Defenders of cyberspace and sea

When 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Khaimelruzzaman Bin Kamaruzzaman first enrolled into the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics diploma course at Temasek Polytechnic in 2023, he didn’t have a plan.

“I wasn’t sure what to study after my ‘O’ Levels because I didn’t really have a passion at that time, so I asked around and a friend said that cybersecurity was a good industry to step into.”

Fast forward to today, and the 20-year-old Full-time National Serviceman is now playing a role at the forefront of Singapore’s digital defence, as a Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) Cyber Specialist.

Becoming a cyber defender

3SG Khaimel’s interest in cyber defence was sparked during his time in polytechnic.

“Through my diploma I developed a strong interest in protecting digital systems and understanding the impact cyber threats can have on national security.”

While in his second year, he attended a sharing session by the Singapore Armed Forces where he learnt about the DIS’s Polytechnic Cyber Work-Learn Scheme.

The programme, which lasts three years and three months, allows final-year polytechnic students from relevant courses to begin National Service (NS) early as part of a year-long internship.

After Basic Military Training (BMT), they undergo the Cyber Specialist Cadet Course (CSCC) at the Cyber Defence School.

Once they graduate as Cyber Specialists, they will be deployed to conduct specialised real-world cybersecurity operations in areas such as cyber forensics, incident response, malware analysis, and penetration testing.

“When I first learned about the scheme, I saw it as a meaningful opportunity to deepen my technical skills while contributing during National Service,” he explained.

He took the leap and in 2025, enlisted and began his journey in DIS.

Translating theory into operations

While polytechnic provided the technical foundation, CSCC stretched 3SG Khaimel’s abilities further.

“(My background) allowed me to grasp concepts more effectively, but training with DIS pushed me further by exposing me to operational scenarios (and) strengthened my ability to apply what I had learned in school in a real-world defence context.”

He recalled the Summary Exercise (SUMMEX) as one his most memorable and challenging experiences at CSCC, where he and his teammates spent a week investigating a simulated cyber incident.

“We spent almost 14 hours each day (on the exercise). It was both mentally and physically demanding – we had to analyse numerous logs, correlate evidence and make critical decisions under time pressure,” he recounted.

He overcame the tight timelines and sustained intensity by “breaking down the investigation into smaller, manageable parts and relying on teamwork rather than trying to handle everything alone.”

Bonds that last

Through the SUMMEX and CSCC, 3SG Khaimel is grateful to his commanders and coursemates who stood by him.

“Despite the moments of exhaustion (during the CSCC), my teammates and I supported and motivated one another to achieve our common goal,” he said.

And he is proud to be marching shoulder-to-shoulder with his buddies at their Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade.

“We learned a lot from each other – they coached me in the modules I struggled with, and I was able to rely on them (during the tough times).

“We supported each other and are graduating together today.”

Charting new seas

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Electrical and Control Systems Engineer 3SG Brennan Martin always knew that his future lay in the seas and oceans.

“Growing up around the sea, fishing and sailing were always a big part of my life,” the 22-year-old shared.

And if you needed proof that it ran in the family, his elder brother also served in the RSN – as a naval diver!

3SG Martin readily admits that Darren, who is a year older, influenced his decision to serve as a naval specialist – watching his big brother undergo the rigours of Naval Diving Unit (NDU) training left a lasting impression.

“Hearing his stories from NDU and how much he had to accomplish – like (having to attain) IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test) gold like every week – it’s quite crazy!” he said.

“Seeing the commitment and discipline it takes to be in NDU made me genuinely admire him. Instead of trying to outdo each other, it became about respect – respect for the sacrifices he made. I’m proud to call him my brother.”

A steep learning curve

Although 3SG Martin expected Specialist Cadet School (SCS) to be physically demanding, he didn’t realise that it would challenge him in ways unimagined.

“It wasn’t just about physical rigour but also mental strength – learning new things quickly, meeting expectations day after day, and staying resilient.”

He described the learning curve as a steep one for him and his fellow electrical and control systems coursemates.

“It’s a lot of knowledge that has been crammed – a lot of manuals to study and details about the ship to memorise,” he recalled.

“But overcoming this whole experience with my friends (has allowed me to) become a more confident person.”

Friendships forged through hardship

For 3SG Martin, the toughest part of SCS was the SUMMEX, where cadets were introduced to shipboard routines and watch cycles.

The sustained physical and mental demands tested his endurance to its limits, and he credits the people around him for helping push him through.

Simple routines like eating InstaChef meals (vending machine hot meals) together or winding down with horror movies became their anchors amid intense training.

“Those moments really fostered our team spirit and brightened our days.

“Knowing these were the same people I’d shared laughter and challenges with created a strong sense of unity.”

Having earned his chevrons, 3SG Martin hopes to be a commander who leads through his actions.

“I want to lead alongside my men, facing their challenges together with them, (because) respect isn’t gained through rank alone – it’s earned through what you do.”