Her advice to those inspectors facing the Standard III Examination is simple. "Start studying early, don't miss out on any single subject. Stick to your schedule," she said with a smile.

Ms Fung achieved a 'Distinction' in the two papers she presented to the Force Examination Board in April 2003, while serving in Sau Mau Ping District (SMPDIST).

"I was absolutely sure that I could obtain a pass in the two papers but I did not expect to do quite as well as I did," said Ms Fung. "I had three or four months notice of the examination and I immediately drew up a study plan and schedule. I kept to both, despite the temptations of badminton, swimming, piano and singing lessons and, of course, my duties."

Ms Fung graduated from secondary school in 1996 and went on the Hong Kong University to study for a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree (Majoring in Psychology). She achieved a Second Honours Degree. After that she joined Raleigh International for life-experience trips to Inner Mongolia (one month) and Ghana, West Africa (three months) before settling into her first job as a Research Officer in the Education Department.

"I joined the Force as a recruit inspector in 2000," said Ms Fung, "and have never had a moment's regret. I enjoyed working in SMPDIST. Management and my colleagues were all most helpful in a truly professional way but, perhaps more importantly, they were really friendly and encouraging. I never before made so many friends in such a short time.

"When I started studying for SCIC 1, there was a lot of reading to do. It was pretty heavy going. The Police Procedures Manual and Police General Orders are hardly the material of a classical or modern novel," she observed. "But, experienced colleagues were always at hand to answer any questions and give encouragement."

Ms Fung has already learned that she passed the academic papers relating to her current SCIC 1 course and obtained top marks in them, and is now doing continuation training that will eventually qualify her for Crime Duties.

"I hope that, eventually, I can qualify for a Police Headquarters appointment where I can get involved in complex cases or even research," said Ms Fung.

She said that her parents and two elder brothers have always been supportive of all her endeavours. "One of my brothers is actually in the Force, so I have never lacked encouragement," she concluded.

WIP Ms Fung Ka-ying recommends an early start