11 Students Receive Scholarships To Pursue Careers In The Environmental Services Industry

Source: Government of Singapore

12 March 2026 – Eleven students have been awarded the NEA-Industry Scholarship this year, the highest number since the inception of the programme to attract and groom talent for the Environmental Services (ES) industry. Speaking during the event as Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Janil Puthucheary, emphasised the industry’s indispensable role in providing essential services to Singapore, as well as the important role that NEA-Industry Scholars will play as they enter this industry.

Fifth NEA–Industry Scholarship Edition

2.        The fifth NEA-Industry Scholarship Programme saw 78 applications from students from Polytechnics [1] Upon graduation, the 11 scholarship recipients will take on roles such as Data Science Analyst Assistants, Management Trainees, Mechatronics Engineering Assistants, and Supervisors. Sponsoring organisations include BNL Group, Cimelia Resource Recovery Pte Ltd, Hong Ye Group Pte Ltd, LS 2 Services Pte Ltd, Re Sustainability Cleantech Pte Ltd, and RS Facilities Services Pte Ltd. 

3.          Amongst the recipients is Miss Balaji Elakkiya (20), a Year 2 student pursuing a Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Singapore Polytechnic. [2]

• Passionate about environmental sustainability, she discovered her calling in ES after witnessing Singapore’s food waste challenges and the impact of litter during beach clean-up activities. 
• Driven to act, she programmed an Intelligent Bin for an Internet of Things (IoT) school project, using smart sensors to detect bin fill level and alert collection teams when emptying was needed. The project taught her how data drives decision-making and operational planning. 
• After graduation, she will join BNL Group as a Management Trainee, where Elakkiya looks forward to continuing her passion to protect the environment and the community, while ensuring clean, safe and liveable living spaces. 

4.             Another scholar is Ms Chong Rui En, Roxanne (20), a Year 3 student studying a Diploma in Mechatronics with Temasek Polytechnic. 

• Roxanne combines her strong engineering expertise with hands-on environmental sustainability experience. During an internship, she worked on a project to recycle lithium-ion batteries, and was involved in the research process, lab experimentation, computer aided design (CAD) modelling and flow simulations of the battery recycling processes. 
• The experience showed her that circular economy concepts and engineering can be deeply interrelated and reinforced her interest in the ES Industry. 
• In her future career with LS 2 Services as a Mechatronics Engineering Assistant, Roxanne hopes to be able to explore how technology could be applied to improve traditionally labour-intensive processes in the cleaning sector, and to contribute meaningfully to sustainable solutions and enhance workplace safety and efficiency.  

5.            Ms Michelle Yeo, Director of RS Facilities Services shared, “We view the programme as a strategic pathway to nurture future-ready leaders. By integrating academic learning with real-world experience, it strengthens business capabilities, elevates professionalism, and raises industry standards. There is an increasing demand for driven talents who bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and leadership to operations and management. RS Facilities Services has supported the programme for the three earlier editions, and we are happy to welcome Scholars such as Rafli who will infuse our operations with fresh ideas and rejuvenate existing work processes.” 

6.           Scholars at RS Facilities Services will gain hands-on exposure across operations, sustainability initiatives, smart cleaning technologies, data-driven optimisation, and business development. Through structured mentorship and project ownership, scholars with RS Facilities Services will develop practical expertise while contributing meaningfully to innovation, productivity, and enhance service excellence across the company’s portfolio. 

7.            The NEA-Industry Scholarship attracts young talent to the ES industry and continues to garner strong industry support. [3] Since the programme’s inception in February 2020, NEA has supported 36 students through the scholarship. As the industry navigates technology adoption, robotics, and higher service standards, companies find an increasing need for young talents who can inject fresh ideas and ensure the provision of essential services that uphold Singapore’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability. The collective effort of all stakeholders remains key to upholding high standards of public cleanliness and safeguarding the environment for tomorrow.

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