Meet future guardians embarking on their journey to safeguard Singapore!
By: Christabelle Lim
For many officers, the passion to serve in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) can come at an early age. This year’s SPF scholarship recipients share in their own words why they’ve always aspired to don the Police uniform and make a difference to others!
Inspector (Insp) Edison Chua, 19
SPF Scholarship Recipient and President’s Scholar; studying Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles
As part of the scholarship, I’ve been given an opportunity to pursue my undergraduate studies overseas. I hope to have many interesting experiences and be exposed to new ideas and challenges. This will help me broaden my understanding of the world and more effectively contribute to Singapore’s success.
I first learnt about how meaningful policing is from my father, who’s an officer. As for my aspirations, there are bound to be technological advancements that will make crime harder to prevent, deter and detect. I look forward to contributing to transformations in policing that will keep the SPF ahead of threats to our safety and security!
Inspector Chen Hong Wen, 19
SPF Scholarship Recipient; reading Law at the Singapore Management University
Growing up, I enjoyed volunteering in the community as part of the People’s Association Youth Movement and had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Being able to engage with those from under-privileged backgrounds contributed to my conviction that I wanted to help and uplift others. This affirmed my decision to join the SPF, make a difference to the community and uphold the safety and security that exists in Singapore today.
I aspire to be a good leader, and to create and sustain a positive working culture and system for my team. I’ll also strive to be an effective Police officer who’ll lead not only by action but show a duty of care for my officers, and to be forthcoming and empathetic.
Mr Teh Zu Ming, 20
Local Merit Scholarship Recipient; studying Economics at the National University of Singapore (NUS)
Two things – watching Crimewatch and the subtle influence of my mum, who’s a Police officer – these were my initial motivations for wanting to become an officer. I admired my mum’s commitment to her work, and my exposure to police work increased when I joined the National Police Cadet Corps in secondary school. I found that the mission of the Force resonated strongly with me, and I wanted to do my part to protect the community.
Ms Tan Jia Xin, 19
Singapore Government Scholarship Recipient; studying Sociology at the University of British Columbia
I hope to safeguard the lives of Singaporeans and uphold justice through professional investigations and intelligence analysis. I also hope to be a good leader and team player in the SPF.
Mr Kwan Rui Yang, 19
Singapore Government Scholarship Recipient; studying Information Systems at Singapore Management University
Having served as a St John Singapore cadet during my secondary school days, I discovered an interest in helping people develop to their fullest potential. As a scholarship recipient, I hope to hone my skills and embrace fresh opportunities to inspire, motivate and lead by example.
Ms Clara Wong, 20
Singapore Government Scholarship Recipient; studying Psychology at the NUS
I hope that I’ll be able to make significant contributions to the Force. By carrying out my duties with empathy and a sense of justice, I hope to raise public awareness of the work our officers do every day to keep our community safe and secure.
Mr Ameet Singh Sandhu, 23
Singapore Government Scholarship Recipient; studying Public Policy and Global Affairs at the Nanyang Technological University
During an attachment at Bukit Batok Neighbourhood Police Centre as a Ground Response Force officer, I remember the joy on a mother’s face after we’d found her missing boy in the Bukit Batok area after a long search. That was a special moment and showed me how I could directly impact the lives of those around me. Later, I served with the Police Coast Guard during my National Service and found it extremely meaningful.
Ministry of Home Affairs Scholarships 2023
The Ministry of Home Affairs Scholarships comprise the SPF Scholarship as well as other uniformed and civilian scholarships. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients and all the best for your studies! Find out more about the various scholarships on offer here.