Quest Alumni Journeys Series

Long before she stepped into a laboratory, Rosnara was already fascinated by the quiet thrill of investigation. Watching Crimewatch as a young girl, she admired how each episode unravelled mysteries piece by piece, turning confusion into clarity and fear into justice. Today, as a Laboratory Officer with the Health Sciences Authority’s Forensic Chemistry and Physics Laboratory, she plays her own role in that pursuit of truth, behind the scenes, in the glow of digital screens and coded trails.

Rosnara, second from left, second row. Class 4E, 2017.

Roots of Curiosity

Her story begins at Queenstown Secondary School, where she remembers recesses spent not in the canteen but in classrooms, revising Ten-Year Series papers with friends and teachers who cheered them on with snacks and stories. “We would laugh, ask silly questions, and support one another,” she recalls fondly. “It wasn’t just studying, it was friendship, encouragement, and those little moments that made school special.”

Beyond academics, Rosnara was also an active member of the Drama Club, a CCA that helped her build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of teamwork. Her commitment and contributions were recognised when she received the Commendable Service Award in 2017, a reflection of her reliability and dedication. These experiences shaped her ability to communicate clearly, stay composed under pressure, and work closely with others, skills that continue to serve her well today.

Those formative years instilled perseverance, discipline, and attention to detail, qualities that are now essential in forensic work. At the same time, Queenstown nurtured her empathy and teamwork. “Being naturally talkative worked in my favour,” she shares. “It helped me connect easily with classmates then, and with colleagues from different science backgrounds now.”

A Leap of Faith

After completing her N-levels, Rosnara took an unconventional path through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), entering Republic Polytechnic to pursue a Diploma in Infocomm Security Management. The programme’s problem-based learning style transformed her outlook. “Every day we solved challenges together, presented our findings, and learned to treat mistakes as part of the process,” she says. The experience strengthened her confidence, communication and adaptability, skills that would later prove vital in the lab.

Yet the road was not without hurdles. When she began her first job as an Application Analyst, she realised it was not where her heart lay. “It gave me technical experience but didn’t feel aligned with my passion,” she shares. Instead of settling, she upskilled, explored, and remained open to new directions. Then came a turning point, a job opening at the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Though she doubted her fit as someone from a tech rather than pure science background, she applied anyway. “I took a leap of faith,” she says. I was subsequently called for an interview and offered the role within a day.”

Behind the Screens

Unlike television's dramatic portrayals, real forensic work unfolds behind the scenes where she examines digital devices, extracts evidence, and meticulously documents findings that can withstand court scrutiny with patience and precision.

“Every case contributes to uncovering the truth,”

she explains, finding meaning in knowing her work directly supports justice, solves crimes, and provides closure to victims and families.

Her proudest achievement at HSA was co-developing a Python automation script that reduces preparation time from up to an hour per document to just seconds! The script automatically adds signature boxes to training forms and streamlines departmental workflows. “Knowing that my technical skills directly helped the team work smarter and faster made this accomplishment especially rewarding,” she says.

“It’s a great example of how innovation can simplify everyday tasks and deliver real impact.”

The Future of Forensics

For Rosnara, digital forensics is where technology and truth converge. “Every advancement brings both challenges and opportunities,” she reflects. “From analysing metadata trails to uncovering hidden traces in encrypted environments, the field is constantly evolving.” What keeps her motivated is the constant evolution of digital forensics, where every advancement presents new challenges and opportunities, and the field’s critical role in truth-seeking, justice, and national security inspires her to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Words to the Next Generation

To Queenstown students and young alumni who feel uncertain about their direction, Rosnara offers reassurance.

“Keep an open mind. What feels like a detour may actually be a turning point. Stay curious, keep learning, and be brave enough to try.”

Her journey, from the curiosity sparked by Crimewatch to becoming a real-life crime buster, reminds us that passion often begins with wonder. From drama club rehearsals at Queenstown to real-world investigations where accuracy matters more than theatrics, Rosnara shows that when you stay true to what you love and work hard for it, the right doors will always open.