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

Having served as a Police Coast Guard Officer during National Service, Sergeant (SGT) 2 Adnan Salim was determined to pursue a career in the Home Team. When he was in Polytechnic, he received a Home Team Diploma Sponsorship and was appointed to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in 2015, which gave him the opportunity to fulfil his dream.

SGT (2) Adnan received an ICA Commissioner’s Commendation Award this year for his efforts while on duty. We caught up with him as he began his shift at Woodlands Checkpoint.



Why did you want to join the ICA?
I’ve always wanted to be in the Home Team. I think that it’s a higher calling; a lot of effort goes into keeping us safe and secure. By serving in the Home Team, we gain insight into how things work behind the scenes.

Tell us about your duties at Woodlands Checkpoint.
As a Primary Screening Officer, I conduct passport screenings and security checks of travellers. I’m also an In-House Trainer for TOPSIS (Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System), which teaches ICA officers how to look out for suspicious travellers.

In November 2017, I was on duty at one of our arrival car counters when I noticed a car whose occupants warranted further checks. I referred the car for checks and we found seven suitcases of duty-unpaid cigarettes. This was one of the cases for which I received an ICA Commissioner’s Commendation Award this year.

Finally, I’m an ICA Career Ambassador, so I often give presentations at schools and public events, to share about the different roles we have at the ICA.



What are three important qualities that an ICA officer should have?
Being vigilant. Woodlands Checkpoint is one of the world’s busiest land crossings. As ICA officers, we have the responsibility to conduct security screenings thoroughly, without compromising security.

The second quality is adaptability. We have to be able to deal with any situation here. I’ve had a traveller collapse at my counter before, and whenever we detect a possible case, everything is suddenly abuzz. So we must be able to think on our feet.

Finally, we need to have a can-do attitude, whether it’s on the ground or looking at the big picture.

What advice do you have for those considering a career in the Home Team?
When you join the Home Team, you become part of a family that’s dedicated to keeping Singapore safe and secure. If this is your passion, go for it! What are you waiting for?

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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.