Jess (pictured above, right) said the experience allowed her to gain valuable insights into Singapore’s history, culture and its innovative approach to policing, security, and leadership.

“Coming from a background in both the government and private sectors, I had a solid basis for comparison and was often left in awe of Singapore’s progressive strategies and practices,” Jess said.

After a 10-year career as a detective, Jess is now based on the Mornington Peninsula and works as an Investigation Manager with the National Australia Bank (NAB) while studying the Master of Investigations in the Charles Sturt Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS).

Program Leader Mr Adrian Davis in the AGSPS said 11 postgraduate students participated in the study tour facilitated by Charles Sturt Global  and hosted by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) from Sunday 6 to Saturday 19 October. The students received funding under the Destination Australia Cheung Kong Exchange Program.

“This program is designed for postgraduate students from policing, security, border force and the wider investigation disciplines who want to immerse themselves in understanding the context, security and investigative structures of the South-East Asia region and Singapore,” Mr Davis said.

“The students gained a unique understanding of policing research, border control, prison and civil defence structures and they explored the Singaporean culture while learning and sharing ideas about criminal justice, transnational crime, human trafficking, drug crime, crisis, relational and restorative leadership, and local policing.”

The program involved several field trips and guest speakers from academia, security, intelligence, and human resource management. The group liaised directly with key organisations - Interpol, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Prison Service, Central Narcotics Bureau, Community Care Services, and the National Employers Federation.

Jess said the study tour enhanced her understanding of national and international issues that interested her and are relevant to her career aspirations.

“One of the most impressive parts of the trip was our visit to the Home Team Academy,” Jess said.

“This centralised hub integrates essential agencies like the police, civil defence, and immigration, demonstrating the power of coordination and collaboration in maintaining public safety.

“The efficiency and seamlessness with which these agencies work together highlighted the importance of unified operations in tackling complex challenges.

“Having worked in similar sectors, I found it particularly inspiring to see how these services are prioritised and advanced through continuous professional development and cutting-edge technology.”

Jess said another highlight was learning about Hatch, an innovation branch within the Home Team Science and Technology Agency HTX.

“Their focus on tackling modern crime through technology and global collaboration was a perfect example of Singapore’s forward-thinking approach,” she said.

“Seeing how the country actively invests in cybersecurity and technological solutions reinforced the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats. It left me feeling inspired and reflective about how essential innovation is for shaping the future of security.”

Jess said that beyond the professional insights, one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was connecting with the students and academics at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), which was invaluable for both professional development and personal growth.

“The SUSS team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and well-cared for, which enriched the experience and fostered genuine connections,” she said.

“Their warmth and hospitality deepened my appreciation for Singaporean culture and values, and I also enjoyed the perfect balance between learning and leisure.”

Jess said the study group had enough downtime to explore the city, visit iconic sights, and try local dishes that aren’t available back home.

“I treated every meal like an adventure, enjoying the chance to experience Singapore’s rich culinary diversity,” she said. “Thanks to the local recommendations from the SUSS team, I savoured incredible dishes like Popiah and Cendol, as well as favourites like laksa and chilli crab.”

Jess said the trip also allowed her to form friendships with other Australian students, and together they shared these experiences, learned from one another, and created memories that will last long after the trip.

“The experience gave me a solid foundation to compare approaches in my own career, and I gained a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s progressive strategies in security and innovation,” Jess said.

“The connections made and the cultural immersion have left me feeling inspired and grateful, and I’m eager to apply these insights and continue building meaningful relationships across borders.

“If you’re thinking about signing up for an international experience, I couldn’t recommend Charles Sturt University more highly and I thank it for the opportunity to take part.”

Charles Sturt Global programs give students an international experience as part of their degree. From a six- to 12-month exchange at an overseas university, to short-term study, faculty-led programs, internships or work placements, there are overseas opportunities to suit every student. 

For more information, visit the Charles Sturt website or find us on Instagram and Facebook @charlessturtglobal