Sheer determination and a strong fighting spirit were what kept Tamil Chelvan going in his learning journey.

Chelvan started his career armed with only a Primary 6 education. He worked as an office boy cum legal clerk, and subsequently moved on to working at a factory. He later joined the Army, which offered him a stable job. During his six-year stint as a medical officer, he took up various medical courses.

After he completed his contract with the Army, Chelvan challenged himself by taking up a level 3 National Trade Certificate (NTC) in Maintenance Fitting while working the night shift as a handyman and a part-time Industrial nurse at a factory. It was tough going, but Chelvan attained his NTC certificate in 1990. With that in hand, he joined SIA Engineering as a Night Nurse, managing the dispensary and administration of the clinic.

Some time later, Chelvan decided that it was time to switch careers. He moved into the security line, joining Motorola as a Security Officer. Over a six-month period, he attended various security related courses and was later promoted to Senior Supervisor. However, the economy took a nosedive and Chelvan was retrenched. He was jobless for a year. Divorced with three daughters to support, Chelvan took on odd jobs to make ends meet.

His fortune took a turn for the better in 1999 when he was hired by Tiara Investigation & Security Services as a Junior Security Supervisor. In his three years there, he attended a Basic Security Course, followed by a Security Supervisor Course, to upgrade his skills and knowledge.

Currently with Pledge Security Services as a Security Supervisor, Chelvan knows very well that he has to keep abreast of the changes to remain relevant. He has since taken computer courses under the National IT Literacy Programme (NITLP) and has a Basic and Intermediate Certificate in Microsoft XP. In addition, he is also attending a National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) course at SINDA. Chelvan has proven that no matter what life’s challenges bring, determination, willpower and an eagerness to learn will help one succeed in life.