Nurturing Home Team Guardians

GRAPHIC: Tang Ying Hui. PHOTOS: Muhammad A’qasha

Polytechnic and Higher NITEC students can be financially supported in their studies and jumpstart their uniformed Home Team (HT) career with the HT Diploma Sponsorship Award and HT ITE Sponsorship Award respectively. 

Since the awards were introduced more than a decade ago, MHA has presented 765 HT Diploma Sponsorship Awards and 71 HT ITE Sponsorship Awards.

HT News chatted with Saligumba John Karl Ivan Garcia, a HT Diploma (Merit) Sponsorship Award 2024 recipient, and Goh Ying Xuan, a HT ITE and Diploma (Study) Sponsorship Award 2016 recipient, on why the HT Sponsorship is the right choice for them. 

Past HT Sponsorship Award recipient Goh Ying Xuan (left) and 2024’s recipient Ivan Saligumba (right).

Focused on Achieving Good Health
Ivan studied Health Management & Promotion at Republic Polytechnic. He was keen to learn how to help himself and the community achieve optimal physical activity and mental wellness for holistic well-being. 

One of the modules centred around health issues faced by youths and had a topic on drug abuse. “My education showed me how drugs can completely wreck a person's life. Therefore, I want to work for an organisation that shares my values and strives to create a drug-free Singapore where everyone can live, work, and play in safety,” said Ivan. He believed that what he learnt from this module would be useful when he embarks on his career with Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). 

His Volunteering Experiences
Where did Ivan’s interest in the topic of drug abuse come from? The answer became clear as he narrated his experiences as a former Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) volunteer. 

During the volunteering stint, he interacted with ex-drug offenders and acquired a better understanding of the challenges they faced during rehabilitation. He also witnessed how drug abuse significantly harmed both the abusers and their families and loved ones. 

These experiences spurred his resolve to join CNB to help people who are affected or potentially vulnerable. He sees the drug problem holistically, as something that has to be tackled with public education, effective enforcement and a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. “A career with CNB will expose me to multi-faceted roles, and I can't wait to challenge myself in this new chapter of my life with CNB,” he said.

Besides being a past YRSG volunteer, Ivan also volunteered with Youth Corps Singapore, OnePeople.sg and Team Nila.

Looking Ahead at His HT Career
Currently undergoing CNB’s basic training for its uniformed officers, Ivan envisages his HT career to be fulfilling. With the training and development opportunities in CNB and the HT, he believes it will allow him to grow professionally and personally. “I also hope to achieve and inspire action from others, rallying together in the war against drugs and keeping our loved ones safe and sound.”

The support from his parents and friends also fuels his career passion. They are happy for him for obtaining the sponsorship. Although his parents seemed a little concerned for his safety, they understand that some risks come with the work. CNB officers will also be trained to mitigate such risks. “My family will be safe for many generations to come, thanks to the HT’s work in keeping Singapore safe and secure,” said Ivan.

How Ying Xuan’s HT Career Started
Ying Xuan’s mother was a strong supporter of her decision to join Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). “I have always aspired to join the uniformed services. My decision to join ICA was greatly influenced by my mother, as she has a positive perception of the uniformed services, in terms of job stability and believed that it would be beneficial for my personal growth,” said Ying Xuan.

After being awarded the HT ITE and Diploma (Study) Sponsorship Award 2016 for her studies in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Ying Xuan graduated and joined ICA in 2019. She was subsequently awarded the Ministry of Home Affairs Degree Scholarship for in-service officers in 2024 and is studying her degree in Infrastructure and Project Management in NUS.

Looking Back at her HT Career So Far
After graduating from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, she has served at ICA in various roles and was also seconded to the Ministry of Health to support COVID-19 operations. She finds her journey at ICA to be adventurous and rewarding, like what she had anticipated it to be before taking on the HT ITE and Diploma (Study) Sponsorship.

At her previous deployment at Woodlands Checkpoint, she took on job roles such as an Assessment & Investigation officer, First Response Team officer, Watch officer and Armourer. These diverse ground experiences deepened her understanding of the multi-faceted nature and complexities of the tasks involved in safeguarding our borders.

Prior to starting her Degree studies, she was with the ICA Manpower Division’s Recruitment Branch, where she engaged vendors and stakeholders for outreach events such as career fairs and sharing sessions. She played an important role in shaping public perception of ICA officers and positioning ICA and the HT as a career of choice.

On Whether She Would Continue the Career After the Bond and Encourage Others to Take on HT Sponsorships
Without hesitation, she replied yes to both questions. “I have developed a deep affection for the HT family and colleagues. Furthermore, I am drawn to the new learning experiences, challenges, and opportunities within ICA,” said Ying Xuan. She strongly recommends students who are passionate in pursuing a uniformed career to consider the HT sponsorships.

Ivan discussing with Ying Xuan, a past HT Sponsorship Award recipient, on the HT sponsorship and HT career.

Words of Advice from the Duo for Students Considering Taking on HT Sponsorships
Noting that a HT career provides unique challenges and job satisfaction, Ivan recommends students to explore what they really want for their career and what suits them. It would be very satisfying to have one that is aligned with their mission and values. 

“Assess if this sponsorship aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations,” said Ying Xuan. “I feel that a HT career allows individuals to make a meaningful impact to the community while achieving personal and professional growth.” 

She also shared a fun fact. Sponsorship recipients have short attachments or learning journeys to gain valuable HT experiences before starting their career. Her attachment to two ICA units during her school vacation periods allowed her to acquire insights and prepare for her ICA Basic Course training.

2025 Home Team Sponsorships are now open!

Ready to secure a meaningful career early with the Home Team? Applications for the 2025 Home Team Sponsorships are open now till 15 December 2024! Spread the word! !

The HT Diploma Sponsorship Award covers recipients’ tuition fees, monthly allowances and study bonuses, while the HT ITE Sponsorship Award covers tuition fees and provides monthly allowances. ITE Sponsorship Award recipients who are assessed suitable for the Diploma sponsorship and secure a place in a local Polytechnic will also qualify for the HT Diploma Sponsorship Award.