Drawn to the complexities and challenges of law enforcement and inspired by the meaningful anti-drug cause that the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) stands for, DSP Zhi Hao’s journey led him to the Bureau.

“I gained a growing awareness of the global shifts in drug policies and the discussions around the decriminalisation and legalisation of cannabis,” he recalled. News reports on the harms brought about by drugs and on CNB’s high-stakes operations further solidified his resolve to serve on the frontlines of this critical fight.

Seeking both academic support and a meaningful career, DSP Zhi Hao applied for the MHA Uniformed Scholarship (Narcotics) while he was at university. The scholarship stood out to DSP Zhi Hao as it offered him the chance to choose his preferred career. “I chose CNB as my first choice as it has a focused vision of keeping Singapore drug-free, which I strongly believe in,” he explained.

“The scholarship covered my tuition fees and allowed me to focus on my studies. I was also reassured that I had a fulfilling job to look forward to upon graduation—and one which was aligned with my belief and preference for an exciting, non-desk-bound role!”

DSP Zhi Hao was appointed as a CNB officer after completing his residential training stint at the Home Team Academy. From day one, he was thrust into the thick of action, taking on roles that gave him growth both professionally and personally.

Thriving in a Dynamic Environment

DSP Zhi Hao’s career at CNB has been nothing short of ordinary. Within his first seven years, he was given the opportunity to rotate across five different postings, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities.

“Every role that I have taken up has been stimulating in its own way,” he shared. His foundation postings at the Enforcement and Investigation Divisions were demanding yet exciting, involving intense operations to apprehend suspected drug abusers and traffickers.

As a Team Leader at the Enforcement Division, DSP Zhi Hao took on the responsibility of rallying and leading his team under high-pressure situations. “Teamwork is key to our success, both in achieving our operational goals and also in ensuring the well-being of all team members,” he noted. The demands of operations did not deter DSP Zhi Hao and his team, driven by a shared commitment to CNB’s mission.

In his next posting opportunity as the Officer-in-Charge of Training Transformation, DSP Zhi Hao undertook the challenge of developing adult learning pedagogies and curriculum development. His efforts in designing the CNB Training Masterplan allowed him to contribute towards shaping the future of the Bureau’s enforcement capabilities. “The Masterplan aims to mould CNB staff into a learning workforce, one that continually refines their skills to close knowledge gaps,” he said.

DSP Zhi Hao is currently on secondment to the MHA Headquarters’ Joint Operations Group. He oversees high-profile cases and orchestrates effective cross-agency collaborations. “This role has helped me understand the Ministry’s perspectives on complex issues beyond drugs and appreciate the importance of coordinating a response plan to swiftly resolve the issues or prevent them from escalating,” he reflected. “Our effectiveness and efficiency are among the reasons that the public’s confidence in the Home Team has remained high over the years.” Witnessing the collaborative efforts of all Home Team Departments has also reinforced his appreciation of the strong sense of community and dedication to Singapore’s safety and security.

Broadening Horizons for Growth

Throughout his career, DSP Zhi Hao has been committed to continuous learning and growth. Whether leading a team for ground operations, developing training programmes, or shaping policies at the Ministry level, he has embraced every challenge as an opportunity to expand his horizons.

He has also been involved in other meaningful projects, such as organising the workshop on Singapore’s Drug Control in 2022. This event saw CNB hosting senior officials from 17 countries, showcasing the full spectrum of Singapore’s drug control strategies. During the four-day workshop, CNB partnered with six other government agencies to provide participants with a holistic view of Singapore’s drug control approach. This experience broadened DSP Zhi Hao’s perspective on inter-agency collaborations. “The close working relationship between the agencies is not something that should be taken for granted,” he highlighted, emphasising the importance of collaboration in achieving CNB’s goals.

DSP Zhi Hao’s dedication to his career has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognised for his potential and was invited to join the Home Team Leadership Development Programme (HTLDP). This is a testament to MHA and CNB’s commitment to grooming its future leaders. The programme, which includes development initiatives and stretch assignments, has given DSP Zhi Hao opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the broader considerations within the Home Team. One example of a stretch assignment is the Phoenix Community Committee that DSP Zhi Hao was appointed to this year. The Committee plays an important role in organising social and professional activities to facilitate networking and experience sharing between the senior management and members of the various leadership programmes in MHA. This has also provided DSP Zhi Hao with opportunities to learn and interact with current and future leaders through the bonding and networking sessions that he organises with the Committee.

Finding Balance Amidst the Journey

Apart from the developmental opportunities offered in his career, CNB’s work environment also energises him. He describes it as one that is “supportive, diverse and adaptive”.

“I have been inspired by the support and guidance I have received from my colleagues and supervisors, who have helped me see my potential for growth. No matter how tough things were, the people around me never failed to motivate and guide me through challenges, helping me emerge stronger while maintaining high standards,” he enthused. This supportive atmosphere, coupled with the diverse backgrounds and job scopes of team members, makes CNB an interesting place to learn and work. “Every day in CNB is different and there are always new challenges for me to overcome. Some days, I’ll be out conducting operations; other days I’ll be out advocating to the community or international stakeholders on the harmful effects of drugs and the rationale for Singapore’s strong stance,” he elaborated. “The cases we handle and the accused we meet present different encounters and experiences daily.”

As he looks to the future, DSP Zhi Hao is acutely aware of the challenges CNB will face, particularly the rising number of youth drug abusers. “We must act proactively to shield our youths from the insidious grip of addiction,” he emphasised. To address this, CNB has ramped up its preventive drug education and community engagement efforts, aiming to promote a drug-free lifestyle among Singapore’s youth. In the past, preventive drug education was predominantly driven by CNB. Increasingly, it is tapping into other government agencies, community partners and volunteers to build a drug-free Singapore. One significant step in this direction is the recent establishment of the Inter-Ministry Committee on Drug Prevention for Youths (IMC). This committee harnesses a whole-of-government approach towards drug prevention among youths. In addition, the inaugural Drug Victim Remembrance Day, observed every third Friday of May, aims to raise awareness of the harms of drugs.

For DSP Zhi Hao, the fight against drugs is more than just a job—it’s a lifelong mission. He said, “Through my career experiences, I have realised that CNB’s mission is multifaceted—it is not only about strong enforcement, effective policies, and robust investigation but also about education and engagement of hearts and minds to support and protect our drug-free vision for Singapore. I hope to continue contributing in all these areas to support CNB’s overall goals.”