I have never come across anyone getting a D grade in cs. Unless you are under investigation for some serious cock up.

Need only to work for 3 years before being eligible for the postgraduate sponsorship, which includes the annual remuneration. But I notice that it is easier to get it if one is working in a technical or specialised position. My friend who works in the hydrography department was sent to Plymouth to study hydrography. For myself, I am currently reading computer science at York. MOH sends many of their healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and physiotherapists for a one year Masters program too.

Do note that the abovementioned scheme is different from the AO scheme, where they would send future senior civil servants to Harvard to study Public Administration or MBA. By the way, i have heard that MBA is reserved for AOs only. So if you happen to work in a finance position, you may consider other options such as Masters in Accounting or Commerce.

So far, only Mindef sends their scientists and engineers for a fully paid for PhD program.

A common profile for the postgraduate recipients is that they are generally in their early 30s (having worked in the civil service for at least 3 years, as mentioned above) and have a decent CEP (aka potential). Most importantly, they have the support of their bosses.

To add, postgrad sponsorship do not equate high CEP. I know a whiner in my department kept pestering boss for 1 year MSc sponsorship in UK. The boss cannot "tahan" and send the whiner away for one year. Upon return, whiner complained loudly why no performance bonus i.e. D grading.

Investigation would be "E = adverse report" liao.

3 years is minimal on paper. Come with at least 3 years bond for local study. But most won't recommend if you haven't been on job for at least 5 yrs cos no one know whether you would like to stay long. Btw, sponsorship has no link to CEP. Often, I see those who didn't take up sponsorship can promote faster than those who did.

Thank you for sharing

no need to have worked for many years. But need to have a decent CEP.

not talking about extreme cases or isolated cases. In general, a good CEP is required.

In CS context, good performance means consistent C grader. The point is that sponsorship doesn't raise one CEP. Having a sponsorship doesn't make you a high flier.

i am not here to contend against all the nitty gritty stuff like CEP, career advancement etc. Everyone will have their own opinion and I will leave it as such. I am just sharing with people who may be keen to pursue such a program whilst in civil service, from my personal experience. It is an invaluable experience and will definitely broaden one's horizons.