Left: Chermaine Cher is a Senior Manager (Humanitarian & Social Affairs) in the International Organisations and Security Directorate at MHA Headquarters. She also holds a Bachelor (Honours) of Social Sciences in Political Science.
Right: Goh Chee Young obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical & Production Engineering, a Graduate Diploma in Intelligence Analysis, and a Master of Science in Applied Geographical Information System. He is currently the Head of the Intelligence Analysis and Processing Branch in the Singapore Police Force.
Chermaine Cher
1. Making a Global Impact
After joining MHA as a fresh graduate, my work has further cultivated my passion for international relations. As a Civilian Generalist with the International Cooperation and Partnerships Division, I globetrot with an agenda. I safeguard homeland safety and security interests on the global stage to foster strong partnerships with international law enforcement and security agencies. I also follow international developments on various humanitarian, human rights and social issues in order to advance MHA’s work on the international fora.
2. Driving International Initiatives
My current stints include ongoing negotiations at the United Nations as part of Singapore’s interagency delegation to develop an international treaty to combat cybercrime, focusing on promoting our offensive interests such as asset recovery and scams. I am also involved in the lobbying efforts for Singapore’s election as a member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and organising an art exhibition in Vienna showcasing our drug rehabilitation initiatives and support for drug abusers to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
3. Supportive Workplace Culture
As a young officer, I appreciate the myriad of learning prospects and the trust vested in me by my supervisors. MHA fosters a culture of continuous growth, and endorses the pursuit of new trends and challenges, such as mandatory upskilling courses to keep us tech-savvy. There are also abundant avenues to nurture my interest in international relations through engagement with academics and senior MHA personnel. I am excited to see where my next posting will take me, and to chart my own course for professional advancement!
Goh Chee Young
4. Expertise in Varied Intelligence Analysis Functions
Over the length of my career, I have been exposed to different intelligence analysis functions ranging from operational analysis with the Criminal Investigation Department to crime pattern analysis and strategic analysis with Police Intelligence Department (PID). I am currently in the intelligence unit under the Commercial Affairs Department conducting operational analysis to identify criminal networks involved in commercial and financial crimes. I work closely with uniformed Police officers to safeguard Singapore from criminal elements and ensure that Singapore remains a safe and secure place to live and work in.
5. Opportunities for Continuous Growth
The intelligence analysts in PID come from various backgrounds. I was a Mechanical Engineer by training before I joined the Singapore Police Force as an Intelligence Analyst. I also received opportunities for my professional development, such as being sponsored by MHA to pursue a full-time Masters programme and the National Strategic Intelligence Course in Australia with other intelligence analysts from law enforcement agencies like the FBI, the Australian Federal Police and the National Crime Agency from the UK.
6. Strengthening Unity Through Teamwork
Teamwork is a fundamental part of the MHA and PID culture. We recognise the importance of collaborative work, understanding that we are only as strong as the sum of our parts. Our common goal to keep Singapore safe and secure fuels our teamwork as one Home Team. Within PID, I am thankful that I have colleagues I can always rely on and who are often just a phone call away. Over the years, some of these connections have turned into cherished friendships.
