[watchfirst9]

The contention now is how to define they are intelligent? There have been cases where their paper credentials are fake and Spore being such an efficient govt unlike our Northern neighbor in their haste to get more lax in their scrutiny which is a shame. Also shame on those FT but I do admit they are intelligent in faking paper credentials for this I got to give them credit.

Scholarship is common in the west too. 
https://scholarshiproar.com › australia-scholarships-for-international-students
Australia Scholarships for International Students 2023 | Fully Funded
More than 1000 Australia scholarships for international students are available at top Australian universities for academic year 2023-2024. These scholarships provide average monthly stipend of AUD $20,000 along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance and travel allowance.

it would be better start from 2nd semester to assess the 'talent' level.  

equally important is the commitments, double fine for those who break intentionally

https://www.straitstimes.com › singapore › foreign-students-who-break-bond-may-face-ban-on-stay-and-work
Foreign students who break bond may face ban on stay and work
Foreign students who deliberately default on their scholarship bond obligations may be banned from working or residing in Singapore, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Low Yen Ling said yesterday..

and third but not least, it is clear market demand is smaller than expected, numbers must reduced.

https://thepienews.com › news › singapore-intl-grads-struggling-to-meet-bond-obligations
Singapore: int'l grads struggle to find jobs - thepienews.com
International graduates in Singapore are struggling to find jobs in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and fear they may need to repay up to S$100,000 (£56,830) to the government to break their post-graduation work agreement. International students on the TGS must work in Singapore after graduating. Photo: Pixabay.