SINGAPORE - For Ground Response Officer Sergeant Lee Chee Guan, it was his father's story of being robbed at knifepoint in Johor Baru in the early 2000s that motivated him to become a police officer.

Mr Lee, 23, who works in the Orchard Neighbourhood Police Centre, said: "When my father described the details (of the robbery) to me, I could see the expression of helplessness in his face.

"From then on it ignited in me an inner desire to help make a positive difference in someone's life."

Mr Lee was one of 190 recipients awarded a study sponsorship by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at the Police Headquarters at New Phoenix Park on Friday (July 29).

He received a full-time degree sponsorship to study accountancy at Nanyang Technological University.

Others who have received sponsorships came from the police, Singapore Prisons Service, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Narcotics Bureau, and MHA.

The awards go to those currently working in various departments of the Home Team to further their education.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Mr Desmond Lee, who officiated the ceremony, said in a speech that the opportunity to pursue further studies has strengthened the ability of the Home Team officers in keeping Singapore safe.

He added: "We need to continually invest in the training and development of our officers, equip our officers with new skills and knowledge and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth."