Future Home Team Guardians (Part 2)

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. Yee Qin Qin Jaslyn and Mah Kuang Yi received the sponsorship in 2023. They share about their journey towards a rewarding Home Team career with us!

Jaslyn (back row, first from right) with fellow sponsorship recipients, MHA management and Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, Ms Sun Xueling. PHOTO: Yee Qin Qin Jaslyn

Pursuit to Keep Singapore Drug-Free
YEE QIN QIN JASLYN, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Home Team Diploma (Merit) Sponsorship Award, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) 

What made you apply for the Home Team Sponsorship? 

I saw my school’s email informing students about the Home Team Sponsorship. I was hesitant to apply, uncertain if I may lose interest in the job while pursuing my diploma. Also, as there were many candidates interviewing for the sponsorship, I was unsure if I could succeed in the interview. 

Yet, I knew that I want to serve my country. Having witnessed how drug addiction can destroy the lives of the drug abusers and their loved ones, I want to create a safe space for the community and my siblings. I am determined to play my part to stamp out illicit drug activities in Singapore. With the support from my family, I drummed up my courage and applied for the sponsorship. 

What does receiving the Diploma (Merit) Sponsorship Award mean to you? 

It shows the trust and confidence the Home Team has in me, which I am deeply grateful for. I persevered in my studies and was placed on my polytechnic’s Director’s List, while juggling a part-time job. I am glad to see my hard work and dedication acknowledged. It's a gateway to a fulfilling career where I can be proud of what I do.  

You had a chance to speak to a CNB officer who was a past recipient of the Home Team Diploma Sponsorship. Was there any part of the conversation that inspired you?

Inspector Angie Poh shared with me about her journey as a CNB officer after receiving the Sponsorship in her third year of studies. Upon completing the six-month residential course, she was posted to CNB’s Enforcement Division at Bedok. Later, she moved to Investigation Division and took on a part-time degree at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, sponsored by CNB. With her skills and experience, she was appointed as an Inspector, and now works in CNB’s Communications Division. Her journey illustrates the constant progression that one can have in a career with CNB.    

What do you look forward to as a Home Team Officer? 

I hope to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by drug-related issues. I aspire to be a dedicated officer and play an instrumental role in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. I also look forward to developing my skills in specialised investigation and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies.

Kuang Yi (centre) with the award he received. PHOTO: Mah Kuang Yi

Inspired to Save Lives at the Front
MAH KUANG YI, Nanyang Polytechnic
Home Team Sponsorship Awardee, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) 

What were your thoughts while applying for the Home Team Sponsorship Award?
The first thought I had was, “Is this the right path for me?” Thinking about shouldering a profound responsibility for the safety and well-being of our community brought a mix of excitement and apprehension. After careful consideration, I realised this was a unique opportunity that brings my personal values into a fulfilling career. The Home Team’s mission and values deeply resonated with me. With my best friend’s encouragement, I decided to apply. It is undoubtedly the best decision I had made in my life so far.

What inspired you to be paramedic?
I was inspired by the professionalism of the paramedics who attended to my late grandfather for a case of hypoglycemia. This drove me to pursue Higher Nitec studies in paramedicine and emergency care. It was then that I discovered my passion to save lives at the frontline. This made me decide to pursue a career as a paramedic.

What did you take away from your chat with EMS Section Commander Benjamin Yeo, who was a recipient of the Home Team Sponsorship a couple of years ago?
Benjamin also studied nursing and has been in the Force for a few years. He offered me valuable insights into the life of a first responder. He shared how he resuscitated a person and how it gives him great satisfaction knowing that he could save lives in critical situations. This resonated with me.

Benjamin also shared about the challenges he faced, such as the gruelling hours and the emotional toll it could take. Witnessing traumatic incidents and being in high-stress situations requires me to mentally prepare myself. I know the rewards outweigh the challenges. 

Hearing about the camaraderie he shared with his fellow officers was heartwarming.

What do you hope to achieve as a Home Team Officer?
I dreamed of serving the community in a meaningful way. Receiving this sponsorship is a stepping stone towards realising my aspirations in the Home Team. I am eager to make the most of this opportunity.

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!