SME Talent Programme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Students
APPLICATION AND SELECTION
1.
How do I apply for STP?
All applicants are required to submit their applications via the online portal at
http://student.brightsparks.com.sg/profile/smetp/application.php
2.
Is it compulsory to disclose my GPA?
Applicants must disclose your current GPA scores in the online application form. Otherwise,
it will render the application submission incomplete.
3.
What should I do if the industry sector that I want to join is not listed in the
application form?
If the preferred industry sector is not stated in the application form, you may select ‘Others’
under industry sector category and indicate accordingly in the space provided.
4.
What is the application and selection process like?
(i)
Applicants are required to complete all the required fields in the online application form
via http://student.brightsparks.com.sg/profile/smetp/index.php and indicate two
preferred industry sectors from the list provided.
(ii) Shortlisted applicants will be notified by one of SPRING’s partnering Trade Association
& Chambers (TACs)/ SPRING to arrange for selection interviews with potential
sponsoring SMEs.
(iii) After the selection interview(s), successful applicants would be notified and offered the
sponsorship award by the interested SME.
(iv) Upon accepting the offer, both parties will sign a deed (an agreement which spells out
the terms and conditions of the STP award) or internship agreement.
5.
Will I get to choose the sponsoring SME?
Following the selection interviews with potential SME sponsors, shortlisted applicants who
receive multiple offers from different SMEs, will have the option to decide which company’s
offer to accept.
6.
Will I be penalised if I choose to reject an interview?
We strongly encourage applicants to keep their options open and attend all the selection
interviews arranged as the relevant parties have taken the effort to facilitate the selection
process. Rejecting an interview does not reflect well on you without a valid reason. After the
interviews and if you are selected by any of the participating companies, you will have the
choice to decide which company’s offer to accept for the STP internship/ study award.
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7. Can I apply directly to any SME that I am interested in?
All student applicants who are interested in STP are required to apply online via
http://student.brightsparks.com.sg/profile/smetp/index.php and indicate two sectors of
interest. Currently, the online application does not include direct application to participating
SMEs. The selection process is facilitated by the partnering TACs.
If students come across SMEs who are interested in STP, the SMEs are advised to apply
through one of the TACs administering the STP.
ABOUT THE SME TALENT PROGRAMME (INTERNSHIP)
8. What is the commitment from the SME?
The sponsoring SMEs are assessed to have fulfilled or committed to the following requirements:



Possess sound HR practices and are able to provide good career opportunities
Committed to provide structured & mentored internship*;
Committed to provide a monthly internship stipend^
*Structured internship – SMEs must be able to articulate the job description, provide the a
training plan and assign a mentor during the internship period
^Internship stipend – ITE & Polytechnic: $800, University: $1,000
ABOUT THE SME TALENT PROGRAMME (STUDY SPONSORSHIP)
9. I am a first year student from a local ITE/Polytechnic/University. Am I eligible for the SME
Talent Programme (STP)?
To be eligible, students must complete at least their first year of studies. Therefore,
Polytechnic students in their second and/or final year and ITE students in their final year will
be eligible. To apply, please register at :
http://student.brightsparks.com.sg/profile/smetp/index.php.
10. When will the students be eligible for the study sponsorship for the current year of
study?
To be eligible for the study sponsorship amount for the current year, the STP Sponsorship
Deed need to be signed before October 31st.
Scenario A
Scenario B
Description
Polytechnic Year 2 student Polytechnic Year 2 student signs
signs STP Deed on 31st October STP Deed on 1st November 20X4
20X4
Award
Value
18,000 (Study Sponsorship) + 12,000 (Study Sponsorship) + 8,000
8,000
(Sign-on
bonus)
= (Sign-on bonus) = $20,000
$26,000
11. How is the study sponsorship given to the students?
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The study sponsorship is given to the students via the polytechnics and ITE in half yearly
payments, occurring in May and September. The school may deduct school fees or other
compulsory fees from the study sponsorship. Should the student prefer the current mode of
payment of school fees, they should get in touch with the finance office of their respective IHLs.
