Syahmi’s internship with SPF
“This wasn’t a simulated exercise. It was journalism in its rawest form,” says Nur Muhd Syahmi, a Year 3 Diploma in Mass Communication student who interned with the Singapore Police Force.
In just his first week, Syahmi was asked to cover an enforcement operation alongside journalists from various mainstream media organisations. “That night expanded my knowledge of responsible journalism: how to be invisible yet present; how to document truth without disrupting it; and how to balance journalistic duty with operational sensitivity in a high-stakes environment,” he shared.
His internship also involved interviewing fellow police officers to uncover the human stories behind the uniform and participating in the broadcast production of Crimewatch. These assignments taught him how to navigate tight spaces and on-site constraints during shoots. More importantly, the Jurong West Secondary School alumnus learnt “how every shot had to serve the larger narrative while maintaining the professional standard expected of Singapore’s longest-running crime prevention programme.”
Reflecting on the experience, Syahmi said, “The SPF expanded my horizons on the role of a journalist: being a silent storyteller who maintains operational boundaries; an empathetic listener who draws out authentic human stories; and a patient visual narrator who understands that the best shots often require waiting for the right moment.”
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During his internship at the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Syahmi encountered valuable lessons that many journalism students can learn from. One important takeaway was the emphasis on building public trust through authentic storytelling rather than just reporting facts. This approach helps the community better understand the roles and sacrifices of those who serve. Syahmi’s experience covering enforcement operations alongside mainstream media journalists highlighted the balance journalists must maintain—being observant yet unobtrusive, ensuring accurate documentation without interfering with police work. This taught him the importance of respecting operational boundaries while still capturing compelling narratives. Moreover, interviewing fellow officers revealed the human side behind the badge, allowing Syahmi to develop empathy and convey genuine stories that resonate with viewers. His participation in Crimewatch production further sharpened his skills in visual storytelling, especially navigating tight filming conditions and waiting patiently for the perfect shot to support the story’s message. For students pursuing similar internships, Syahmi’s journey underscores the need to be adaptable and attentive to ethical considerations in sensitive environments. Engaging closely with law enforcement not only enriches journalistic skills but also cultivates a deeper appreciation of public service and community safety efforts. These experiences collectively prepare future journalists to tell stories that inform, inspire, and build trust within society.
