Left: Terence Tang - Senior Assistant Director (Policy Development), Policy Development Division, Ministry of Home Affairs
Right: Yvette Chua - Deputy Director, Resource Planning & Organisation, Plans & Strategy, HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency)
TThere are no ivory towers here: a civilian career with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) brings you to where the action is. Working at the heart of safety and security matters, you can do your part to safeguard Singapore's peace and stability.
Terence Tang and Yvette Chua exemplify the dynamic work of Civilian Generalists in MHA. They pull their weight beyond the frontlines and create direct impact to the safety and security of our loved ones. They share more about what drives them, and how their work protect Singapore from the ever-evolving security threats.
Terence Tang
1. In my current posting at the Policy Development Division, I formulate policies to regulate gambling activities and gambling products such as casinos and fruit machines in private clubs. I also work with stakeholders within the Home Team and other government agencies to ensure our policy solutions and regulations remain relevant amidst the fast-changing gambling landscape. I have also been given opportunities to work in areas beyond my portfolio, such as working with other agencies to improve ways to resolve community disputes.
2. As a Civilian Generalist at Ministry HQ, I enjoy exploring the diverse roles across the Home Team. In my previous stint at the Joint Operations Group, I was part of a team that coordinates Home Team operations and responses to major security incidents. I also helped to shape policy and operational levers, so that our Home Team agencies can better respond to evolving safety and security threats. I am grateful to be able to contribute to the Home Team's mission of keeping Singapore safe and secure.
3. The learning culture at MHA is very strong and I have received many opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I was part of an overseas study trip to Las Vegas to learn how we could improve Singapore's casino regulatory framework and practices. Soon, I will be embarking on my postgraduate studies sponsored by MHA! Our people-focused culture really shines through. Even as we continue our work-from-home arrangements, we are engaged regularly through virtual events to stay connected with each other.
Yvette Chua
1. The range of opportunities in the Home Team is vast and varied. I was involved in many key projects, and the most memorable would be the setting up of HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency) to transform the Home Team's science & technology capability development. My team was able to overcome challenging barriers with strong support and guidance from our Senior Management. This boosted our morale and spirits greatly, and I am proud to have played a part in laying the foundations for HTX!
2. No two days are the same as a Civilian Generalist in the Home Team. What is unique about the work of the Home Team is that it is tangible and concrete. In each of my roles, I was able to gain a better appreciation of the planning efforts going on behind the scenes to take on the security challenges of tomorrow. It is fulfilling to be able to see how our efforts contribute directly to the safety and security of Singapore.
3. We do not work alone in the Home Team. In all my postings, I have had the chance to work closely with both civilian and uniformed officers in the Home Team. Each collaboration allowed me to learn and gain different perspectives, to bring about more robust outcomes in our work. It is always gratifying to witness the motivations and drive of my colleagues. Together as one Home Team, we work towards achieving a common mission to keep our Home safe and secure.
