Academic

4 Tips for Future ASEAN Scholars in Singapore

By Ferrari Pisitvitayanont (Fleur), TS 27

What is the ASEAN Scholarship?

ASEAN Scholarship is a scholarship provided by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of Singapore to all secondary students in ASEAN countries and China. It is a bond-free full scholarship, which covers

• Annual allowance with hostel accommodation
• School fees
• Settling-in allowance
• Return economy airfare
• Examination fee for GCE O-level and A-level
• Subsidised medical benefits and insurance cover for accidents.

Although it may sound like an idealistic scholarship, the selection test and the challenges that you will face in Singapore is tough and demanding. However, speaking from experience, it is not an impossible feat, but rather a meaningful and enriching experience that I do not regret choosing.

There are 3 stages of the ASEAN Scholarship Selection test

• Online Application Submission (Portfolio)

Singapore is a country that does not only focus on academic performance, but also the co-curricular activities that a student attends. Moreover, they only accept portfolios that are acquired within the last 2-3 years (since you are Matthayom 1). Hence there are three main sections in the online application submission process:

• GPA records: Your GPA in Matthayom 1 and 2 should be higher than 3.50
• Academic awards: Math/science-related achievements, English competition, School certificates, Debate competition, etc.
• Co-curricular Activities: Volunteering work, Leadership positions in School/organization, Sports awards, Music competition, Art-related competitions, Debate competition, etc.
• Selection Test (Written test)

After you have completed and passed the online application process, the selection test will take place in early May (According to the MoE website 2026). The selection test is an onsite written paper test, in which the venues are in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

The selection test has 3 main papers:

• Mathematics
  • All written questions + show the working
  • Fractions: Proper/improper/mixed
  • Indices & surds
  • Algebraic Manipulation: 1 & 2 variables, Linear & Simultaneous Equation, Quadratic Equation
  • Pythagoras Theorem
  • Geometry, Trigonometry
  • Inequalities, Number Sequence
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Monomials and Polynomials
  • Ratio and Proportion
• English
  • All written questions
  • Comprehension: Read passages and answer the questions
  • Composition: Personal recount or argumentative
  • Vocabulary: Fill in the suitable/correct vocabulary from the list to the given sentences
  • Grammar: Tenses, Punctuations, Phrasal verbs and idioms
• IQ test
  • All Multiple Choices Questions
  • 60 minutes for 60 questions: Continue the picture sequence and many more
• Selection Interview

If you manage to conquer the selection test, congratulations, there is only one more hurdle to overcome, which can either be the easiest step, or the hardest challenge for some, the selection interview. In the past few years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview round was set as an online meeting, at a respective venue.

Most questions that are asked by the interviewer are quite straightforward and mostly similar to the job interview questions. For example:

• Please introduce yourself?: try to present something about you that is unique
• Why do you want this scholarship?
• Why do you think you are the most suitable candidate and why should we select you for the scholarship?
• Why do you want to study in Singapore?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What is your favourite subject and why do you like it?
• What do you want to be in the future? How could your time in Singapore help you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What is something you did and failed?
• Have you been to Singapore before and what do you think about Singapore/Singaporeans?
• What problem(s) do you think you might encounter in Singapore?
• How do you usually cope with your stress/disappointment?
• Have you encountered challenges in group work? How did you deal with it?

Here are 4 tips I have for prospective ASEAN Scholars.

Types of Portfolios to prioritise

For some people who might not have much portfolio, particularly in the co-curricular activities aspect, I suggest you to actively research and join in these activities: volunteering and leadership roles in your school (Class chairperson, Scout leader, etc.)

If you are lacking academic portfolios, there are several ways to quickly accumulate your achievements: prioritise the school’s academic certification (e.g. Achieve highest score in Physics), aim to get at least 1 national award!

Know your level

This step is really crucial if you want to start studying for the scholarship examination as the Singapore education system and syllabus is poles apart from the Thai education system. English, for instance, not only focuses on grammar and advanced vocabulary words, but also the ability to analyse and critically evaluate the article, in short, the comprehension part. Thus, it is really vital that you know how good your English and Mathematics skills are.

To test your level, I recommend you to search up the Singapore Secondary 3 test paper for subjects that you want to test yourself on.

Speak to yourself in front of the mirror

The problem that many might face in the interview round is lack of confidence, which is one of the most essential characteristics that the interviewer is looking for.

Beyond preparing your answer for questions that could be asked, being able to deliver and articulate your thoughts to the interviewer is utterly vital. You can try speaking to yourself in front of the mirror, friends, or family members to boost your confidence. The more confident you are the more appealing you are to the interviewer. In addition, most interviewers are looking for a growth mindset and positive person. Hence, smiling, making eye contact, and making yourself comfortable are the things that you should note!

Practice, practice, and practice

Practice makes perfect, just like trying to accomplish something. The word ‘scholarship’ may be portrayed as intimidating and extremely difficult, but don’t be scared!! Everyone has their own uniqueness and capabilities. Moreover, Singapore is more generous than you think, the number of Thai students getting the scholarship is increasing exponentially in the past few years. So, don’t give up and try your best!!!

For more information, please visit this link: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/awards-scholarships/asean-scholarship/thailand