Meet the next generation of Home Team volunteers — students who juggle school and service, proving that you’re never too young to step up and make a difference.
In an inspiring display of civic engagement, young Singaporeans are increasingly stepping forward to contribute to the nation’s safety and security through various Home Team volunteer schemes. Their stories demonstrate how youth from different backgrounds are making meaningful contributions while developing valuable skills and perspectives.
DIVERSE PATHS TO SERVICE
The Home Team offers multiple avenues for youth involvement, as demonstrated by three passionate volunteers:
Sergeant (SGT) (V) Ernest Chua, 24, serves as a Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) officer at Bukit Merah West Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) while balancing his law studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Sunjushre Naidu, 21 , volunteers with the Citizens on Patrol (COP) programme while pursuing Data Science and Analytics at NUS.
Muhammad Syazan Bin Saad, 24, volunteers for the Civil Defence Lionhearter Club (CDLH) while pursuing his law degree at the Singapore Management University (SMU).
These young volunteers exemplify how serving the community can be balanced with academic pursuits. Through careful time management and dedication, they have found ways to make meaningful contributions while excelling in their studies.
WEEKEND GUARDIAN: SGT (V) ERNEST'S PATH IN VSC
“I never thought I’d be helping to keep Singapore safe while still in university,” shares SGT (V) Ernest Chua. He performs Ground Response Force officer duties and volunteers for major event deployments such as the New Year’s Eve Countdown while gaining invaluable exposure to public service. Between his law textbooks and patrol duties, SGT (V) Ernest has discovered a deeper meaning in public service. “Friday nights and weekends – that’s when you’ll find me in uniform,” he shares. The VSC scheme’s requirement of 16 hours per month makes it manageable for students like him to participate meaningfully.
During his volunteer training, the instructors from Training Command explained the different roles and functions across the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Through interactions with regular officers during duties, SGT (V) Ernest gained deeper insights into life in the SPF as they shared their experiences. He also realised that signing on as a Police officer is unlike starting a “normal” career – it is a life-changing commitment.
One particularly moving experience SGT (V) Ernest shares involved helping a family cope with the sudden loss of a loved one. “Although there was no ‘happy ending’ to this incident, it reminded me how Police officers are often involved in intimate moments in people’s lives and with this involvement comes significant responsibility,” he reflects. The privilege of being present during such intimate times, he notes, carries with it a profound duty of care.
Serving as a VSC officer has helped SGT (V) Ernest develop situational awareness skills. During training, officers learn the importance of assessing situations. An example would be positioning subjects when engaging them while considering environmental factors (such as blind corners and escape routes) and ensuring Police officers maintain visual contact of each other. “While on duty, I find myself subconsciously applying what I was taught. This is a useful skill as it can help keep you safe when travelling overseas or in new environments,” SGT (V) Ernest explains. Additionally, regular recertification in firearms handling and first aid ensures he maintains these essential competencies.
“I’d advise any university student interested in a career with the SPF to volunteer with the VSC. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see if life as a regular officer is suitable for you,” SGT (V) Ernest shares. “Regardless of whether you ultimately sign on, volunteering with the Home Team offers many learning opportunities, exposure to exciting challenges and, most importantly, a way to give back to your community.”
FOLLOWING HER MOTHER'S FOOTSTEPS: SUNJUSHRE’S COP JOURNEY
For Sunjushre, volunteering runs in the family. Her eyes light up when she speaks about her mother, a former COP leader. “Growing up, I’d listen to my mum’s stories about her patrol experiences. Those stories sparked something in me – a desire to create my own legacy of service.” Sunjushre conducts regular patrols with fellow volunteers and Police officers, sharing crime prevention tips with residents and leveraging youth perspectives to modernise community outreach through social media and digital platforms.
Sunjushre (right) out on patrol with fellow COP members.
“Volunteering with COP has made me realise that the Home Team is more than just Police officers – it’s a network of various groups of people working together to keep Singapore safe. I’ve learnt how ordinary citizens like myself can help to maintain safety within our neighbourhood,” says Sunjushre, reflecting on how volunteering has shifted her perspective.
Sunjushre recalls an incident during a patrol with her team. They noticed a cash card left visible in a parked car and quickly alerted the Police, who contacted the owner and prevented a potential break-in. Although it was a small act, it reminded Sunjushre how simple vigilance can make a real difference.
Through volunteering with the COP, Sunjushre has developed better communication and interpersonal skills while engaging with residents. Her training in crime prevention and basic first aid has also boosted her confidence in interacting with others and handling emergency situations calmly.
Sunjushre believes that youths can actively contribute to community outreach through schools and digital platforms, raising awareness about safety issues and crime prevention. With their digital knowledge, youths can come up with unique and interactive ways to spread important messages about safety in Singapore. This enables the Home Team to reach wider audiences and encourage more people to work together in keeping Singapore safe and secure.
