I need suggestions for my Singapore Scholarship essay?

"Write a short essay on a subject of personal importance to you (300-500 words). You may choose any topic. Examples include: an event which has influenced you; why you want to choose an Engineering career; or a family member/friend/person who had a significant influence on you."

I am going to university soon, and I plan to study in Singapore. The registration form says that an essay is needed. I've got ideas, but I'm not sure if that would be the type of essay they asked for. It says "any topic"; does it mean that I can write about my personal experience? By personal experience, I mean the type of topic that has to do with my life or a life lesson that I learned, or a topic about my interactions/relationships with people I know. Can it be a topic about society or the problems people face today? Does it really have to be related to my desired course or studies? Should it be a really formal type of essay?

Aside from that, if you could suggest any topic that would sound better than what is mentioned above, please do. Thanks in advance!

Note: It also says "personal importance". I am more confused now. D:

Oh, and, excuse my questions if there are too many.