Frequently Asked Questions

Summation is one of SGInnovate’s talent programmes that aims to match top global Talent to exciting Deep Tech projects pioneering cutting-edge technologies in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and more. 

Through this programme, Talent gets unique opportunities to work on exclusive projects building in-demand specialised Deep Tech competencies. The immersive nature of involving talent in key technical roles in projects is invaluable. It provides the talent with the opportunity to develop and impact leading technologies first-hand and contribute to building an exciting Deep Tech scene in Singapore. 

This FAQ is only for international students or fresh graduates studying overseas. 

If you are a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or Foreigner studying in Singapore, please refer to the FAQ for Local Students and Fresh Graduates.  

All international students and fresh graduates must satisfy the Work Holiday Pass criteria: 

• You must be a student or graduate aged 18 to 25 from a university in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or the United States with a strong technical background  

• Additionally, your university needs to be recognised by the government of the respective ten (10) countries  

• For undergraduates: you have been a resident and a full-time student at the university for at least three (3) months before applying for the pass 

• For graduates: you were a resident and a full-time student at the university and have not graduated for more than a year. 

• Please refer here to check your eligibility as it will determine whether you are allowed to work in Singapore 

• If you do not meet the above criteria for a Work Holiday Pass, you must be a postgraduate with a strong technical background 

• Due to the COVID-19 Border Restrictions, only applicants who have successfully attained a work visa and is able to work physically in Singapore will be considered. Generally, remote working is not allowed under the programme. Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected] 

The applicant must be able to showcase relevant skills and knowledge for the project that you apply for, for example: 

• Academic courses in IHLs 

• Online courses (e.g. Coursera, Udemy) 

• Projects (e.g. Github, Stackoverflow) 

• Working experience (e.g. past internships, part-time, freelance) 

• Awards and competitions (e.g. Hackathons, Datathons) 

Please refer to our website to see the specific eligibility criteria for the respective projects.  

Please refer to the timeline on our website under Summation. No submissions will be accepted after the stipulated deadlines. 

Summation offers projects in Deep Tech areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, IoT, Robotics, Quantum, Biotechnology and more. The Talent will take on technical roles within these project areas.  

No, projects may differ in scope and duration. Please refer to the full list of Deep Tech projects and roles available on our website for more information.  

The programme duration ranges from 3-6 months with a minimum commitment of three (3) months full-time equivalent. Actual duration of programme may vary based on role requirements and Talent’s availability. 

In unique circumstances such as foreign students on student visa, a combination of full-time and part-time arrangement equivalent to three (3) months full time stint may be considered (subjected to SGInnovate’s approval).  

Any arrangement after the stipulated duration (6 months) is out of the programme scope. You are free to liaise directly with the organisation. Any arrangement or agreement made would be between both parties only, and not associated with SGInnovate. 

The total package amount varies based on applicant’s education level:  

^ Note: Applicants who graduated within 12 months are eligible to apply. 

The system only allows an applicant to edit his/her submission during the draft stage. Once the application form is successfully submitted, edits are no longer allowed.   

Applicants can choose to re-submit another application form. However, only the last application submitted before the deadline will be considered.  

Start dates are flexible and should be agreed upon between the organisation and the Talent prior to signing the agreement. 

Applicants will need to check with their schools on such arrangement. SGInnovate will not be responsible for liaising with the IHLs regarding such arrangements. 

Applicants will be evaluated against the respective criteria of the projects that they have identified in their preference selection.  

Programming related projects will typically require proficiency in at least one programming language. Apart from technical skills, relevant knowledge and/or experience related to the project will also be taken into consideration. Please refer to this link to see the specific eligibility criteria for the respective projects.  

The shortlisting phase comprises of two stages:  

 
 
Stage 1: Technical & cognitive assessments 

Applicants will be taking several assessments based on the projects they are shortlisted for. Note that applicants who select only non-coding related projects will not be required to take the technical assessment. 

Stage 2: Interview 

Shortlisted applicants who successfully passed technical assessments will be invited to attend interview sessions with organisations. Organisations will reach out to relevant applicants directly for interview arrangements. The organisation you applied to may administer additional technical assessments during this phase. If the organisation decides to proceed with the applicant, there will be a final round of interview with SGInnovate before any final offers are made.  

Please refer to the timeline on our website under Summation.  Applicants will be informed of their application status via email. Shortlisted applicants will receive additional instructions.  

Successful applicants will sign a 3-way contract between you, SGInnovate and the organisation before starting the programme. Start dates will be agreed upon between the applicant and the organisation prior to the signing of the contract. 

The Talent’s monthly stipend will be paid out fully by the organisation along with the organisation’s monthly payroll.

Generally, remote working is not allowed under the programme. Special arrangements will only be made on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants may send in their inquiries to [email protected]. 

Yes. The 3-way contract signed between you, the organisation and SGInnovate will act as a confirmation, securing the spot for the Talent. 

However, offer made to the Talent is still subjected to the talent securing a Work Holiday Pass in Singapore. All Talent are required to provide an in-principle approval (IPA) letter to be guaranteed a spot in the organisation. More information will be shared with the selected applicants.  

Upon successful application of Work Holiday Pass, international applicants will be provided one (1) round-trip air ticket from their city to Singapore.  

Talent will also be provided with a living allowance of SGD$1,000 / month (up to a maximum of six (6) months). Talent are required to source for their own accommodation.  

More details will be sent to the Talent upon notification of their successful application.  

International applicants should apply for the Work Holiday Pass within one week of the offer acceptance or at the earliest possible date allowed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), whichever earlier. Note that there will be three (3) weeks of processing time. Please refer to this link for more information on how to apply.  

We will arrange for the Talent to come to Singapore a few days before Summation officially starts. This will give the Talent ample time to open a bank account and get the Work Holiday Pass issued*. The Talent will be able to move into their hostel upon arrival in Singapore, a week before the programme's official start. 

*Note that Talent will not be reimbursed for the issuance of the Work Holiday Pass and it is the responsibility of the applicants to apply and obtain it.  

We recommend Talent to bring at least SGD$1,500. An international student in Singapore spends, on average, about SGD$750 to SGD$2,000 a month on living expenses. This amount will vary depending on the Talent’s lifestyle.  

Here are some of the potential costs that Talent will possibly incur. All Talent are recommended to plan their budget well before coming to Singapore: 

• Opening of bank savings account: depending on the bank of choice, Talent might have to pay an initial deposit of SGD 500-100 

• Work Holiday Pass: one-time cost of SGD175 for issuance of the pass 

• Estimated living and transport expenses per month: 

• Meals: SGD300-450 (based on SGD10-15 per day for three (3) meals at a food court) 

• Transport: SGD50-100 (dependent on the mode of transport you take) 

• Personal expenses: SGD100-350 (e.g. clothes, toiletries, miscellaneous expenses) 

More information will be sent to the Talent when they are selected for the programme. 

Talent are required to complete feedback forms, training logs, attend planned training workshops and participate in event(s) related to the programme.  

We will award all Talent with a certificate of participation. Any working arrangement (for example, part-time work) beyond the stipulated duration will be arranged directly between the Talent and the organisation. SGInnovate will not be involved in any arrangement outside of Summation.