Scenario
Polytechnic
Year
2
student signs
STP Deed on
21st
April
20X4
May
Sept
May
Sept
20X4
20X4
20X5
20X5
$4,500
$4,500
$4,500
$4,500
$18,000
Less:
($1,250)
Compulsory/
School Fees
(est.)
($1,250)
($1,250)
($1,250)
($5,000)
Net amount $3,250
received
$3,250
$3,250
$3,250
$13,000
Amount Paid
Total
12. How is the sign-on bonus given to the students?
The sign-on bonus is given to the student by the SME during their first year of employment.
13. Does the sign-on bonus attract CPF contribution?
If the payment is made on/after the first day of employment, the sign-on bonus is subject to
CPF deductions. Hence, the employee contribution will be deductible from the sign-on
bonus, while the employer provides the relevant employer top up based on the prevailing
employer contribution rate.
However, if the sign-on bonus is paid before the sponsored recipient joins the SME, the
sign-on bonus does not attract CPF deductions.
14. What does the current/immediate batch of graduates mean? I am a student from a local
ITE/Polytechnic/University and have just completed my studies and will graduate this
year. Am I still eligible for STP?
The current/immediate batch of graduates who are eligible to apply for STP refers to:
(i) Students who have just graduated from their final year and have not started working fulltime, at the point of STP application,
(ii) Male graduates completing their National Service (NS) and have not started working fulltime, at the point of STP application.
15. Why is there a difference in the sponsorship amount for the current/immediate batch of
graduates?
STP consists of a study sponsorship, study allowance and a sign-on bonus upon joining the
company after graduation. The study sponsorship applies only to students who have yet to
complete their studies. For graduating students/graduate, you will only receive the sign-on
bonus upon joining the company and the required bond period is 1 year.
16. I have already accepted a scholarship. Am I still eligible for STP?
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STP recipients should not be existing recipients of other sponsorship, scholarships or
awards of similar nature. If you are an existing recipient of any scholarship, scholarship or
awards, you must declare in your online application to STP. Typically, a recipient is not
allowed to hold on to more than one type of sponsorship support.
However, STP recipients are allowed to receive one-time book prizes or awards which are
based on academic performance.
17. I am currently on the Tuition Loan Scheme/CPF Education Scheme/Mendaki Tuition Fee
Subsidy/Study Loan Scheme where I am receiving a loan of up to 100% of my school
fees. Am I still eligible for STP?
STP student recipients, who are on any tuition loan/assistance schemes that require a
repayment of the loan after graduation, are still eligible to apply. If you are currently
receiving such form of assistance, you must declare in your online application to STP.
Aside from MOE tuition grant scheme, any additional assistance in the form of subsidies or
allowances may render the applicant ineligible for STP.
18. I am a Polytechnic student and intend to further my studies immediately after my
graduation. Can STP cover my university education?
Currently, the STP award does not sponsor university education. Student recipients, who
have applied and received their sponsorship while studying in Polytechnic, are required to
serve their bond obligation at the sponsoring SME immediately upon graduation and
typically within one month from the completion of their studies. This would usually refer to
the official examination completion date as per the school’s academic calendar or
Operationally Ready Date (ORD) for male recipients).
Polytechnic students, who qualifies and plan to pursue undergraduate studies in a local
university and keen to look out for scholarship, can consider other undergraduate
scholarship or sponsorship awards. For example, if you are keen in a scholarship by SMEs,
you can find out more about the SME-SPRING Joint Executive Development Scholarship at
http://www.spring.gov.sg/eds.
19. I am an ITE student who intends to further my studies. Does STP cover my diploma
education?
STP student recipients, who have applied and received their sponsorship while studying in
ITE, are required to serve their bond obligation at the sponsoring SME immediately upon
graduation and typically within one month from the completion of their studies. This would
usually refer to the official examination completion date as per the school’s academic
calendar or Operationally Ready Date (ORD) for male recipients).
