When it comes to pursuing a fulfilling career, the adage ‘do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ resonates with scholars Janika Oh Ja-Min and Charles Windle. Their shared passion for science and technology has inspired them to embark on careers with HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency) where they have a remarkable opportunity to transform their interests into impactful work that shapes the future.

Janika, an aspiring engineer, finds immense joy in witnessing her ideas spring to life, and HTX offers her a perfect platform for her to make a difference.

“To an engineer, nothing sparks more joy than seeing your ideas come to life. What’s more, at HTX, these ideas directly help people across Singapore, from security robots to touchless immigration systems. The fact that I can see how my job contributes directly to society excites and pushes me to find new ways to improve people’s lives!” Janika shared.

Charles on the other hand has always been fascinated by science and technology. The vast array of opportunities available at HTX immediately caught his attention, as it allowed scientists and engineers to work at the forefront of these fields.

“Using science and technology to improve lives is a very noble goal. There’s no better place to do that than at HTX!” Charles said.

Opening Doors to Boundless Potential

Charles’ decision to set his sights on HTX has proven to be fortuitous, as he was awarded the prestigious HTX Scholarship, providing him with the means to pursue his lifelong dream of studying at a top-notch university.

“I’ve always wanted to study Chemistry and being offered a place at the University of Cambridge for a Natural Sciences degree was a dream come true. The University of Cambridge has a long and storied history of excellent research in the sciences, attracting the brightest minds from around the world. However, scholarships supporting a degree in Chemistry are scarce in Singapore. HTX was one of the few organisations that recognised the value and importance of this field,” he explained.

Likewise, Janika received the Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship (Engineering) and chose HTX as her parent agency. She embarked on her studies in Mechanical Engineering and Music Technology at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

“CMU is a melting pot of diversity, making it the perfect institution for someone like me who is passionate about both the sciences and the arts. It has taught me invaluable skills in effectively communicating with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures while sharing my own unique Singaporean experiences with them,” Janika exclaimed.

Exploring New Frontiers

Their scholarships have also opened doors to a wealth of enriching experiences and internships at HTX, where they have connected with like-minded individuals and gained invaluable practical knowledge.

During her internship with the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems (RAUS) Centre of Expertise (CoE), Janika delved into the world of drone technology, honing her skills and expanding her horizons.

“I designed my own drone body and got to integrate the internal electronics and cameras and test different propellers and motors. At that time, I had never done anything remotely close to such a complex prototype, but my mentor was patient in teaching me the ropes,” she elaborated.

Janika’s internship not only provided hands-on experience in areas such as product design, electronic integration and static and dynamic analysis but also complemented her classroom lessons, enabling her to grasp her class material more effectively by applying theory to practical scenarios.

As for Charles, he is interning at HTX’s CBRNE Centre of Expertise (CoE), which specialises in the detection and protection against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. The CBRNE CoE works closely with agencies such as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to detect threats that enter Singapore’s borders, ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

“I am working on a number of projects that seek to enhance the detection of threats entering our land and sea checkpoints. Buses and shipping containers entering Singapore are X-ray scanned, and an operator checks the scans for threats such as firearms, explosives, illicit substances and contraband cigarettes. Our projects seek to harness the power of AI to detect these threats in X-ray scans, helping to reduce human error and increase processing speeds,” he explained.

A Nurturing Work Environment: Where Ideas Thrive

While the scope of work at HTX may seem daunting at first, both Janika and Charles appreciate the open and welcoming work environment that encourages employees at all levels to voice their ideas and suggestions.

“I was able to openly discuss and share ideas with my supervisors, work on impactful projects like the development of the checkpoint X-ray scanner AI, and make meaningful contributions to the Home Team ecosystem,” Charles candidly shared.

Janika agreed wholeheartedly, “Everyone was caring and passionate, and it was fun discussing our respective projects and brainstorming ideas!”

A Future Fueled by Passion and Purpose

Janika and Charles eagerly anticipate commencing their careers at HTX upon graduation, each envisioning a future filled with innovation, collaboration and transformative advancements.

Janika envisions herself as an engineer at HTX, driving the development of new technologies, collaborating with vendors to explore their cutting-edge solutions, and passionately bringing ideas to life.

“I’m sure in a few years’ time when I return to HTX, there will be many newer projects than what I saw when I was there as an intern, and I am excited to join the team and work on them!” she said.

Likewise, Charles looks forward to a career at HTX, where he can make signficant contributions to Singapore’s future through his expertise in science and technology.

Much like Janika and Charles, you too can embark on a remarkable journey at HTX, where the boundaries of science and technology are constantly pushed to ensure Singapore’s safety and security and unlock limitless possibilities for the future!