Following his required national service obligation in Singapore, Choo Su Jian declined a government scholarship to Oxford University in order to go on a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
An Oxford education — a distinction that could open doors for future leadership positions in both the public and private sectors of Singapore — is an honor that “meant a great deal to both my family and me,” Elder Choo explained. “It was a significant outward recognition and a source of both personal and familial pride.”
The decision to serve a mission came after careful consideration. “After hours of honest and deliberate prayer and pondering, I arrived finally at the conclusion that such a decision was one in line with the will of my Heavenly Father and one that would most benefit me for good,” said Elder Choo.
Leaving family, friends and the focus of academia behind for two years to serve in Sydney, Australia, may seem a sacrifice to some, but Elder Choo believes his “rich missionary experience” will give him a decided advantage in his future studies and career.
After Elder Choo had made the choice to serve a mission, the government of Singapore surprised him by holding the scholarship until the completion of his two-year service.