MENDAKI – Saleh and Gato Motiwalla Scholarship (Polytechnic): 2026 Profile
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)12 Oct 2025, 06:10 Z
TL;DR\ The MENDAKI–Saleh and Gato Motiwalla Scholarship backs Malay/Muslim polytechnic students with tuition support and leadership development—earn it by pairing academic excellence with impactful community service and a clear vision for post-diploma progression.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Status: Application Cycle Closed (last checked 2025-10-13)
- Official Portal: MENDAKI – The Saleh and Gato Motiwalla Scholarship (Polytechnic)
- Who It Targets: Malay/Muslim students enrolled in any local polytechnic diploma programme
- Eligibility: Singapore Citizen or PR, GPA ≥ 3.5 with strong CCAs or service record, and household income within MENDAKI's thresholds
- Tenable Institutions: All Singapore polytechnics (NP, NYP, RP, SP, TP)
- Award Type: Mid/full-term coverage depending on year of award
Award Coverage & Support
- Tuition and mandatory fees covered after MOE Tuition Grant
- Monthly allowance for living expenses, project materials, and industry visits
- Access to MENDAKI leadership camps, career coaching, and university progression clinics
- Mentorship circles led by alumni professionals to guide academic and career decisions
Selection Priorities
- Solid academic performance with a clear upward trajectory, especially in core diploma modules
- Evidence of community impact—volunteering, organising cultural events, or mentoring peers
- Leadership potential demonstrated through class representation, club committees, or entrepreneurial ventures
- Strong values alignment with MENDAKI's mission of empowering the Malay/Muslim community
Application Journey
- Jan: Attend MENDAKI info sessions; gather transcripts, testimonial letters, and income documents.
- Feb: Submit application with essays detailing leadership experiences and future goals.
- Mar: Shortlisted applicants complete a situational judgement exercise focused on community leadership.
- Apr: Panel interview with MENDAKI and endowment representatives exploring ambition, empathy, and resilience.
- May: Offers released followed by scholar induction and mentor matching.
Tips for Applicants
- Quantify impact: mention beneficiaries reached, funds raised, or programmes launched.
- Explain how the scholarship supports your transition to university or industry, reinforcing long-term community impact.
- Reflect on lessons from setbacks—MENDAKI values growth mindset and grit.
- Bring endorsements from lecturers or community leaders who can attest to your leadership and character.
Scholar Commitments
- Keep GPA above the stipulated threshold and update MENDAKI every semester.
- Volunteer with MENDAKI outreach (study hubs, youth mentorship, SkillsFuture workshops).
- Attend leadership and career sessions; share learnings with younger cohorts.
- After graduation, remain active in alumni networks to guide future applicants.
Stay Updated
- Check MENDAKI's site and Telegram updates for the next application window.
- Collaborate with your polytechnic's MENDAKI Club to practice interview scenarios and essay feedback.
- If planning further studies, consult MENDAKI early to explore conversion to university-level scholarships.
