The home affairs minister said he was approached some time ago by former minister Yaacob Ibrahim and Nanyang Technological University’s Associate Professor Walid Jumblatt, for the government’s support of PSI.
“I said ‘of course’. We support a free Palestine, and they are good students. We’ll be happy to have them here, and they can go back and contribute, because we all want to see a free Palestinian state, and that’s going to need administrators, it’s going to need people who can help run the place,” said Mr Shanmugam.
He added that he told the trio to “imbibe as much as you can, study hard and also absorb what Singapore has to offer”.
“When they go back, they have a bridge between Singapore and Palestine, and we wish them the best, and hopefully they can, when they go back, they’re able to contribute back to their society in very significant ways,” he said.
“I said, we want good students who can come benefit, and also, we benefit from them, by them being here, by our students interacting with them, and understanding different cultures, we benefit as well.”
PSI has hit its initial target goal of S$400,000 (US$309,000) and has raised over S$510,000 in total – over S$370,000 raised through the Ray of Hope crowdfunding platform and an additional S$140,000 from private donors.
The funds raised by PSI have been used for the scholars’ flights to Singapore, one-time settling-in allowance, accommodation, university fees, laptops and monthly stipends
One of the scholars said: “Being in Singapore so far has been a warm and enriching experience. The people I’ve met, especially through PSI, welcomed me with such kindness and support that I truly feel I have found a family here.
“I am deeply grateful for the friendships and mentorship that surround me. They give me strength and make this journey feel much lighter.”
PSI co-chair Anthea Ong said they are delighted the three scholars have arrived safely and are settling in well.
“Our priority now is to make them feel safe and at home in Singapore by supporting them, in every way we can, to do well in completing their studies here so they can contribute meaningfully to the rebuilding of their homeland when they return,” she added.
