Not all heroes whiz around wearing capes. Some wield data, code and science to protect the place they call home. Ng Jian Yan and Evonne Ng are part of this category of innovators who combine passion with purpose at HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency), where scientists and engineers develop cutting-edge solutions that make Singapore safer and stronger.

We caught up with Jian Yan, a Human Performance, Interaction & Teaming Scientist at the Human Factors & Simulation (HFS) Centre of Expertise (CoE), and Evonne, a final-year student pursuing her master’s degree in technology management at NTU, to learn more about their journeys with HTX.

Take us back to how it all began, what sparked your interest in this field?

Evonne: I’ve always been drawn to methodical, logical and evidence-based thinking. This guided me towards an engineering degree, where computer science stood out for its logical structure, problem-solving nature and broad applicability across fields. My fascination with Artificial Intelligence (AI) deepened during my exchange at Imperial College London, where courses such as Computational Neurodynamics exposed me to the vast potential of intelligent systems and inspired me to pursue this field further.

Jian Yan: I have always enjoyed hands-on learning, especially when I can make connections between the classroom and everyday life. One of my favorite subjects is biology because learning about how the body works fascinates me.

How did this interest lead you to the HTX Scholarship?

Jian Yan: The scholarship aligns with my long-term goal of leveraging science and technology to address ever-evolving public safety challenges. This goal took shape during National Service, where I witnessed the importance of ensuring public safety. My time with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) gave me first-hand insights into the intense physical demands faced by Home Team officers, further kindling my deep interest in human performance optimisation that was sparked when I previously represented Singapore in swimming competitions. These experiences shaped my vision for a career with HFS.

Evonne: Since secondary school, I have been actively involved in various volunteering initiatives. This has helped me to realise that I find the greatest fulfilment when using my skills to create meaningful social impact. Combined with my interest in technology, these experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the public sector, particularly within tech-focused agencies that harness innovation to improve lives and strengthen communities.

As an agency dedicated to enhancing public safety through science and technology, HTX stood out to me.

How has the scholarship shaped your journey, Jian Yan?

This scholarship provided me with opportunities I otherwise may not have had. These include studying at top universities abroad, such as the University of Cambridge, which broadened my perspectives and allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and mentors who offered invaluable insights.

Evonne, how has the scholarship prepared you for your upcoming posting at HTX?

Through the Home Team Scholars Vacation Programme, I visited various Home Team agencies such as the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and SCDF. This gave me a much deeper appreciation of how each organisation contributes to Singapore’s safety, and how HTX acts as a crucial force multiplier supporting their missions.

Beyond that, my internship with the agency’s Sense-making & Surveillance CoE opened my eyes to real-world use cases, such as developing dehazing models for maritime surveillance videos used by the Coast Guard. Knowing that our work can help enhance operational effectiveness reaffirmed my desire to pursue a career at HTX.

Jian Yan, you do some fascinating work. Could you tell us more about what you do and your experience working in the newly launched Xplore lab?

As a scientist at HFS, I focus on research and development work aimed at creating evidence-based strategies to enhance physical and cognitive performance, ensure resilience under extreme environmental conditions and optimise decision-making by leveraging modelling insights. Working in the Xplore lab has been incredible. I am wowed by its diverse array of cutting-edge technologies, which enables us to consistently advance R&D efforts while customising solutions to meet the specific requirements of the Home Team. Furthermore, the HFS team is constantly seeking new innovations to develop and integrate, which serves as a reminder to never be complacent because success is a journey, not a destination.

What are your hopes for your future at HTX?

Evonne: Transitioning from an academic to a professional environment, I look forward to learning how large-scale systems are built, deployed and maintained, and seeing firsthand how technology can make a tangible difference in public safety operations. Ultimately, I hope to grow as an engineer within an organisation that aligns closely with my values and aspirations, while contributing to solutions that help safeguard the community.

Jian Yan: In addition to enhancing safety and performance outcomes for Home Team training and operations, I aim to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies in areas such as fatigue management and cognitive performance. I also aspire to support the advancement of innovative technologies that could have a long-lasting impact both within Singapore and internationally.

Every breakthrough starts with a bold vision. Imagine a world where you could learn a new skill overnight simply by wearing a neuroplasticity training device that forges the right neural pathways. While it may seem like science fiction today, it’s the kind of future I want to help build!

What would you say to someone keen to start a career at HTX?

Evonne: When exploring career paths, it helps to first reflect on what you enjoy and what you’re naturally good at. The next step is to explore opportunities related to those interests — talking to people in the field, joining projects or trying different experiences. Finally, reflecting on these experiences helps to shape your understanding and direction. Finding your passion is often iterative. It’s okay to not know exactly what you want at first; sometimes it’s more about identifying a general direction and moving toward it with curiosity and openness.

Jian Yan: Do not be afraid to apply for an internship with HTX! Our diverse Centres of Expertise present the opportunity for you to try something new and explore a challenge in an area you may not have previously considered. You may even see your efforts translate into a real-life solution implemented at our frontlines!