Beyond the Finish Line: Scott Driscoll

Embracing Teamwork, Commitment, and Dedication in Sports Administration

Sport management is an academic curriculum offered at several global universities and tertiary institutions, training individuals to become leaders in the dynamic world of sports. This was the journey Scott Driscoll embarked upon following the end of his National Service (NS) term nearly a decade ago.

In his senior teenage years, Scott pursued a Diploma in Communication and Media Management (2010-2012) at Temasek Polytechnic. During his studies, he was a journalist and editor for the campus newspaper while also competing in basketball. His playing days continued with SAFSA during NS and later at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).

For Scott, basketball was more than just achievements. It provided a safe space away from the frustrations of his teenage years, poor school performance, and social pressures. Basketball allowed him to express these frustrations healthily and safely.

Scott Driscoll (in grey outfit) on centre court, jumping high to win the ball for his SIM team in 2017. Photo credit : Joash Ng

During NS, Scott was drafted to represent the SAFSA team in the annual National Division 1 League, an honour he deeply cherished. The league represents the highest level of local basketball, apart from the Singapore Slingers professional team.

"I never put as much effort into my playing craft as my generation of Team Singapore players. They deserve every success and opportunity to represent the nation. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the things they achieved," he shared.

Fast forward to 2024, Scott is now in his third year with Sport Singapore (SportSG) as a Senior Executive in the Industry Development Technology and Innovation Group (IDTIG). His journey into sports administration was largely driven by opportunity and his prior tertiary pursuits in sports management.

Scott Driscoll (standing center in red polo shirt) at a NYSI basketball clinic with youths in 2018. Photo Credit :Scott Driscoll

Apart from sports management, Scott also applied and was accepted into graduate programs to study Communications, his undergraduate field of study at SIM-University of Buffalo. However, Washington State University's (WSU) funding package was the most appealing, leading him to pursue sports management there. Reflecting on his choice, Scott believes it was the best possible outcome. "If I’d chosen Communications, I may still be working towards a PhD, which doesn’t sound as appealing now as it did back then," he admitted.

Scott's role at SportSG involves multiple responsibilities, including his favourite sport, basketball. Since emerging from the global pandemic in mid-2022, there has been a surge in international tournaments and events in Singapore. Scott played a pivotal role in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2022 event, helping to secure sponsorships and managing stakeholders.

One of his notable achievements was collaborating with the NBA to bring Hall-of-Famers Ray Allen and Gary Payton to Singapore for a coaching clinic and a fans’ viewing party of the NBA Finals. "It's great that they’re sharing their passion for the game with our athletes. Every basketball player dreams of competing in the NBA. Hearing firsthand from legends about the work needed to reach that level was truly inspiring," Scott said.

NBA Hall-of-Famers Gary Payton (left), Ray Allen and former Team Singapore basketballer Ng Hanbin at the official media conference in June 2024 at Sport Singapore. Photo Credit : Lim Hanbin’s Facebook Page

In April 2023, Scott was involved in forming the National Registry of Exercise Professionals (NREP), a significant milestone for SportSG. The initiative aimed to onboard 1,000 exercise professionals in its first year but exceeded expectations by onboarding over twice that number. Scott considers the successful launch of the NREP his biggest achievement at SportSG. "There were long nights, but we managed to get everything done in time for it to be announced by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua during the 2023 Community of Supply debate. I remember watching a livestream of the announcement and feeling quite emotional," he recalled.

(Back Row, 2 nd from Right) Scott Driscoll and his SportSG colleagues at the Olympic Esports Week event at
Suntec City in June 2023. Photo Credit : Scott Driscoll

Beyond his professional achievements, Scott has a passion for philosophy, which began during his undergraduate days. He helped set up the university's philosophy club and was particularly drawn to Stoic ethics. One of the quotes which strongly resonates with him is from Marcus Aurelius, “When you start to lose your temper, remember: There's nothing manly about rage. It's courtesy and kindness that define a man."

At 32, Scott hopes to bring professional basketball back to Singapore. He dreams of seeing the Singapore Slingers compete again and providing the new generation of players with something to aspire towards. The weekly season games at the OCBC Arena used to draw crowds of 1,500 to 2,500 fans, and Scott hopes to see the Slingers "back on court" soon along with their fans.

Scott Driscoll’s journey from a basketball player to a senior executive at SportSG is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. His story is not just about individual achievements but about creating opportunities for others and making a lasting impact on Singapore's sports landscape.

(2nd from Right in White Jersey) Scott Driscoll, with his SIM team-mates at the 2018 ASEAN University Games, Myanmar. Photo Credit : Scott Driscoll