Why did this S’porean, 20, go from preschool classrooms to border security with ICA?

It’s 11am on a Wednesday at ITE College Central and Chew Shi Yao, 20, is deep into a project work discussion with her classmates.

Shi Yao’s week is anything but typical. She spends one day in class at ITE, and the rest gaining real-world experience at Woodlands Checkpoint as part of ITE Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) in Security Operations.

This was probably not what Shi Yao imagined her day-to-day life would be like if you had spoken to her earlier in life, but such is the serendipity of life.

From early childhood to ICA

The possibility of joining ICA first presented to Shi Yao in the form of a QR code.

Her lecturer at Higher Nitec in Early Childhood Education pointed her to the ICA’s work-study booth just outside her classroom.

Despite being an intern at a preschool, Shi Yao scanned the QR code to find out more without much thought.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d get in,” she admitted.

But she underestimated herself. She actually received an email from ICA for an online interview.

The interview that changed her career path

Three days later, ICA called and asked if she was available for an interview.

“I thought 'Wah, they actually called - maybe I should try, you know?'” Shi Yao said.

And she was in for a surprise, as she was offered the Work-Study Diploma programme, which consisted of not only a job at ICA but also the training to ensure she’s ready for it.

Why would a prospective early childhood teacher consider a career with ICA? One would wonder.

Her motivations

Turns out, Shi Yao always had an admiration for ICA.

Growing up, she was drawn to the suspense of crime dramas, which sparked her curiosity about law enforcement.

During family trips across the Causeway, she noticed ICA officers and admired their dedication to safeguard the nation.

Those seemingly fleeting moments had always stayed with her. (Or perhaps with you too?)

By April 2025, Shi Yao started her Work-Study Diploma.

Her family and friends were fully behind her decision too. “They knew I had always been drawn to this kind of work since young,” she shared.

Starting fresh in ICA training wasn’t easy for Shi Yao.

As someone who takes a while to warm up in a new environment, Shi Yao was fortunate to meet people who took the initiative to get to know her.

“I make friends pretty slowly, so I mostly kept to myself for the first few weeks. Actually, my first friends were people who sat next to me because they did not want me to be alone, which was really sweet of them.”

As she settled into the role, she realised that the nature of shift work gives her the flexibility to balance school commitments with her work duties.

Work mode: On

At school, Shi Yao is like any other student, juggling classes, projects, and hanging out with friends.

Yet the moment she puts on her uniform, she’s ready to take on the responsibilities at the checkpoint.

Upon reaching Woodlands Checkpoint, Shi Yao dives straight to the locker room to prepare for her shift.

After a quick change, she joins her team for a pre-shift briefing. Everyone was serious at work as they noted down important updates shared before starting their shift.

As an Assessment & Investigation (A&I) officer, Shi Yao’s role involves assessing and sieving out dubious travellers for further checks. She is also supported by ICA's Integrated Targeting Centre, which leverages data analytics to conduct pre-arrival risk assessment of passengers, goods, and conveyances.

Those assessed as being at higher risk are flagged for checks upon arrival at our checkpoints, before they enter Singapore.

Here you can see Shi Yao in her work-mode: calm, composed and sharp.

Dealing with travellers who get upset can be challenging, Shi Yao admits. In such situations, Shi Yao has to quickly defuse the tension and explain why the rules are necessary to keep Singapore safe.

She was able to tap on her past experience in managing children and the mentorship from her seniors at ICA.

Patience, empathy, and observation skills all came with her early childhood background.

Looking back, she realised that the experience in keeping an eye on multiple children at once equipped her with the ability to observe and profile travellers deftly.

Her ICA training also taught her how to be careful with her choice of words when speaking to travellers.

Shi Yao recalls one of her mentors reminding her about the importance of being patient and understanding towards people. From there, she makes it a point to remain composed in a bid to defuse situations.

Securing our borders

A few months into the job, Shi Yao also recalls moments when she managed to detect a couple of cases successfully and even received a letter of recognition for it.

“That was when it hit me – wah, I’m really achieving something here,” she commented.

But beyond recognition, it’s the bigger purpose that keeps her motivated.

“Being an ICA officer is meaningful because I know that I’m protecting our home. My contribution helps to safeguard Singapore and that’s fulfilling to me.”

For anyone who enjoys hands-on learning and is interested in the work behind border security, Shi Yao says the Work-Study Diploma programme is a great way to get started.

A secure job which offers a diverse experience

Like Shi Yao, trainees in the programme receive comprehensive training that equips them with various skills before they start their first role as either an Assessment & Investigation (A&I) or Search & Examination (S&E) officer.

Training covers areas such as behavioural analysis, risk assessment, and conducting detailed security checks, ensuring they are ready for whichever role they are assigned to.

The Work-Study Diploma apprenticeship, launched in 2023, doesn’t merely offer experience. It offers ITE Nitec or Higher Nitec graduates job stability too.

Trainees like Shi Yao earn a monthly salary with full employment benefits, while pursuing a diploma concurrently.

Those who sign on to the programme will receive sign-on bonuses of S$30,000 from ICA, and incentives of up to S$15,000.

Milestones payments of S$5,000 will also be issued every four years in the service.

Life may be very different if Shi Yao had not taken that chance with ICA.

Looking back at this decision, Shi Yao has no regrets.

“This is my dream job and I chose it for a reason. No one pushed me into this, so I am really determined to give it everything I have.”

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. Apply here.

Curious about a career with ICA? Learn more here.

This branded article by ICA reminded the writer of the days where she worked and studied too.

Top photos by ICA.