ASP Shermaine Ang and ASP Cammy Carin Chua share what receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour and Sword of Merit respectively means to them.
By: Amanda Wong
On 15 September 2023, 12 graduating Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers from the Senior Officer Basic Course attended their dining-in ceremony, which symbolised the start of their law enforcement careers.
Over the nine-month Course, the officers not only underwent rigorous physical training and classroom lessons in law enforcement, but they also organised initiatives to guide their junior squadmates. In addition to their Police-centric training programme, the officers also volunteered with the non-governmental organisation Willing Hearts to prepare meals for those in need.
The cohort also made history by being the first to have two female recipients of the Sword of Honour and Sword of Merit. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shermaine Ang received the Sword of Honour, which is awarded to the officer who tops the training cohort. ASP Cammy Carin Chua received the Sword of Merit, which is awarded to the second-best trainee within the cohort.
Passion and Belief
To qualify for the Sword of Honour and Sword of Merit, officers must score consistently across areas of assessment such as professional knowledge, leadership training and field training. They must also excel in peer and supervisory appraisals by demonstrating strong teamwork and expertise.
ASP Ang had never thought of being a Police officer until she attended a SPF fireside chat in her final year of junior college. “The Police officers I spoke to have a passion for their job, which I admired,” she said. “As someone fond of challenges, I yearned for a career where no two days are the same. The officers also shared that policing gave them a unique perspective on society, one that can’t be found in the corporate world. This cemented my decision to join the Force.”
Reflecting on her time in the Senior Officer Basic Course, ASP Ang remarked that it had exceeded her expectations. “The Course helped me to develop not only as a leader, but also as an individual,” she said. “I’m grateful for the support of my trainers and teammates. Through their guidance, I learnt to recognise my strengths and address my weaknesses.”
ASP Ang is now an Investigation Officer with the Central Police Division. Reflecting on what got her to where she is today, she said, “Always believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and give your best in everything you do!”
High-Intensity Memories
Becoming a Police officer came as a natural decision for ASP Chua. Part of this was due to her active nature and her love for martial arts and sports. She also enjoys adapting to new environments. “The SPF offers various opportunities to explore different functional areas in policing,” she said. “This element of the job was especially appealing to me.”
ASP Chua’s most memorable moment while on course was the First Responder Training programme. “I was absolutely thrilled with this experience,” she exclaimed. “The high-intensity exercise pushed us to apply our strategic thinking skills and physical ability at the same time.”
ASP Chua is now an Investigation Officer with the Ang Mo Kio Police Division. Asked about what advice she had for those keen on a policing career, ASP Chua urged them to draw strength from why they decided to join the Force in the first place.
“Every career will have its own challenges,” she said, “but the career that you find purpose in is the one that will bring you the most meaning. Serving and protecting the community as a Police officer gives me that sense of purpose.”
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