EMPOWERING YOUNG LIFESAVERS: SYAZAN'S LIONHEARTER JOURNEY
Syazan’s journey with the Civil Defence Lionhearter Club started with a simple interest in lifesaving skills. Having always been interested in volunteer work, Syazan found the Civil Defence Lionhearter Club particularly interesting because of its unique focus on lifesaving skills. “Juggling with my school and other commitments can be challenging at times, but I always keep a Google Calendar updated with all of my upcoming work/events so that I can keep myself in check of my various commitments,” Syazan explains. Moreover, he is also always energised to serve alongside his fellow CD Lionhearters, with many who have become his friends along the way.
Syazan (right) moderating a session during a Lionheart Panel at the Civil Defence Lionhearter Forum 2024 in October 2024.
Today, Syazan leads initiatives to spread knowledge on lifesaving skills and emergency preparedness, including innovative projects like the Triangle of Life Project that empowers young children to become Community First Responders. Volunteering with Civil Defence Lionhearter Club has opened his eyes to the synergy within the Home Team, and the extraordinary work that everyone does to keep Singapore safe. Syazan is also excited to see how the Home Team involves the wider community, empowering everyone to be Community First Responders.
Syazan recalls one of his most memorable moments was when he organised their maiden Triangle of Life Project, where they engaged with a preschool to educate and empower children to be Community First Responders. Through the weekly sessions, it warmed Syazan’s heart to watch the children so excited to learn about lifesaving skills and hear their stories of how the children have shared with their families about what they have learnt in the sessions. “I will always remember this young boy who came up to me during our last session and surprised me with a hug, and said “thank you” for the past few sessions together. It made all the hard work that went into planning and coordinating the sessions worth it,” Syazan shares.
Syazan with fellow SMU CD Lionhearters at a Triangle of Life Project outreach with PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Changi Simei in July 2023, teaching the students about first aid though interactive roleplay.
Beyond lifesaving skills, the Civil Defence Lionhearter Club had introduced Syazan to the power of leadership and communication. Through various community engagement events and first aid deployments, he has learnt how to lead with calm and confidence, especially in guiding his fellow CD Lionhearters through challenging situations, coordinating resources and providing clear instructions. He has also attended SCDF’s Responders Plus Programme and a Standard First Aid + CPR/AED courses, which have helped him to render assistance to those in need and in the Civil Defence Lionhearter Club’s community engagement activities.
For youths interested in volunteering, Syazan shares that there are so many avenues for youths to come together and support the volunteering activities! For University students, he highly encourages them to approach their Civil Defence Lionhearter Club to learn lifesaving skills and meet fellow motivated youths and do good for the community.
Alternatively, youths can also sign up as a Community First Responder on the myResponder app. They can be alerted of any nearby fire or medical emergencies and render their help. Beyond the usual lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR, fetching a nearby AED or even keeping a family member calm are equally useful when responding to an emergency. Everyone can play a part to keep Singapore safe and secure in their own unique and meaningful ways.
CALL TO YOUTH ACTION
The impact of these youth volunteers extends beyond their official duties. They develop crucial skills while gaining deep insights into community service. Their experiences shape them into more aware and capable citizens.
These volunteers unanimously encourage other young Singaporeans to step forward. As Sunjushre notes, “You don’t need special skills to make a difference; you just need the passion to serve your community and the drive to learn new things.”
“Don’t be afraid to step up and volunteer with the Home Team! Here you will find many fellow youths who are always ready to support you in your volunteering journey. You will also be provided with the tools and training to equip you with the necessary skillsets, so not to worry even if you have no prior background in lifesaving skills. We are all here to learn and do good for the community together!” Syazan says.
LOOKING AHEAD
The future of Singapore’s safety and security increasingly relies on active community participation. These youth volunteers demonstrate that the younger generation is ready and capable of taking up this responsibility, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the Home Team’s mission.
Regardless of background or field of study, there’s a place for every young person who wishes to contribute to Singapore’s safety and security. Whether it’s through VSC for those interested in law enforcement, digital outreach for the social media savvy, or learning lifesaving skills as a Civil Defence Lionhearter, opportunities abound when one volunteers with the Home Team. Through their service, these youth volunteers are not just supporting the Home Team’s mission today – they’re helping to build a more resilient and secure Singapore for tomorrow.
Their stories remind us that volunteering isn’t just about the big moments – it’s about the small, daily actions that add up to create a safer, more connected Singapore.
Join the Home Team Volunteer Network and make a difference in your community today! Visit our website to learn more about our volunteer schemes and how you can contribute. You can also get to know more about the myResponder App and sign up as a Community First Responder to play a part in keeping Singapore safe and secure.
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