COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARS

The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific was conceived at a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministers in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in January 1950.

It was aimed at promoting the economic and social development of South and Southeast Asia by the provision of training awards, expert services and equipment. 

Singapore became an active member of the Colombo Plan in 1959.  From 1962 to the mid 1980’s, Colombo Plan scholars from Singapore and the region were selected and sent to Canadian Universities. On completion of their studies they returned to serve in various government bodies contributing to the development of Singapore.