All About the Mission (2022 – Part 3)

GRAPHIC: Joash Tan

KEEPING THE HARMS FROM GAMBLING IN CHECK
Sim Wee Min
Assistant Director (Compliance), Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA); recipient of the Commendation Medal
From streamlining work processes to reviewing controls of regulated entities, Wee Min and her GRA colleagues exercise close supervision over gambling operators to minimise the harm from gambling.

Wee Min. PHOTO: Joash Tan

Tell us more about yourself! 
I started out in the Investigations Division after joining the then Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) in 2011. As part of CRA’s structured job rotation for officers’ career development, I was next posted to the Financial Analysis and Monitoring Branch of the Licensing Division, where I conducted financial investigations and performed ongoing monitoring of casino operators. 

I also assessed the applications by the two casino operators for casino licence renewal (CLRs). While undergoing the process, I developed a set of internal guidelines to ensure a formalised and coordinated procedure for CLR.   

I am currently on my third posting in the Compliance Division.

What does your current role entail?
I lead a team of six officers in ensuring gambling operators comply with GRA’s requirements. This includes reviewing and approving gambling advertisements and promotions, as well as game rules with the objective of minimising gambling harms and ensuring honest gambling. We also conduct onsite observations and compliance checks.

An area of Wee Min’s work includes reviewing and approving gambling advertisements and promotions. PHOTO: Joash Tan

What has been a highlight in your career so far? 
To be part of the reconstitution of the CRA into the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)! 

I led my team in developing a new system to streamline work processes in processing approval applications from the casino operators and all other licensed entities that are regulated by GRA. 

The system provides a consolidated overview of regulatory applications to aid monitoring and enhances regulatory efficiency by automating the processing of lower-risk applications in accordance with pre-determined criteria, so that officers can focus their attention on higher-risk applications that require higher order decision-making and intervention. 

Why are you passionate about what you do in GRA?
For us in the Home Team, it's about how our work contribute to the safety and security of Singapore. What resonates with me is GRA’s mission to protect the people of Singapore by keeping gambling honest and free of criminal influence, and minimising the harm from gambling. 

As a parent of young children, it brings me satisfaction that we are doing our part to protect the young and vulnerable from the harms of gambling.
 
- Interviewed and written by Tham Yee Lin

PASSION FOR SAVING LIVES
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Razif Bin Mohd Yusof, 
Marine Specialist, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF); recipient of the Efficiency Medal
As one of the SCDF personnel who has undergone training and certification for multiple specialist roles, SSG Razif shares his passion for saving lives.   

SSG Razif. PHOTO: Phoebe Leow

Why did you decide to join SCDF? 
I wanted a job that was both mentally and physically challenging. I was also inspired by past stories of rescue incidents such as how SCDF responded to the Hotel New World incident to save lives. I wanted to contribute and be part of the lifesaving force to make a difference to people’s lives. 

How long have you been in SCDF and tell us more about your career thus far. 
I have been in SCDF for about 17 years. I strive to constantly improve and challenge myself, hence I have pursued different specialist roles throughout my career in SCDF. 

I started off as a Fire and Rescue Specialist, and later joined the Hazardous Materials Specialists (HAZMAT). In 2009, I went through the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) selection and training, and became a DART Rescue Specialist.  In 2017, I was given an opportunity to undergo the Marine Firefighting Specialist Course and was posted to a Marine Fire Station that same year. The following year in 2018, I went for an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course to equip myself with an advanced level of medical knowledge and skills. 

As one of the SCDF personnel who is cross-trained in multiple specialist roles, I feel proud to be able to apply my knowledge and skillsets in various situations during an emergency. The training courses were challenging in different ways and at times pushed me to my limits. But with the strong support of my family and my wife, I was able to persevere and overcome all challenges to complete the courses. 

SSG Razif onboard a vessel. PHOTO: SCDF

Share with us one memorable operation that you have undertaken. 
One of the most memorable incidents happened in September 2021 which involved the rescue of a crew member who had injured himself after falling from height onboard a container vessel. 

The casualty was immobile, so we had to quickly set up a rope system to secure him to a stretcher and lower him down a height of seven stories from the container vessel to our Marine Rescue Vessel (MRV). 

I was involved in the planning and execution of the whole operation including identifying a strong base on the container vessel to anchor the system for the safety of everyone involved. Careful coordination was required between officers on the container vessel and our MRV due to strong winds and current. Visibility was low and we had to use additional lighting to illuminate the area.

SCDF Marine specialists securing the casualty onto a stretcher (left) before being lowered onto the MRV (right). PHOTOS: SCDF

What do you love most about your job?
I’m glad that my job gives me the opportunity to save lives and property. I have responded to numerous fire and rescue incidents throughout my career and I feel very fulfilled every time we were able to rescue someone. I know that it makes a difference to not just the lives of those we rescued, but also to the lives of their loved ones. 

What is one thing not many people know about your job?
My current appointment as a Marine specialist allows me to pick up specialised qualifications like a steersman and a helmsman licence, which enables us to manoeuvre highly complex and large vessels. 

SG Razif at the award ceremony. PHOTO: Phoebe Leow

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to keep going when things get tough? 
When the journey gets tough and stressful, remember to take a step back, breathe, and sort out your thoughts. It is important to recognise that you are always a work in progress. Do not get too discouraged or worked up when things do not go your way or when you feel that you have underperformed. Always look for the silver lining that lies behind every cloud. Also, my personal belief is that hard work beats talent at the end of the day.

- Interviewed and written by Phoebe Leow

Read Part 1 and Part 2.

Ministry of Home Affairs National Day Awards 2022 Investiture
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ National Day Awards Investiture is an annual event to recognise deserving Home Team officers for their contributions and commitment in keeping Singapore safe and secure. A total of 918 awardees received the medals in 2022. Read the speech by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs.