Be A Guardian spotlights exciting career, scholarship and sponsorship opportunities in the Home Team.

In 2012, Sergeant (SGT) Alvin Ang received the Home Team Diploma Sponsorship while pursuing Business Information Technology at Singapore Polytechnic. Now, he’s a Captain of Lives at the Singapore Prison Service (SPS), working with inmates to help them change their lives for the better. It’s a role he cherishes, together with the camaraderie he shares with his fellow officers. 

Why did you choose to join the Home Team?
Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to joined the uniformed services and play my part in contributing to Singapore’s safety and security. While I was in my final year at polytechnic, I gave a lot of thought to my career. In the end, I chose to join the SPS as I wanted to make a difference in the lives of inmates on their journey of rehabilitation.

I’m the eldest of three children in my family, and when I told my family that I’d be joining the Home Team, they were amazed. They were even more excited for me when I got the Home Team Diploma Scholarship.

How did you feel about receiving the Home Team Diploma Scholarship?
I was grateful and excited as I knew that I’d be embarking on a meaningful and rewarding journey. I felt glad that the SPS had recognised my efforts. Learning is a lifelong process so I want to continue building up my skills.

How have your studies helped you in your work?
My course of studies encompassed aspects of both Business and Information Technology, and I had lots of practice doing research, writing reports and preparing presentations while immersing myself in working with software. All of these helped me develop soft skills which are essential in my work, and boosted my confidence level as well.



Tell us about your work as a Prison Officer.
I’m currently in my foundation posting as a Personal Supervisor in a Housing Unit at Changi Prison Complex. I work alongside a team of officers to ensure the safe and secure custody of inmates while helping with their rehabilitation. As Captains of Lives, we engage inmates under our charge purposefully so as to guide them to successfully reintegrate into society without re-offending.

What do you love about your work? 
We operate like clockwork to ensure the smooth operations and security of our prison institutions. The work is dynamic in nature and challenging at times, but collaborating with other units allow us to capitalise on our individual strengths, for greater synergy. 

I enjoy working with my colleagues. My supervisors are also very understanding and give me a lot of guidance. This camaraderie is something that I find unique to the Home Team!

What advice do you have for those considering a career in the Home Team?
It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but you’ll enjoy the meaningful work that we do. It comes with a great sense of achievement and job satisfaction, so if you’re team-oriented and want to help keep Singapore safe and secure, this is the right place for you!

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Be A Guardian
Turning the spotlight on exciting career, scholarship and sponsorship opportunities in the Home Team: 
Be A Guardian: Serving with Heart (SPF)
Be A Guardian: A Calling to Serve (SPS) 
Be A Guardian: In the Heart of the Action (SCDF)
Be A Guardian: An Eye for Investigations (CNB)
Be A Guardian: One Job, Many Facets (CNB)
Be A Guardian: Making an Impact Where It Counts (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Pushing Herself to Her Limit (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Having a Heart for Those in Need (SCDF)
Be A Guardian: Guiding Inmates onto the Right Path (SPS)
Be A Guardian: Ever Vigilant (ICA)
Be A Guardian: Turning Helplessness to Hope (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Engineering a Fresh Start (MHA)
Be A Guardian: One with the Community (SPF)
Be A Guardian: Empowering Inmates on Their Rehabilitation Journey (SPS)

A Career in the Home Team
If you’re keen to learn more about becoming a Home Team Guardian, visit the MHA website.