Future Guardians (Part 2)

GRAPHIC: Home Team News

The Home Team Diploma Sponsorship is awarded to Polytechnic students who demonstrate leadership qualities, drive and resilience, and who share the vision of the Ministry of Home Affairs to keep Singapore safe and secure. Three of this year’s Award recipients share their aspirations with us!

PHOTO: Rytasha Passion Raj

MAKING AN IMPACT IN COMBATING DRUG ABUSE
VIOLET TAN, Singapore Polytechnic
Home Team Diploma Study Award recipient, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

Who inspired you to pursue a career with the Home Team?
One of my Polytechnic lecturers is a former Police officer, and she’d share her experiences of serving in the Force with us, like how she and her fellow officers would give their all to bring criminals to justice. It was hard work, but very fulfilling. This really encouraged me to consider a career that will allow me to make a positive impact on Singapore’s safety and security.

Tell us about your volunteer work. 
In 2017, I volunteered to be an Ambassador with the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association. This allowed me to better understand the negative consequences of drug abuse, not only to the abuser’s health, but also to the abuser’s family members and the community.

I was also part of a team that organised preventive drug education exhibitions for youths. Some young people have misperceptions about drugs, and we need to reach out to them before they fall into the vicious cycle of drug abuse. I hope that I’ll get the opportunity to do my part with CNB.

You mentioned that, in the past, your family had been mistakenly harassed by loansharks. What did you learn from this experience?
It had a deep impact on me. I understand first-hand how helpless and afraid victims of crime can feel, and I don’t wish for anyone to go through what I did. This experience has made me more determined to contribute to Singapore’s law enforcement efforts, and drives me to do my best to help those in need.

What are you looking forward to as a Home Team officer?
I look forward to serving with the Home Team, and to a journey of self-development, as well as a new level of independence and inner strength! – Interviewed by Rytasha Passion Raj

PHOTO: Samantha Fuentes

HELPING OTHERS TURN A NEW LEAF
MUHAMMAD KHAIR BIN MD ISMAIL, Republic Polytechnic
Home Team Diploma Study Award recipient, Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

Why did you apply for the Home Team sponsorship?
I was in the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) back in secondary school. I also attended a Cadet Inspector course when I graduated and became an NPCC officer. I got to engage with many Home Team officers who shared their experiences with me, which made me very interested in pursuing a career in the Home Team.

Why did you choose to join SPS? 
I like working with people and helping others. I enjoy understanding more about their backgrounds, values and beliefs; this gives me insight into their lives and allows me to put myself in their shoes. This will allow me as a Prison officer to help them. 

How did you feel about receiving the Sponsorship?
It was an unexpected surprise! I felt very happy because it’s what I’ve been working towards for many years. 

What does being a Captain of Lives mean to you?
It means that being responsible for the lives of others. I believe that everyone who wants a second chance deserves it. Being a Prison officer will allow me to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and, hopefully, change their lives for the better. – Interviewed by Samantha Fuentes

PHOTO: Samantha Fuentes

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
NUURUL BINTE MOHAMAD, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Home Team ITE Sponsorship Award 2020, upgraded to the Home Team Diploma Award 2021, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

What made you interested in a career in the Home Team? 
In secondary school, I was in the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps. We learnt many meaningful skills such as first aid and basic firefighting, and I was the Unit Sergeant Major for my school. I also attended the Urban Search And Rescue specialisation course, which helped me to broaden my skillsets and allowed me to meet many inspiring SCDF officers. That’s when I started to consider becoming a lifesaver as a career. 

Your father was a lifesaver himself. How did his service inspire you? 
The SCDF values of pride and care are aligned with what my dad taught me since I was young. He was one of the rescuers who took part in the rescue efforts following the Hotel New World collapse in 1986. He shared his experiences of trying to help those who were trapped under the rubble and making the most of the resources and tools that they had. I realised that lifesaving is a meaningful good job, and that I also wanted to do this. 

How do you feel about receiving this Sponsorship?
I’m very honoured to receive it. It feels like a dream come true because this is what I’ve wanted since I was Secondary Three. It means that I can give back to society by safeguarding it and the people I love. 

I only told my parents I’d applied for the Sponsorship after I’d completed the interview stage. My dad was especially happy when he found out because he’s always wanted me to choose a career that serves the community. When I learnt that I’d received the Sponsorship, I texted my dad straightaway. My mom cried; they were really happy and proud. – Interviewed by Samantha Fuentes

Read Future Guardians (Part 1)

Home Team Sponsorship Awards 2021
The Home Team Diploma Sponsorship is awarded to Polytechnic students who demonstrate leadership qualities, drive and resilience, and who share the vision of the Ministry of Home Affairs to keep Singapore safe and secure. 

Upon graduation, Home Team Diploma Sponsorship Award recipients will embark on a career with one of the Home Team Departments: the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, the Singapore Prison Service or the Central Narcotics Bureau. This year, 39 Polytechnic students received Diploma Sponsorship Awards. Congratulations to our 2021 Award recipients!

PHOTO: Home Team News

Read the speech by Mr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development, delivered at the 2021 Home Team Sponsorship Award Ceremony in April 2021.