From Poolside To Public Service
Eleanor Quah: MHA Uniformed Scholarship
Eleanor Quah Yu Wei is a shining example of how passion, resilience, and heart can shape an extraordinary journey. Armed with an MHA Uniformed Scholarship, she is transitioning from her early days by the poolside to working towards serving at the front lines of public service with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Now entering her second year at University College London, where she is pursuing Politics and International Relations, Eleanor has set her sights on a career with the Ministry of Home Affairs and SCDF. “I’ve always wanted a meaningful career in the public sector,” she shared. “When I spoke to a few SCDF officers, I really connected with their mission: to save lives and property with impartiality. It stood out to me as compassionate, mission-driven, and aligned with my own values.”
For Eleanor, the decision went beyond career stability, it was about finding purpose. “I also didn’t want a purely desk-bound job,” she explained. “What attracted me to MHA, and SCDF in particular, is the diversity of rotations, the emphasis on teamwork, and the opportunity to take on a role that is adrenaline-driven, dynamic, and impactful. I wanted a career that would challenge me both physically and mentally, while allowing me to contribute to society in a very tangible way.”
Eleanor took time to reflect deeply on her choice. “I thought carefully about the kind of values I wanted to uphold in my career. Service, compassion, and integrity were central to me,” she said. “I also considered the long-term nature of a uniformed service career, how it would challenge me intellectually, physically, and emotionally. I knew I wanted a role where teamwork and camaraderie were essential, and SCDF really reflected that.”
She credits much of her readiness for this next chapter to her formative years at Singapore Sports School. “Being in Sports School instilled in me two very important traits: discipline and tenacity,” Eleanor explained. “Discipline is a cornerstone in the uniformed services, whether it’s in training, decision-making, or day-to-day conduct. My years in sports taught me how to follow through, stay focused, and remain accountable, even under pressure. Sports also taught me to face challenges head-on, embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow, and keep pushing even when things get tough. I believe this mindset will serve me well in the demands of a uniformed service career.”
The former national artistic swimmer represented Singapore in several international competitions, excelled academically in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and was named Valedictorian of the IBDP Class of 2023 as an all-rounded student-athlete. Adding another feather to her cap as a recipient of the MHA Uniformed Scholarship, she is poised to continue pursuing excellence, guided by the strong values that will shape her future career.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Home Affairs
Now entering her second year at University College London, where she is pursuing Politics and International Relations, Eleanor has set her sights on a career with the Ministry of Home Affairs and SCDF. “I’ve always wanted a meaningful career in the public sector,” she shared. “When I spoke to a few SCDF officers, I really connected with their mission: to save lives and property with impartiality. It stood out to me as compassionate, mission-driven, and aligned with my own values.”
For Eleanor, the decision went beyond career stability, it was about finding purpose. “I also didn’t want a purely desk-bound job,” she explained. “What attracted me to MHA, and SCDF in particular, is the diversity of rotations, the emphasis on teamwork, and the opportunity to take on a role that is adrenaline-driven, dynamic, and impactful. I wanted a career that would challenge me both physically and mentally, while allowing me to contribute to society in a very tangible way.”
Eleanor took time to reflect deeply on her choice. “I thought carefully about the kind of values I wanted to uphold in my career. Service, compassion, and integrity were central to me,” she said. “I also considered the long-term nature of a uniformed service career, how it would challenge me intellectually, physically, and emotionally. I knew I wanted a role where teamwork and camaraderie were essential, and SCDF really reflected that.”
She credits much of her readiness for this next chapter to her formative years at Singapore Sports School. “Being in Sports School instilled in me two very important traits: discipline and tenacity,” Eleanor explained. “Discipline is a cornerstone in the uniformed services, whether it’s in training, decision-making, or day-to-day conduct. My years in sports taught me how to follow through, stay focused, and remain accountable, even under pressure. Sports also taught me to face challenges head-on, embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow, and keep pushing even when things get tough. I believe this mindset will serve me well in the demands of a uniformed service career.”
The former national artistic swimmer represented Singapore in several international competitions, excelled academically in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and was named Valedictorian of the IBDP Class of 2023 as an all-rounded student-athlete. Adding another feather to her cap as a recipient of the MHA Uniformed Scholarship, she is poised to continue pursuing excellence, guided by the strong values that will shape her future career.
- Footballer Nufah Asyura Receives Lee Kuan Yew Award For All-Round Excellence
- ROAR For Sportsmanship And Leadership
- From Poolside To Public Service
