Fresh from their SEA Games successes, four SPF officers share what drives them to strive for excellence.
By: Daenia Lim, Ashwini Jayasankar, Nur Ihshana Shaheen Binte Babajahn and Mike Tan
Meet the Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers showcasing their athletic prowess at the 2023 SEA Games. These police officers not only protect and serve their communities but also display their athleticism, proving that their dedication goes beyond the uniform. Police Life speaks to the four officers to learn about their journey.
Special Constable (SC) Sergeant (Sgt) Ethan Poh, Public Transport Security Command (TransCom); Gold, Men’s Table Tennis (Team); Bronze, Men’s Table Tennis (Double)
How did you get started in table tennis?
When I was four, I found some old rackets that belonged to my parents. I started to play by hitting the ball on the floor towards my grandma. Seeing this, my parents decided to get me started in the sport. I started my formal training when I was around five years old.
How do you feel about winning two medals this year?
I’m definitely happy, and it’s a privilege and an honour to win medals for Singapore at major sporting events. The Team Gold Medal means a lot to us as the last time Singapore won, it was in 2015. I’m glad to be part of the winning team this year.
How do you juggle your NS responsibilities and your sporting career?
I’m a staff officer at TransCom and it takes good time management skills to fulfil both my duties and train for competitions effectively. After work every day, I’ll go for training in the evenings. It’s essential to have supportive colleagues, especially during the competition period. They covered my duties and even followed my matches closely, cheering me on. My achievements wouldn't be possible without them!
How has your NS experience helped your development as an athlete?
During my Police Officers’ Basic Course at the Home Team Academy (HTA), I was able to take a break from the sport. The SPF values I learned during my Course helped me make a positive change in how I approached training and competition.
I’ll be completing my NS this year and it’s been a really fulfilling two years, from my time at the HTA to TransCom. I’m thankful for the many lessons I’ve learnt throughout the policing journey. – Interviewed by Domnic Dass and Nur Ihshana Shaheen Binte Babajahn
SC/Cpl Nufail Raiyan Bin Abu Bakar, Protective Security Command (ProCom); Silver, Men’s Field Hockey
How has your experience as a ProCom officer influenced your performance or mindset during competitions?
It’s given me a greater sense of discipline, determination and focus. Another value that applies both to NS and sports training is resilience – to always give my best in everything I do, and to never stop trying. I believe that all the hard work I’ve put in will pay off at the end of the day, be it for myself, my team, my fellow officers or members of the public.
How do you balance your responsibilities as a ProCom officer with your rigorous training schedule for the SEA Games?
It was a challenge to maintain a balance between my work and training, not to mention family time as well. Managing my responsibilities as an officer while dedicating time for training requires good time management skills. Fortunately, my supervisors, coaches and family were always understanding and supportive of my decisions.
To my family, friends, fellow officers and teammates, thank you so much for your continuous support. I couldn’t have done it without your words of encouragement.
What’s your key takeaway from your experience as a ProCom officer and an athlete?
It’s important to prioritise my duties and responsibilities, and to seek balance and moderation in my pursuits outside of work, while also taking care of my physical and emotional well-being. – Interviewed by Daenia Lim and Ashwini Jayasankar
Sgt Felissa Lai, Ground Response Force (GRF) officer, Yishun South Neighbourhood Police Centre, Woodlands Division; Bronze Medal, Women’s Field Hockey
What are the similarities between your work as a GRF officer and being a member of our national women’s field hockey team?
As an officer, I know that great teamwork and clear communications are key to success in any operation. Likewise, in a team sport like field hockey, it’s vital that all of us work together as one and communicate well on the pitch so that we can execute our game plan effectively. As the goalkeeper, this is especially important!
How do you balance your duties with training?
The Force has been very supportive of my playing career, and I’m very grateful for this. As I’m on shift work, I’m not always able to attend team training sessions, so I’ll train on my own by going to the gym or clocking in runs before or after my shifts. When we get closer to a tournament and the team begins to focus on aspects of training that are more crucial, I’ll take leave to attend training sessions.
What mantra do you follow to excel as both an officer and an athlete?
Never compromise on your dreams. The process might be challenging but when you’re able to achieve your goals, this outweighs everything else.
What words of appreciation would you like to share for your sporting achievements?
I’d like to thank my Team Leader and fellow officers who’ve got my back and whose support allows me to focus on training and overseas tournaments. – Interviewed by Daenia Lim and Ashwini Jayasankar
SC/Cpl Muhammad Danish Irfan Bin Muhamad Faizal, Airport Police Division (APD); Bronze, Sepak Takraw
Tell us about your work at APD.
I am posted to Airport Police Division as a Patrol Officer. As part of my duties, I conduct patrols at the airport terminals to keep our airports safe. I attend to incidents such as passengers detected with prohibited items to ensure that they don't bring these prohibited items into Singapore or onboard the aircraft.
Give us an overview of your national sporting career.
I’ve always loved to play Sepak Takraw. My family has been very supportive of me too, and are always there for my big games. I only became a member of the national team a few months before my NS, and I’m very excited to be able to represent Singapore.
What are some of the values you learnt as an officer that are helpful to you as an athlete?
Discipline and confidence. Discipline is part of being a Police officer, especially in terms of how we conduct ourselves professionally, and our bearing. We also need to be confident when we attend to incidents. Both of these qualities are very important to athletes as well.
How have your supervisors supported you in your training?
My supervisors have helped me a lot, especially in terms of time management. Before the SEA Games, for example, my supervisors worked with me to plan my schedule so that it allows me to meet my responsibilities at work, while also having the time to train effectively for the competition. It’s been a great experience and I’ve learnt a lot as an officer. – Interviewed by Mike Tan
Congratulations to all our officers for their successful outing at the 2023 SEA Games!
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