Future Home Team Guardians (Part 1)

GRAPHIC: Tang Ying Hui

The Home Team Sponsorship Awards comprise the Diploma Sponsorship and ITE Sponsorship. They are awarded to 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. Koh Rou Ying and Rynnelissa Binte Ryhan received the sponsorship in 2023. They share their aspirations with us!

Rou Ying receiving her Sponsorship Award from Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development. PHOTO: Koh Rou Ying

Off The Beaten Path

KOH ROU YING, Ground Response Force officer, Tanglin Division
Home Team Diploma (Study) Sponsorship Award, Singapore Police Force (SPF) 

What made you decide to apply for the Home Team Sponsorship?

I knew that I wanted a career in SPF, but I was hesitant on applying for the sponsorship as I was contemplating between working first or continuing my studies after graduating from Nanyang Polytechnic.

With the advice from my friends who are serving officers, I found that there are opportunities for me to further my education while serving in the Force. 

Compared to many of my friends who pursued their undergraduate studies upon graduation from polytechnic, choosing a different path from others will give me a taste of real work experience and help me decide what I really want. With the support of my family and friends, I took a leap of faith and applied for the sponsorship.

How was your experience in the Home Team Academy (HTA)?

I underwent six months of residential training at HTA. I learned a lot about the law and policies, discovered my strengths and unleashed my potential. During the training, I was eager to start my work on the ground and serve our community.

You spoke with Senior Staff Sergeant Ruby Tan, who was also a past recipient of the Home Team Sponsorship, soon after receiving the sponsorship. What did you take away from that chat?

Ruby’s sharing provided insights into the various opportunities for my career and education. She is pursuing her undergraduate studies while juggling her work as a Community Policing Officer at Woodlands Division, which is great! Being on the ground, police officers are constantly working in a fast-paced environment and interacting with the community. When members of the public are in distress, we are the first line of help, calming them and de-escalating situations. To keep our skills up to date and be ready to assist those in need, we undergo continuous training.

How do you feel as you embark on your journey as a Home Team officer? 

I am excited as it is my first job and I want to play my part to keep Singapore safe and secure. I look forward to getting the same feeling of satisfaction that Ruby gets, knowing that she made a positive impact on someone’s life through the help she rendered. It makes the work so much more meaningful.

Rynnelissa (centre) during the Home Team Sponsorship Awards ceremony. PHOTO: Rynnelissa Binte Ryhan

Passion To Support The Marginalised 

RYNNELISSA BINTE RYHAN, Temasek Polytechnic
Home Team Sponsorship Awardee, Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

What inspired you to apply for the Home Team Sponsorship Award?

While browsing the Joint Admissions Exercise booklet in my final year in secondary school, the Home Team Sponsorship caught my eye. Seeing the phrases, "Singapore Prison Service’ and ‘All Home Team sponsorships are open to male and female applicants" rekindled my childhood dream of ensuring equitable treatment among all in society.

How did your experiences shape your childhood dream and eventual decision to pursue a career in Singapore Prison Service?

My belief in my childhood dream fuelled me through challenging nights of juggling school assignments and gruelling part-time shift work for extra pocket money. A soul-searching trip to Cambodia in 2022 for a school community project, where I lived in humble kampong dwellings crystallised my calling to aid the marginalised. Despite various doubts, such as whether my physique was suitable for the work, I became determined to be part of Singapore Prison Service. It is my dream to be in a meaningful profession where I can help to change and transform lives, creating a safer and more inclusive Singapore. 

Speaking to Sergeant Lim Jing Jie, Senior Reintegration Officer, Community Corrections Command, who is also a past recipient of the Home Team Sponsorship, were there any advice that resonated with you?

Jing Jie shared about the physical and mental challenges to expect as an SPS officer and how challenging times can be managed with the support of reliable superiors and great teamwork among colleagues. 

His advice that I shouldn't expect to change everyone and that some problems require a collective effort deeply resonated with me. Hearing about the supportive management and the knowledge-sharing culture among mentors, colleagues and superiors, I can understand why Singapore Prison Service has received the AON Best Employer Singapore award four times. 

What are you looking forward to as a Home Team Officer?

I aim to support and encourage those I encounter to become better versions of themselves. I hope they in turn will pay it forward to others. I am eager to learn from experienced colleagues and mentors as I work towards my long-held aspiration.

2025 Home Team Sponsorships are now open!

Ready to secure a meaningful career early with the Home Team? The Home Team Sponsorship recognises outstanding students and sponsors their full-time polytechnic and Higher NITEC studies. 

Applications for the 2025 Home Team Sponsorships are open now till 15 December 2024. Spread the word! Apply now!