SSSgt Low Kai Tat and Sgt Muhamad Syabil Bin Salleh share their experiences in the Force and their journey ahead upon receiving the MHA Degree Scholarship.
By: Amanda Wong
The afternoon of 28 July 2023 may have been an ordinary Friday for most of us, but for two Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers, it marked a momentous occasion as they waited eagerly for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Scholarship and Sponsorship Ceremony to commence.
26-year-old Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Low Kai Tat and 24-year-old Sergeant (Sgt) Muhamad Syabil Bin Salleh are the proud recipients of the MHA Degree Scholarship. Scholarship recipients are entitled to sponsorship of tuition fees while pursuing their full-time studies in local universities.
The MHA Scholarship and Sponsorship Awards are presented to Home Team officers to support their professional development. They also serve to recognise dedicated officers for their outstanding service in keeping Singapore safe and secure, and affirm their potential for further contributions to the Home Team.
This year, 153 Home Team officers were presented with Scholarships, Sponsorships and Study Awards to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Eight officers also received book prizes for outstanding academic achievements.
Finding Meaning in the Force
SSSgt Low is a Ground Response Force (GRF) officer at Hougang Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC). As a child, he recalled an occasion when he and his father, a Prisons officer, had met a former inmate. “This man thanked my father for having helped him choose the right path,” recalled SSSgt Low, “and this made a big impact on me.”
Policing is more than just a job to SSSgt Low. “It’s meaningful to extend assistance beyond the line of duty,” said SSSgt Low, who always has the interest of residents at heart. “I’m keen to help residents in need and advise them on how to take steps to protect themselves.”
Sgt Muhamad is a Community Policing officer at Yishun North NPC. Having served in the SPF since 2018, he enjoys engaging with residents to build trust and promote neighbourhood safety.
“It has been a rewarding experience. I believe that by working closely with the community, we’re able to foster a safer and more secure environment,” Sgt Muhamad said.
Reward and Recognition
SSSgt Low was all smiles as he finally took to the stage to receive his award certificate: “I feel extremely honoured to receive this award and I’m grateful to be recognised for my hard work.”
SSSgt Low is set to pursue a degree in Public Safety and Security at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. With a keen interest in cyber security, he aspires to apply his knowledge towards protecting the community from online threats.
Soon, it was Sgt Muhamad’s turn to be called to the stage. “Receiving this award has been an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience,” he said. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to pursue my academic aspirations.”
Sgt Muhamad is set to study Sociology at the Nanyang Technological University where he hopes to learn more about social dynamics and ultimately contribute to a safer and more harmonious Singapore.
The People Who Matter
Reflecting on his five years of service, SSSgt Low attributed his success to his supervisors and fellow officers on Team Alpha. “They’re my pillars of support and have always motivated me to work hard,” he said. “I’ll always remember our willingness to help one another in difficult times.”
This sentiment was echoed by Sgt Muhamad, who remains grateful to his family and friends for supporting him throughout his SPF journey. “I’d not be where I am today without their unwavering support and encouragement,” he said.
He’s also thankful to his fellow officers for their continued help. “We share a strong bond and it’s our camaraderie that makes work enjoyable,” Sgt Muhamad said. “As a Police officer, having teammates that we can count on fosters a sense of unity and confidence that allows us to face challenges together, with a shared purpose.”
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