Small, discreet and brightly coloured, the lipstick-sized Kpod gives little hint of danger. Yet the effects of the etomidate-laced vape can unfold within minutes, leaving users disoriented, weak and unable to control their muscles.
Understanding the scale of this emerging threat to public health was the focus of Sheanna-Grace Tan’s work during her recent vacation attachment internship under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) scholarship programme.
The MHA Civilian Generalist scholar was attached to the agency’s policy development division from June to August 2025. She was tasked to research the risks posed by Kpods and how their abuse takes hold, particularly among young people.
Sheanna sifted through piles of international research papers and open-source information, helping the division piece together patterns across countries – from production methods to how sellers package and market new variants. The aim was to give government policymakers a clearer picture of how new products and supply methods emerged, even as patterns of drug abuse evolved.
“It was an incredibly exciting experience because it happened at a time when the issue was gaining national attention rapidly,” says the 22-year-old. “Even though my work contributed to just one small part of the whole-of-government efforts, it gave me a glimpse into how policies are shaped.”
Research findings feed into discussions on whether certain substances should be regulated, and how. In September 2025, etomidate – the anaesthetic agent found in Kpods – was temporarily listed as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 for a period of six months, pending the Ministry of Health’s introduction of a more fit-for-purpose legislation – an example of how such assessments can translate into concrete policy responses.
Beyond research, the vacation attachment internship showed Sheanna how policy teams work with front-line officers to review case patterns and understand enforcement constraints to refine policy recommendations. She also saw how research underpins discussions across MHA and other agencies, helping to frame issues clearly and bring different perspectives into the same conversations.
“From policy development to ground operations, everyone understands their role so clearly in doing what needs to be done to keep Singapore safe,” says Sheanna.
“Even though my work contributed to just one small part of the efforts, it gave me a glimpse into how policies are shaped.”
– Sheanna-Grace Tan, recipient of the MHA Civilian Scholarship (Generalist)
Growing up, Sheanna heard about the Home Team’s role in protecting people through her father’s work with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). He has worked there for over 30 years. Through him, she came to understand the importance and responsibility of the Home Team’s mission, and how the safety Singaporeans enjoy is built on years of dedication by the officers working at the front lines and behind the scenes.
Her father’s passion for his work at CNB left a strong impression on her. It also made her think about joining the public service.
“My dad showed me how much thought and discipline goes into the work that most people never see,” she says.
Her own path became clearer when she took up a minor in forensic science at the National University of Singapore. Through her classes and interactions with professors and Home Team officers involved in her coursework, she found herself drawn to issues related to law, safety and security, prompting her to apply for the MHA Civilian Scholarship (Generalist).
When she joins the ministry as a Civilian Generalist officer upon graduation, she will have the opportunity – through structured rotations to – take up roles across MHA headquarters and 10 Home Team agencies, as well as across 12 domain areas ranging from policy and international relations to communications, human resources and finance.
In addition to the vacation attachment internship, Sheanna also attended the week-long Home Team Scholars Vacation Programme, curated specially for MHA scholars. Through this, she was not only exposed to different Home Team agencies and functions but also had the opportunity to build connections with officers and fellow scholars in the process.
What struck her most was the coordination required to stress-test, refine and put policies into practice.
“Because life in Singapore feels so safe and seamless, it is easy to forget the amount of work happening in the background,” she says.
This realisation has shaped how she views her own aspirations.
“My goal has always been simple: to do good, and to grow into the best version of myself. This scholarship has helped to provide clearer direction towards achieving that goal,” she says.