ITE students who plan to further their studies and pursue a diploma education are welcome
to apply for STP as a Polytechnic student after completing their first year of study in the
Polytechnic.
20. Am I allowed to defer my bond obligation upon my graduation/completion of NS?
As a recipient of the STP award, you would have signed and agreed to the terms and
conditions of the award. This includes the requirement to start serving your bond obligation
at the sponsoring SME immediately upon graduation or ORD for male recipients. No
deferment is allowed. Any requests or appeals with regard to the start of the bond period
must be approved by the sponsoring SME.
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Failure to serve the bond obligation is considered a breach of the terms and conditions, and
it can lead to repayment of the total sponsorship value including interest component (also
known as liquidated damages).
21. Can I pursue further studies after I have served my bond?
After fulfilling the required bond period, STP student recipients may discuss with their
sponsoring SMEs about possible arrangements to facilitate their pursuit of further studies.
22. What is the projected earliest/latest date that a recipient can start serving the bond with
the sponsoring SME?
Under the terms of the programme, STP student recipients are required to serve their bond
obligation at the sponsoring SME within one month from the completion of their studies
(official examination completion date as per the school’s academic calendar) or
Operationally Ready Date (ORD, applies to male recipients).
Failure to serve the bond obligation is considered a breach of the terms and conditions, and
it can lead to repayment of the total sponsorship value including interest component (also
known as liquidated damages).
23. Is it compulsory for me to serve my bond in the same SME?
Yes it is. STP student recipients are required to serve their bond in the sponsoring SME (i.e.
the SME that offered you the study award).
24. When will the sign-on bonus be paid to me?
Upon joining the sponsoring SMEs, the sign-on bonus will paid to the recipient in two lump
sums, paid out within the first year of employment.
25. Will I be paid a salary when I join the SME and how much?
STP student recipients should expect to be paid the prevailing market median monthly
salary upon employment, on top of the sign-on bonus and study sponsorship (if applicable).
The prevailing market median salary of fresh graduates can be found in a report released by
Ministry of Manpower – “Report on Wages in Singapore 2012”.
Source: Graduate Employment Surveys conducted by various institutions of higher learning
Website: http://stats.mom.gov.sg/Pages/Graduate-Starting-Salary-Tables2012.aspx
26. Will I undergo any form of training or development during my bond period with the
sponsoring SME?
The sponsoring SMEs are committed to provide on-the-job and/or other relevant training
opportunities to STP student recipients within their first year of employment.
27. Am I allowed to change my course of study after being conferred the award?
Approval has to be sought from the sponsoring SMEs on any changes of courses or
schools. Changes in the course of study without prior approval will be considered a breach
of the programme’s terms and conditions and can lead to repayment of the total
sponsorship value including interest component (also known as liquidated damages).
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28. Are there any penalties if I would like to withdraw from STP, a) before graduation b) after
graduation or c) while serving the bond?
Withdrawal from the programme at any point will be considered a breach of the
programme’s terms and conditions and can lead to the repayment of the total sponsorship
value including interest component (also known as liquidated damages).
a)
b)
c)
Before graduation, student recipients will be required to return the amount that he/she has
received in the form of the study award, with a 10% compounded interest per annum
After graduation, student recipients will be required to return the amount that he/she has
received in the form of the study award, with a 10% compounded interest per annum
While serving the bond, student recipients will be required to return the amount that he/she
has received in the form of the study award and sign-on bonus, with a 10% compounded
interest per annum. The total amount will be pro-rated based on the length of the bond
period served.
29. What will happen if I’m unable to complete my course in the intended period? Am I
allowed to delay the join date?
STP student recipients are required to inform their sponsoring SMEs in advance if they
foresee any challenges in completing their course of study in the intended period. Approval
has to be sought from the sponsoring SMEs on any deferment of the join date.
In the event that there is no agreement on the deferment, it will be considered a breach of
the programme’s terms and conditions and can lead to the repayment of the total
sponsorship value including interest component (also known as liquidated damages).
