The borders of Singapore’s land, air, and sea are the first line of
defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security. Protecting them is a crucial
role that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) takes seriously.
As a member of the Home Team under the Ministry of Home Affairs,
ICA focuses on upholding immigration and national registration laws,
and ensuring that the movement of people, goods, and conveyances
through our checkpoints is lawful. One such member of the team,
Phua Ren Feng, shares why her career in serving the nation is dynamic.
Phua Ren Feng
Senior Administrator (Policy Administration)
Policy, International Relations
& Legislation Division, ICA
Bachelor of Arts (Economics)
National University of Singapore
Currently, she works with the Ministry to review and develop
immigration policies, a role that she considers a “privilege”.
“I get exposure on how policies are formulated and the underlying intent
behind what is eventually created. I enjoy the challenge of working on
the details to ensure things are done right,” she says.
Ren Feng shares how she got started in this in the first place. “I was
searching for an impactful career when I chanced upon a documentary
about border security. The importance of the work, coupled with the
sophisticated equipment and shrewdness of the officers, piqued my
interest and inspired me to join ICA,” she reflects.
Her aspirations have not disappointed her thus far, as she learns
about the internal mechanisms of the work ICA does on
border security.
For instance, a stint at the Tuas Checkpoint as a Team Leader
honed her skills in detecting travellers using false identification
or coming in with illegal goods. It also gave her a chance to
work on contingency planning, giving her a bigger-picture
perspective about checkpoint operations. “When it comes to
checkpoint security, we must expect the unexpected,”
she declares.
That is the reason why she derives fulfilment from a
career with the organisation. “I am grateful that my work
can impact society directly. This sense of satisfaction is
something that keeps me going. I believe work at ICA is
more than a job. It offers exposure and experience that
are priceless,” she shares.
