Wang Minxing, an 18-year-old student from the Beijing Normal University-affiliated Tianjin Eco-City School, became the first recipient of an SERIC scholarship in Tianjin on Aug 22.

The scholarship for the Singapore University of Technology and Design Eco-City Research and Innovation Centre (SERIC) is organized by the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co (SSTEC), with the first award ceremony being held at the SSTEC Eco-Business Park.

Wang will start his undergraduate studies at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) next month.

The scholarship program is one of a number of initiatives by SERIC in the fields of international education cooperation and talent development. Supported by a special fund jointly established by the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Administrative Committee (ECAC) and SSTEC, the program aims to identify and cultivate a group of innovative students with an international perspective, so as to provide strong talent support towards the sustainable development of the Eco-City.

Guests from the People's Government of Tianjin Binhai New Area, ECAC, SSTEC and Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co attended the award ceremony.

Tan Jun Han (2nd, L), DCEO of SSTEC and managing director of SERIC, presents the scholarship certificate to the Wang Minxing. Also pictured are Yang Yong (left), vice-chairman of ECAC, and Teo Eng Cheong (right), CEO of SSTEC. [Photo provided by Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co]

In November 2023, ECAC, SSTEC and SUTD jointly established SERIC with a focus on zero carbon goals for the Eco-City. This is not only the first research and innovation centre set up by a Singaporean university in Tianjin, but is also a milestone that signifies cooperation between China and Singapore in the fields of education and research.

Aiming to be world leader in academic innovation, SUTD combines technology with design concepts to provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary education. Leveraging SUTD's academic advantages and scientific research strength, SERIC will actively promote the transformation of green and low-carbon technology achievements, drive talent cultivation and industrial development, and contribute to the development of the Eco-City into an Upgraded National Green Development Demonstration Zone.

SERIC has launched this scholarship program to advance education cooperation between China and Singapore, support and encourage qualified high school students in the Eco-City to pursue further studies at SUTD, and nurture more innovative talents who can participate in international affairs. Each scholarship recipient will be funded by the special fund during their four-year undergraduate studies. Upon graduation, the scholarship recipient is to return to the Eco-City to work or start a business, or contribute to the Eco-City's development in other ways while studying in Singapore.

Wang Minxing said: "It is a great honour to be the first recipient of the SERIC Scholarship, and I thank SERIC for providing me with this valuable opportunity.

"During my study at SUTD, I will work hard to improve myself, apply what I have learned to practice, and contribute not only to the Eco-City, but also towards sustainable development."

Following the award ceremony, a new round of scholarship promotional activity was conducted. Professor Ricky Ang, associate provost of SUTD, and Wei Gang, head of SERIC, introduced SUTD's academic strength, employment development, undergraduate admissions policy and application process, as well as the background and application details of the SERIC Scholarship to the representatives of teachers and students of the four high schools in the Eco-City. Wang also shared his experiences of the application process.

They called on more students to apply for the scholarship program and encouraged them to give back to the Eco-City upon graduation.

During the interactive session, students learn about the scholarship program as well as about future studies and life in Singapore. [Photo provided by Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co]

Teo Eng Cheong, CEO of SSTEC, said: "We have successfully awarded the first SERIC scholarship today, which not only starts a new chapter for the China-Singapore educational cooperation, but also opens up a new channel for international education exchange and cooperation.

"We hope that more young talents with dreams of scientific and technological innovation and green development can actively participate in this program."