Our Trainers, Our Pride: Eye on the Target

Our Trainers, Our Pride profiles outstanding Home Team trainers, a key force behind our ability to keep Singapore safe and secure.

ASP Faizal at the Home Team Academy shooting range. PHOTOS: Chloe Low

“I couldn’t have done it alone,” said Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Muhammad Faizal Bin Baharin, half-joking that this statement be highlighted in bold. The Officer-in-Command (OC) of Intelligence Operations in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) Intelligence Division, and winner of the Home Team Trainer of the Year (Merit) award for adjunct trainers, credits team effort for the win. 

With the secondary appointment of Chief Firearms Officer, ASP Faizal leads a team of adjunct firearm trainers who go beyond their core duties and voluntarily conduct training for officers. 

Training sessions occur at least twice a month, spanning a period of three days. Behind the scenes, trainers prepare lesson content, presentation slides, and coordinate logistics. All these are done on top of their daily responsibilities. 

ASP Faizal previously attended the Home Team Academy (HTA)’s Facilitator-in-Training course organised by HTA in collaboration with the Civil Service College. The course provides trainers with the necessary skills to conduct their training syllabus effectively. This includes how to deliver verbal instructions and facilitate discussions, as well as how to provide constructive feedback to learners. It also helps trainers learn how to manage the class when conducting their lessons. 

“The repeated practice and feedback built up my confidence and skills as a trainer,” said ASP Faizal. 

Ready, aim, fire!

It was an interest in marksmanship training that prompted ASP Faizal to join the CNB shooting team in 2004. Now almost two decades in, he has progressed from a trainer to leading the team of trainers in overseeing and planning trainings to keep officers’ marksmanship in tip-top condition. 

“I’ve learnt a lot from my seniors and wanted to share my expertise with others,” he shared. 

His passion for his craft has also led him to represent CNB and the Home Team in many firearm competitions. He even landed the role of Technical Official for the 2015 SEA Games competition.

ASP Faizal in action. PHOTO: ASP Faizal

Over the years, ASP Faizal found that injecting humour in his lessons helps officers absorb information better. He has also learnt to be more patient and mindful of the differing speed at which officers learn. 

The experience as a trainer, though tiring, has so far been extremely rewarding, and he encourages others with the capacity to consider being an adjunct trainer as well. 

“I’m glad to be able to share my knowledge and see my trainees apply them,” said ASP Faizal. “I hope such awards that recognise the efforts of adjunct trainers will motivate our officers to step forward and share their expertise.” 

Home Team Training Excellence (TRaX) Awards
The Home Team TRaX Awards are given out annually by the Home Team Academy (HTA) and recognise outstanding Trainers and Training Units in the Home Team’s Training and Learning Community. Follow HTA’s LinkedIn page for the latest Home Team Training and Learning updates!