103 AT THE PRESIDENT'S SERVICE

A red carpet, velvet curtains, red seats with gold frames, six grand chandeliers and continuous camera flashes. It had all the makings of a "red carpet" event, except that the mood was more ceremonial than glamorous.

In the State Room of the Istana, 103 officers from Singapore's military, police and civil defence forces were appointed Honorary Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) to the President. They received their appointment certificates from President Tony Tan Keng Yam at a ceremony held on 23 May.

As Honorary ADCs or personal assistants, they plan functions, receive guests and serve as masters of ceremonies at events.

Among the officers, 55 were from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). While most of those appointed have been serving as ADCs for at least a year, 24 were new to the job. Captain (CPT) (NS) Jayson Goh was one of them.

The Flight Commander (Bravo Flight) from the Air Force's 160 Squadron recalled what his mother told him after she heard he had been selected: "She said 'Make sure you do a good job, because it's a rare opportunity to serve the President's office.'"

CPT Goh, who is also Executive Director in Infocomms and Media at the Singapore Economic Development Board, added that his bosses encouraged him to excel in his Honorary ADC appointment.

Those nominated to be Honorary ADCs go through interviews that assess their social skills and intelligence. Once selected, they go through training to learn about protocols in interacting with VIPs.

When asked if he was well-equipped to take on this appointment, CPT Goh replied: "In the RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force), we learnt a lot about leadership, operational readiness and discipline. And we understand certain ceremonial protocols. I think these are necessary training that prepares military officers well to become ADCs."

On the qualities of being a good ADC, Major (MAJ) K. Chanthrasegar, who was re-appointed Honorary ADC for the ninth year, said: "You must work well with people and be attentive to details, because everything you do must be done with precision. You must also have charisma and be presentable when you interact with guests, because you represent the President."

The Staff Officer at the Army Safety Inspectorate acknowledged that such duties can be time-consuming. However, he was happy to continue serving because he valued his friendships with other ADCs. "Anyway, my wife understands that this is an extra-curricular activity, so she's quite supportive of what I do," he said with a laugh.

Besides Honorary ADCs, there are three full-time ADCs who accompany the President at official functions, and plan events such as state receptions, dinners and investitures. A full-time ADC serves for two years, while Honorary ADCs, who are appointed yearly, generally serve for three years.

Singapore's first full-time ADC was Major Winston Choo, who later held the rank of Lieutenant-General when he became the first Chief of Defence Force of the SAF from 1974 to 1992. He served as ADC to President Yusof bin Ishak from 1965 to 1966.