INSPECTOR JUSTIN QUEK, 19
Singapore Police Force (SPF)
Recipient of the Singapore Police Force Scholarship, studying Chemistry and Food Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS)
You spent six years with the Singapore Scout Association. What did that experience teach you?
I grew very attached to Scouting and became good friends with my seniors, peers and juniors. I remember representing my secondary school at the National Patrol Camp competition. This was when we put all our Scouting skills – like pioneering, camp cooking and first aid – to the test. I committed a lot of time to practising, but we only attained the Silver award. We made up for it by training our juniors so that they got the Gold award. As a Scout, I learnt about camaraderie and serving the community, and that’s one of the reasons I decided to serve in a uniformed service.
Your grandfather was a Police officer, and so is father. Did that inspire you to join the Home Team?
My parents told to me find out what I wanted to do, and I arrived at Policing on my own. I attended a programme that gave me the chance to visit various Police services and speak to senior officers. They shared how Policing has a very tangible impact on peoples’ lives. We get to be on ground, interact with people and make a difference. This struck a chord with me, and inspired me to join SPF.
How did your parents respond when you told them of your decision to join the Home Team?
It was a very simple conversation. My dad asked if I was sure about my choice, and said that the job was about hard work and serving others. My mother was a bit worried that I might get injured. But when I told them that I was very sure that I wanted it, they gave me their blessings and told me to go for it!
ALOYSIUS TAY, 21
Singapore Prison Service
Recipient of the Singapore Government Scholarship (Home Team), studying Psychology at Nanyang Technological University
What inspired you to join the Home Team?
It was my childhood ambition, one that grew stronger and stronger over the years. I was in the
National Police Cadet Corps back in secondary school, and during my Police National Service days, did operational work and training. So I’ve always have the chance to guide and look after people. These experiences strengthened my resolve to pursue a career with SPS where I can partner with and help people.
What do you hope to achieve as a Prison officer?
I look forward to forming fulfilling relationships by listening with empathy. Offering support doesn’t stop with inmates and ex-offenders; it also extends to their families. By supporting this larger community, we reduce the risk of re-offending and help keep Singapore safe and secure. It’s about giving a second chance to ex-offenders and helping them rebuild their lives and transform their families.
PHOTO: Muhammad Izz Hirzan
KRISHNAMOORTHI PRAVEEN, 19
SPF
Recipient of the Singapore Government Scholarship (SPF), studying Computer Science at NUS
Seeing the privileges that Singaporeans have while growing up, Praveen has his mind set on securing these for our future generations.
What inspired you to join the Home Team?
I understand the privileges we have as Singaporeans, in areas such as education, healthcare and security. I want to ensure that future generations also have them, and that’s what inspired me to join SPF.
What do you hope to achieve as a Police officer?
Singapore is building up its digital infrastructure and much of our operations and systems will go online. There are many benefits to this, but it also means that we’ll be exposed to a broader range of cyber-threats. I want to explore different subjects related to cyber-security so that we can safeguard ourselves, and that’s why I chose to pursue Computer Science at NUS.
SPF Scholarship and Home Team Scholarship Award Ceremony 2019
Home Team Scholarships are awarded annually to students who have excelled in their studies and co-curricular activities; displayed outstanding leadership qualities; and have a keen interest to pursue a career with the Home Team. Read
the speech by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, at the SPF Scholarship and Home Team Scholarship Award Ceremony 2019.
Read
Part 1 of Tomorrow’s Guardians.
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