MOE START Scheme (Early Career Awards) - Business, Communication and Design

At the heart of SIT’s mission is to nurture industry-ready graduates equipped with deep technical expertise and transferable skills to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. SIT collaborates with industry in our education, while benefitting them with our talent supply and collaborative research achievements.

The University’s unique applied learning pedagogy integrates work and study, embedding authentic learning experiences within real-world environments. Through strategic partnerships forged by our faculty with industry, learners bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in and out of the classroom. Such active & authentic learning opportunities ensures graduates step into their careers with applicable skills and competence.

In research, SIT faculty aims to bridge knowledge creation and utilisation. Our faculty collaborates closely with industry on translational research and innovation with focus on addressing pertinent industry challenges to impact businesses. 

The Singapore Teaching and Academic Research Talent (START) Scheme is co-funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and SIT to encourage and support outstanding young Singaporeans interested in pursuing an academic career at SIT.

The Early Career Awards (ECA) are designed to support Singaporeans who have recently completed their postdoctoral training and prepare them for an academic career at SIT. This award aims to enhance the teaching capabilities of the recipient and help build a strong research portfolio.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

• Singapore Citizen
• Recently completed postdoctoral training
• Excellent academic record plus a high degree of proficiency and motivation for a research area that is strongly aligned with SIT’s supported areas 
• Strong passion for teaching, research and an academic career

Benefits

Awardees may receive research grants to help build a competitive research portfolio. Upon completion of the award, awardees will be considered for Assistant Professorship.

Awardees will also be assigned a faculty mentor for the duration of the scheme.

Application Process

• Applications are open throughout the year. Applications received before 15 January 2026 will be considered for intake 2026. 
• Interview by the respective clusters for shortlisted applicants will be conducted throughout the year. 
• Final Interview by Panel for shortlisted applicants will take place from March to April 2026.
• Awards for intake 2026 will be finalised by July 2026.

Supported Areas for START

Business, Communication and Design

• Financial and Sustainability Accounting: The measurement, reporting, and analysis of an organisation's financial performance alongside its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and carbon footprint. Integrating traditional financial accounting principles with sustainability considerations to provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive view of a company's long-term value creation.
• Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE): The planning, management, and execution of business events, corporate gatherings, and large-scale conferences. This field is a key segment of the tourism and hospitality industry, requiring expertise in event management, business tourism, marketing, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.