SINGAPORE Police Force (SPF) scholar and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jeremy Ang Boon Sheng recalls his first chase after a bicycle thief, which inspired him to play a part in safeguarding the safety and security of Singapore.

He was still a student when this incident happened during a two-week attachment with SPF in 2005.

The following year, he applied for the SPF Overseas Scholarship (now known as SPF Scholarship).

He recalls: “At that time, there were attachment programmes offered to students and we were given a brief glimpse into the lorongs of Geylang and alleys of Little India.”

“For the first time, I saw how raids were conducted to keep shady and illicit activities contained and how officers had to endure abuse and hurt in the course of their work.”

Currently, the 30-year-old is the head of operations at SPF’s Central Division.

He is drawn to a policing career as “it offers the unique opportunity to see a different
side of Singapore”.

“I was also interested in the opportunity to lead teams and to take charge of a Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC),” he adds.

DSP Ang has a bachelor’s degree in economics, politics and international studies from The University of Warwick in England, and a master’s degree in criminology from University of Pennsylvania in the United States.

The SPF Scholarship covers full tuition and other approved fees, monthly overseas maintenance allowance, pre-studies allowance, travel allowance, as well as sponsorship for master’s and exchange programmes.

In addition, the scholarship allows the officer to draw a full salary during his studies. It
comes with a six-year bond.

DSP Ang is now into his seventh year of service.

Studying overseas meant DSP Ang had to adapt quickly to new challenges and be more independent.

“Other than academic aspects, I picked up life skills and broadened my horizons while studying in the US,” he says.

After his graduation, he returned to Singapore for nine months of training at the SPF’s
Training Command.

He was then assigned to Tanglin Division as an investigation officer for two years there before moving on to the police intelligence department for another year.

Then, he was appointed as commanding officer of Bukit Batok NPC.

In 2016, he took on his current post.

Leadership development
The scholarship has given him many learning opportunities to hone his leadership capabilities.

“At the age of 28, I was given the opportunity to command a NPC with an overall staff
strength of about 100.”

“These opportunities also gave me insights into resource optimisation, and man and
morale management,” he recalls.

At present, his work includes dealing with operations-related policy issues, such as managing police permits and licences, and partaking in policy reviews.

He is also involved with security planning, with oversight of major events such as the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, National Day Parade and Thaipusam celebrations.

DSP Ang says: “I go to work every day because I enjoy working with my team. We stay united through thick and thin.”

“When I think of the impact that my work has on people’s lives, it keeps me going.”

“Also, there is never a dull day at work. I learn something new literally every day.”