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

Inspector Cammy Chua Carin always strives to excel, whether at work or in the sporting arena and beyond. An avid athlete who has done karate, judo, Muay Thai, gymnastics and touch rugby, she completed a stint at Officer Cadet School (OCS) to become the first female recipient of the Singapore Merit Scholarship (SMS). She explains why she’s committed to pushing herself to her limits.
  

Why did you decide to apply for the SMS?
I was researching the different types of scholarships there were and came across the SMS. I realised there hadn’t been any female recipients, and that one of the prerequisites was good performance at OCS. At first, I was hesitant to apply for the SMS, but then it hit me one day that there was no reason for me to shy away from experiences that my fellow officers might have faced, just because I’m female. 

Looking back at my time in Secondary School and Junior College, I also realised that I’d shied away from taking on more responsibility. I wanted to be different this time and maximise my full potential. Until you do this, you never know how much you’re capable of. So I took a leap of faith and applied for the SMS.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when training at OCS?
I’d never been in a uniformed group before so there was a bit of culture shock for me. For one exercise, I also took on a Medic role in my platoon, so I had to carry the stretcher in addition to my other personal equipment. But the physical training was only a small part of the entire experience for me; that was more of a mental rather than physical challenge. 

How did your family react when you told them about your interest in becoming a Police officer? 
They were very supportive of my choice; my dad was a fighter pilot in the Air Force, and the uniformed service is something he’s really passionate about. So when he learnt that I wanted to become a Police officer, he said, “Yes, go for it!” 

It’s been a great learning experience. Last year, I did an internship with the SPF’s Operations Department and was attached to a night shift at Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre where I followed several officers on patrol as they responded to calls. 

At one point, we received a call that there was a man armed with a knife at a void deck nearby. The officers responded very quickly; everyone was really alert and ready to act. They arrived at the scene, checked with residents and made sure that all was well. I could see how every call from the public was taken seriously. 

What are you doing right now, and what are you looking forward to? 
I left Singapore in end-September for my studies at University College London, but will be returning during my term breaks for attachments to various SPF units. The next three years will be a period of learning and exploration for me; building up my knowledge so that I can bring these experiences with me as I serve as a Police officer. 

The SPF’s work is very broad and meaningful. It’s never static and I’ll get to learn more by taking on different assignments. That’s something I’m really looking forward to – changing things up, adapting and pushing myself even more. 

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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.