The Talent Empowerment Fund supports students who learn differently in pursuing and developing their strengths and talents beyond academics. Through financial support and encouragement, the Fund seeks to empower students to pursue their aspirations with confidence, commitment and perseverance.

The Fund currently supports sports, performing arts and creative fields, helping students access training, resources and opportunities to grow in their chosen area.

Funding may be used for:

• Training, coaching or programme fees
• Equipment or materials
• Competitions, performances and exhibitions, including travel
• Assessments or certification fees, where relevant.

The application closes on 31 October 2026.

You can apply if you:

• Are a Singapore Citizen
• Are a current DAS student or a DAS alumnus/alumna within the past 3 years
• Are 21 years old or below, or in full-time school
• Are actively and regularly involved in sports and performing or creative arts through a school, academy, recognised club, national sport association with structured programmes for continued development and competitive performance.
• Demonstrate commitment and potential in your chosen area, with a minimum track record of one year in a training programme, development pathway or national programme.
• Have a supporting letter from your school, club or national sport association. Applicants may still submit their application without this letter. If shortlisted, DAS may contact them for reference.

Recipients will participate in periodic check-ins, which may include:

• Updates on training activities or performance and competition plans.
• Reflections on learning and progress
• Feedback from coaches, instructors, or mentors (where available).
  Simple evidence may be collected, such as:
  • Photos, videos, or portfolio updates
  • Participation records (e.g. classes, performances, competitions)

Funding Tiers*

💡 Funding is generally provided on a reimbursement basis. Recipients will be required to pay the relevant fees upfront and submit supporting documents to DAS to claim reimbursement. Where upfront payment may present a significant financial barrier, alternative payment arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Tier 1 – School / Development Level

Students who have demonstrated commitment and are actively developing their talent through:

• Regular participation in a structured training or development programme
• Participation or representation through a school, club, academy, or other recognised programme
• School-based, local, or community-level competitions, performances, exhibitions, or showcases

Tier 2 – District / Interschool Level

Students who demonstrate progression through:

• Representation in school clusters or interschool platforms
• Participation in zonal competitions, performances, or exhibitions
• Increasing consistency and commitment in structured training

Tier 3 – National Level

Students who have reached a higher level of achievement through:

• Participation in recognised national competitions or platforms
• Selection into structured programmes or teams at a national level
• Strong evidence of skill development and commitment

Tier 4 – International Level

Students demonstrating advanced achievement through:

• Participation in regional or international competitions, performances, or exhibitions
• Representation at a global platform
• High level of discipline, consistency, and performance

Key Considerations

Progression across tiers is based on a combination of:

• Level of participation and exposure
• Demonstrated commitment and discipline
• Evidence of growth and potential
• Progression within a structured development pathway

Additional Financial Support

Applicants from lower-income families may be considered for additional financial support where financial circumstances may limit their ability to pursue their development opportunities. Such support will be considered based on demonstrated need and the actual costs involved.

Note: Those who are already receiving full sports or arts scholarships through other organisations will not be eligible.

*The funding ranges above are indicative. The final award will be determined by the selection panel based on the applicant’s development plan, level of participation, demonstrated commitment and potential, financial need, and the actual costs involved. The amount awarded may be lower than the ranges stated. A co-payment may apply where appropriate.

**Reimbursement claims must be made within this period: 6 months before to 12 months after the award.

Applications will be assessed holistically based on the following considerations:

• Demonstrated talent and ability in the chosen field.
• Commitment and consistency in pursuing the talent through training, practice, and participation.
• Participation in competitions, performances, exhibitions, showcases, or other relevant activities.
  
• Achievements, awards, certifications, or other recognised accomplishments, where applicable.
• Potential for further growth and development with the support of the scholarship.
• Clarity of the proposed development plan and how the funding will contribute to the applicant’s future development.
• Alignment with the values of the Fund, including passion, perseverance, commitment, creativity, leadership, sportsmanship, or contribution to the community, where relevant.

Selection Process

1. Applications are submitted during the application period.
2. Applications are screened to ensure eligibility and completeness.
3. A selection panel reviews all eligible applications based on the published selection criteria.
4. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or presentation, together with a parent or guardian for applicants under the age of 18.
5. The selection panel recommends recipients for approval.
6. Successful applicants are notified and recognised at the annual award presentation.