30. What will happen if I am unable to repay the total sponsorship value including interest
component (also known as liquidated damages)?
The signing of the deed between a student recipient and the sponsoring SME is a legally
binding contract which also requires the appointment of two guarantors. The recipient and
the signing guarantors will be jointly liable to pay for the liquidated damages.
31. What happens if my sponsoring SME withdraws from the programme/ceases operations
before my graduation or half-way through my bond period?
In the rare occurrence of such a situation, the student recipient will be re-deployed to
another SME within a similar industry sector.
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CAREERS WITH SMEs
32. What is an SME?
The acronym SME refers to small and medium enterprises. The SME sector is a significant
pillar of Singapore’s economy. There are about 170,000 enterprises in Singapore; of which,
99% are SMEs. SMEs employ about 70% of the workforce and contribute to 45% of GDP.
SMEs are defined as enterprises with revenues not more than S$100 million or employment
of not more than 200 workers for all sectors.
33. Why should I pursue a career in SME?
SMEs are typically more nimble in adapting to changes, quick to seize business
opportunities and are less constrained by complex reporting and decision-making
structures. As a result, they respond faster to changes in the environment and can become
game changers for their industry. With flatter management structures, employees get the
chance to work more closely and learn directly from the bosses and the senior management
team.
Working in an SME will also provide you with the opportunity to be exposed to different
functions and job roles, so that you gain a wider spectrum of skill sets and capabilities.
Being in a dynamic working environment that is grounded on practical experience is a highly
enriching and valuable experience for fresh recruits.
In terms of career growth, SMEs also offer many different opportunities. With many SMEs
on track to expanding into overseas markets with new product offerings, they will require
capable and motivated people to execute these business strategies for them. Talents who
are committed and perform well are often given opportunities to be part of the pioneering
teams working on such major projects.
34. What are the commitments of the sponsoring SMEs?
The sponsoring SMEs are assessed to have fulfilled or committed to the following
requirements:
• Possess sound HR practices and are able to provide good career opportunities;
• Committed to provide structured training to the new hire within the first year of hiring; and
• Committed to provide at least the prevailing market median salary upon employment.
35. Is there a complete list of sponsoring SMEs that applicants can refer to?
As companies are welcome to apply all-year round, the list of sponsoring SMEs is dynamic
and constantly being updated. The sponsoring SMEs could come from various sectors such
as Retail, Food Services, Food Manufacturing, Furniture, Fashion, Education, Healthcare,
Professional Services, Logistics, Biomedical, Printing, Packaging, Transport Engineering,
Precision Engineering, Electronics, Chemical and Environmental & Engineering Services.
36. What kind of positions/jobs would I be holding in the sponsoring SME?
Just like any other interviews, the selection interviews will help sponsoring SMEs decide on
the best fit role for the STP student recipient, taking into consideration the recipient’s
vocational education and training, interest in the industry and personality.
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37. Is it compulsory for the preferred industry sector to be of relevance to my
certificate/course?
The industry sector may or may not be directly relevant to the applicant’s course of study as
there is a diverse range of jobs in each industry. Applicants are required to indicate their two
preferred industry sectors in their applications. The final selection will be based on the
needs of the industry and the SMEs, as well as the interest and/or skill sets of the
applicants.
38. What criteria do SMEs look out for in an applicant?
SMEs look out for dynamic, driven and capable applicants who have keen interest to start
their careers in local SMEs immediately upon their graduation. SMEs would also prefer
candidates who are willing to learn, take up challenges and proud of the work they do in
contributing to the company. The final selection will be based on the needs of the industry
and the SMEs, as well as the interest and/or skill sets of the applicants.
39. Would SMEs be more likely to choose a Polytechnic student over an ITE student?
Short-listing and matching of STP applicants to SMEs will depend on the needs of the industry
and SMEs, the type of role/job position(s) and the interest and/or skill sets of the applicants.
SMEs will likely select applicants from different courses/schools to meet their different needs.
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