Guardians of Tomorrow (Part 1)

GRAPHIC: Joash Tan

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. Three of this year’s Diploma Award recipients share their aspirations with us!

PHOTO: Joash Tan

CAPTAINING LIVES
CHUA MANRU GLENDA, Ngee Ann Polytechnic 
Home Team Diploma Study Award Recipient, Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

What made you apply for the Home Team Sponsorship Award?
I’ve been part of community service CCAs in my polytechnic such as Leo Club, Rotaract and NP BB Primers, all of which serve the needy and underprivileged. It was at community events when I saw the beneficiaries’ smiles that sparked my interest in a career where I can touch peoples' lives.

Why SPS?
The stories of ex-offenders-made-good (like Bruce Matthieu who’s now a guide for the "Triad Trails” tour that aims to destigmatise ex-offenders) made me realise the impactful work of SPS in rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. I too want to play a part in this meaningful cause.  

What are you looking forward to as a Home Team Officer?
I look forward to handling unexpected scenarios and unique experiences. Most of all, I hope to be able to inspire and make a positive difference to turn the lives of inmates around.

PHOTO: Joash Tan

LIKE MOTHER LIKE SON
MUHAMMAD ZIKRY HAZIQ BIN MOHAMMAD FAIRUL, Republic Polytechnic 
Home Team Diploma Study Award Recipient, Singapore Police Force (SPF)

Why did you choose to apply for the Home Team Sponsorship?
It’s always been my childhood ambition to be a police officer! Being able to step up for the vulnerable and knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life, no matter how small, appeals to me the most. 

Share with us the motivations behind your decision.
My mom has been a big motivating factor. She has been with ICA for 23 years now as a counter officer processing passport applications. She has enjoyed a long and meaningful career with the Home Team, and this has influenced me to follow in her footsteps. 

How did you feel receiving the Award? 
Being able to serve in the SPF is a childhood dream come true. I am also grateful for this opportunity to give back to my parents for their continued support and sacrifices. I want to thank my mother for supporting my decision to apply for this sponsorship and to join the SPF.

PHOTO: Joash Tan

REALISING A CHILDHOOD ASPIRATION
CHONG WEI XIAN, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Home Team Diploma Study Award Recipient, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

What prompted you to take on this sponsorship with the Home Team?
My decision was cemented after observing ICA officers working tirelessly to keep Singapore safe and secure amidst an increasingly complex operating landscape. 

I was also intrigued by the various job roles performed by ICA officers to enforce laws related to immigration and registration at the borders and inland. I was particularly interested in the job of an Investigation Officer where communication skills, analytical and critical thinking are key to successfully uncover the truth. 

Why ICA?
I was raised by my aunt in Malaysia and travelled daily across the land checkpoints by bus. As a kid, I would observe ICA officers boarding our bus and checking for suspicious persons and baggage. This left a big impression on me and growing up, I wanted to be just like them, ensuring the safety of our loved ones and Singapore at our borders.

What does being a member of the Home Team mean to you?
As a Home Team officer, I can contribute full circle: to family, to community and to the nation. 

Read Guardians of Tomorrow Part 2.

Home Team Sponsorship Awards 2022
The Home Team Sponsorship Awards comprise the Diploma Sponsorship and ITE Sponsorship. They are awarded to Polytechnic and Higher NITEC 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, 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, 16 Polytechnic students received Diploma Sponsorship Awards and four ITE students received the ITE Sponsorship Award. Congratulations to our 2022 Award recipients!