known Malaysians, including listed company board members, elected representatives of the government and civil servants,” he added.
Lim also appreciates the chance to listen to prominent figures such as career diplomat and former United Nations Security Council president Kishore Mahbubani, former principal private secretary to the late Singapore premier Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon.
Another LKYSPP scholarship recipient, 35-year-old civil servant Sukhminder Singh Olikh, relishes the opportunity to broaden his horizons with regard to good governance, policy formulation and policy analysis of governments of different countries.
The Ipoh-born and Putrajaya-based administrative and diplomatic officer said he was thankful that the Public Service Department granted him study leave to pursue the programme.
He said Singapore’s careful planning of policies to address not just the current needs but also the future needs drew him to apply for a scholarship there.
“So far, I have been exposed to evidence-based policymaking to understand how they play a critical role in formulating, monitoring and evaluating sound public politics.
“I also realised that certain policies may work in one country but not in others due to various barriers, including insufficient resources, gaps, cross-country relevance and political influence,” he added.
Sukhminder anticipates bringing back key skills to Malaysia upon completing his one-year course to find the best methods to carry out policies in both a pragmatic and adaptable manner to suit current times.