He continued his education only after putting his three siblings through school

When Aizad decided to go back to school at age 33, it brought tears to his mother’s eyes. She remarked poignantly, “Now that you have finished looking into your siblings’ education, it’s time to take care of your own.”

He was pursuing his ‘A’ levels, when his father suffered a stroke. With three siblings still in primary school, he had no choice but to assume the responsibility of the breadwinner. He quit school and joined the Police Force.

It was some 16 years later, before he decided he was ready to resume his education. After such a long gap, he wondered if he had it in him to study again, as it would also not be easy to juggle family and work commitments. But perseverance led him to not only finish his Diploma in Management & Police Studies but to score several distinctions.

The diploma proved to be a huge asset to him. As a Senior Station Inspector, it gave him the skills and confidence to lead a team of 22 police officers, several of whom possess higher academic qualifications than him. The diploma has even opened new doors to larger roles and responsibilities. This year, he has been sponsored by his employer to attend a four-year UniSIM degree programme in Management and Security. His advice to those who are still unsure about taking the plunge to study: “Put your doubts and fears aside and just do it.”