When Victoria decided to sign on with the SAF, the DIS had just been inaugurated. Many were uncertain about what this new service entailed or how it would operate. Rather than being deterred, Victoria saw opportunity in the unknown.

Growing up with a father who served as a Regular, Victoria developed an early fascination with military service and the values it embodied: discipline, camaraderie, and collective purpose. The establishment of the DIS offered her a chance to pursue those values in an entirely new domain.

“I found it exciting to be part of something so new and evolving,” she said. “I was drawn to the idea of helping shape the SAF’s approach to the largely unseen digital domain that the DIS operates in.”

A Scholarship for Growth and Service

The SAF Scholarship proved to be the ideal platform for Victoria's aspirations. Jointly offered by the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), it aligned with her desire to grow both as an individual and as a professional while serving a larger purpose.

"The academic exposure, leadership development, and varied roles that this scholarship provides have allowed me to better understand Singapore's place in the world and how I can meaningfully contribute back to the country," Victoria explained.

Currently pursuing a double degree in Law and Economics at NUS, Victoria often surprises people with her choice of studies.

"I get this same question a lot: 'Why study law if you're not going to practise it commercially?'" she shared with a smile.

For Victoria, the connection is clear. "Law underpins almost every industry and shapes how our societies function. Studying Law develops a strong analytical mindset that translates directly to my work in the DIS,” she added.

As a military intelligence expert, Victoria analyses fragmented information to support critical decision-making. "Law school teaches me to think out of the box, stay curious, and break out of my own assumptions — all of which are essential to my work," she noted.

Vigilance Around the Clock

Victoria's days at the DIS are far from routine. She analyses and develops a deep understanding of the regional security environment, leverages digital tools and sensor technologies to gather and process intelligence, and oversees operations to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.

"Our job is to make sense of complex information and present what truly matters to decision-makers," she explained. “Because the security landscape evolves so quickly, every day brings its unique challenges — whether to new threats, incoming information, or emerging tools.”

Beyond the technical work, she also leads small teams, coordinates real-time operations, and collaborates closely with other agencies.

The Invisible Battlefield

Working in the DIS opened Victoria's eyes to dimensions of defence she hadn't initially imagined.

"When most people picture a military career, they imagine something very kinetic — soldiers in the field, weapons training, fast-paced physical operations,” she noted. “I was under the very same impression when I first considered signing on.”

The reality proved far more complex yet fascinating. "The DIS opened my eyes to a spectrum of unseen threats — in cyberspace and even in the minds and morale of our people,” she revealed. “These challenges are constantly evolving and often invisible, but their implications can be just as severe as a physical attack."

This realisation reshaped her understanding of modern defence. "Today's battle extends beyond physical terrain,” she highlighted. “Even if we cannot see these threats physically, it's just as crucial that we address them head-on.”

Bonds Forged in Training

One of Victoria's most memorable experiences was Officer Cadet School (OCS), where the demanding training pushed her to her physical and mental limits.

"While I was in the thick of things, it didn't seem very fun," she admitted with a laugh. "However, looking back, I treasure the experiences my fellow cadets and I shared during that period."

What makes the DIS unique is that it's a mostly Regular service. "The people you train with in Basic Military Training or OCS aren't just passing acquaintances — they're the same people you will serve alongside in your future careers," Victoria said. "Going through tough training together with my OCS batchmates not only cultivated strong bonds between us but also made our training journey all the more meaningful."

Staying Ahead of Evolving Threats

Keeping pace with the rapidly changing digital threat landscape requires constant learning. Victoria listens to news broadcasts and current-affairs podcasts during her commute and engages in discussions with colleagues to gain different perspectives.

"It helps that I genuinely enjoy following the latest trends and threats in the digital sphere," she said. "Keeping myself updated never feels like a chore — instead, it's something I look forward to because it sharpens my understanding of the world."

Quiet Purpose, Profound Impact

For Victoria, the most rewarding aspect of her work lies in knowing she contributes to Singapore's defence in meaningful ways that most people never see.

"We're fortunate to live in a country where peace and stability are the norm, and it's easy to take this security for granted," she reflected. "Working in the DIS has shown me how much effort goes into keeping things this way — often in places people never see or even think about."

Her work may happen quietly in the background, but its impact is deeply personal. "Knowing that what I do protects my loved ones gives me a deep sense of purpose,” she mused. “This feeling is what keeps me grounded and drives me to continue doing what I do in the DIS."

Building Expertise for the Future

Looking ahead, Victoria is focused on continuous growth. "My long-term goal is to stay sharp, stay curious, and keep building my expertise so that I can continue safeguarding the peace and security of our nation."

The DIS provides extensive opportunities for professional development, including industry-recognised certifications and internal developmental courses. "I see it as an environment where I can keep pushing myself and build a career that grows alongside my skills and knowledge," Victoria added.

For students considering a career with the DIS, Victoria offers simple advice: "Ask questions. Reach out to seniors who have walked this path, or speak to the DIS recruitment team to get a clearer sense of the work we do. Hearing real experiences can help you understand whether the DIS aligns with your passions."

Her second piece of advice echoes the mindset that guided her own journey: "Be bold. Whether you're still in school or you've just graduated, seize the opportunities that present themselves. If a career in the DIS genuinely interests you, don't be afraid of giving it a shot!"