James Cook University Launches Singapore Future Scholarship
Technology may make one dream of holographic screens, intelligent sentient androids, or skies filled with flying cars. But, at the root of it, technology is something that started as early as the day man discovered how to make fire.
It’s the way we apply science to everyday living to enjoy better lives and develop.
These days, a big part of technology is digitalisation, thanks in no small part to the Smart Nation initiative, which aims to transform Singapore into a nation with a Digital Government, Economy, and Society.
Source: Unsplash
It’s no surprise then that education in technology is a solid bet for to-be university students looking for pandemic-proof careers.
Now, the Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU) is giving future fresh graduates a leg up through its brand new JCU Singapore Future Scholarship (SFS), which will award students keen on a career in tech with a full ride.
Here’s a look at some of the undergraduate programmes offered under SFS.
Create a more agriculturally sustainable future
You may have heard of the 30 by 30 food security agenda. If not, it’s an initiative to have 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs be fulfilled locally by 2030.
Of all the strategies needed to achieve this, one of the most important is strengthening our aquaculture sector, which involves breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.
Source: Civil Eats
Those who graduate with a degree in Aquaculture Science & Technology have many career opportunities, namely:
- Stock nutrition programmes and management
- Freshwater and marine farming
- Research and development
- Hatcheries management
Analyse data to boost companies’ competitiveness
Data science, at a glance, may not sound like the most exciting industry, but these numbers will make you think otherwise.
In 2020, The Straits Times reported that data science contributes at least S$1 billion to our economy each year.
To put it plainly, every company needs data to move forward. If you’re armed with the expertise to help make sense of enormous data sets to help your employers achieve desirable growth, there’s no limit to where you can go next.
Due to the high demand for data science jobs, salaries for known to be competitive. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll get the chance to play a significant role in shaping the country’s future through jobs such as:
- Data scientist
- Applications architect
- Data architect
- Data engineer
- Data analyst
Invent processes that boost economy, healthcare & security
In studying the Internet of Things (IoT), you can learn how to connect virtually any physical object to the Internet for it to collect and share data.
Source: Micro.ai
By doing so, you can generate solutions that enhance everything from workforce productivity to healthcare delivery to international security.
Here are some IoT jobs to choose from once you have graduated:
- Automation engineer
- Hardware solution engineer
- Project manager
- Product developer
In Singapore, where digitalising everything is the top priority, IoT is the direct key to improving our people’s standard of living and developing the country sustainably.
Safeguard private data online & reinforce national security
Any type of development comes with its risks, and in the case of digitalisation, the risk is cyberattacks.
While being connected digitally in more and more aspects of living affords us greater convenience and options, the flip side is that our data is more likely to be stolen or exposed, leading to invasion of privacy and other safety threats.
Cybersecurity specialists will help keep sensitive data protected and implement vital measures to deflect or defend organisations and individuals against cyberattacks.
Some of the careers you can secure with a degree in cybersecurity include:
- Security engineer and architect
- Digital forensic investigators
- Security consultant
- Ethical hackers
The last one might have your eyes widened a little. But fret not, as ethical hacking is indeed a legitimate career. You’re basically a security expert tasked with legally hacking into computer systems to identify vulnerabilities.
This way, you can develop plans to strengthen systems and networks to fend off unethical hackers.
Cultivate companies that are both profitable & environmentally conscious
In a world where the consequences of climate change are no longer only read about but experienced daily, there’s more pressure than ever on corporations to practice sustainability.
Learning about business and environmental science principles will enable you to help various industries do more good for the world while still generating revenue.
As the demand grows from society and governing bodies for environmentally-conscious practices from companies, expertise in both fields will result in greater versatility and opportunities.
You will become the sustainability expert, getting to helm positions such as:
- Environmental consultant
- Sustainability specialist
- Environmental engineer
- Nature conservation officer
- Research assistant
We can’t all be Greta Thunberg standing in the spotlight at international movements. But we can contribute just as much, if not more, towards helping businesses prioritise sustainability.
Boost your career opportunities with James Cook University Singapore Future Scholarship
The Singapore Future Scholarship (SFS) by James Cook University offers academically gifted students interested in a career in tech a full ride.
Source: JCU
The Singapore campus of the Australian university received the EduTrust Star, a symbol for outstanding achievement in institution management, and providing quality education and welfare.
With the SFS, the university aims to nurture talents in core areas of development that will fast-track Singapore’s journey toward becoming a Smart Nation.
Scholarship applications for the July intake are now open and will be accepted up until 19 Jun.
If you’re curious about learning more about building the career of your dreams, visit JCU’s website here.
Technology is the key to everything
If our addiction to TikTok and memes didn’t give it away, it should be clear by now that technology is an all-encompassing part of our lives that’s here to stay.
We can’t imagine our lives without it, and the greatest thing about it is that it can only keep growing.
Technology represents learning itself, and the moment we stop learning, we stop growing. If you’re a student now, getting an education in tech will give you your best chance at a thriving career long after you throw your graduation cap into the air.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with James Cook University.
Featured image adapted from Offshore Technology, Hakai Magazine & Avast.
