A sisterhood of support

Back in 2016, two young officers met during Exercise Airguard in Brunei, where they were the first female Platoon Commanders (PCs) for their respective air forces.

In the two weeks they spent training together and learning to lead from one another, the professional relationship between Major (MAJ) Thng Lizhen of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and MAJ Udara (U) Noraqidah Efinddi of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) grew into a friendship that has endured country borders and busy careers.

One decade on, they’re hoping to inspire young military women to make meaningful bonds and find support in the sisterhood like they have.

MAJ Thng, 38, is currently the Operations Officer (S3) of 18th Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalion (18 DA Bn), while MAJ (U) Noraqidah, 36, is Staff Officer Grade 2 in A6, Headquarters RBAirF, managing Communication and Information Systems requirements.

Their steadfast friendship mirrors the partnership between Singapore and Brunei, as the two countries mark 50 years of defence relations this year.

Both of you met at Exercise Airguard 2016 – ten years ago! What were your first impressions of each other?

MAJ Thng: Aqidah was genuine, friendly and funny – she likes to tell jokes!

We first met in Rimba Air Base in Brunei. The RBAirF team was there to welcome us when we landed via the C-130, and I was introduced to Aqidah who would be my fellow exercise PC and buddy for my two weeks there.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: Lizhen was very diligent and hardworking. She was serious about what she did and always put in the effort to get things right, which is exactly what you would expect from someone in that role.

What was it like being the first female platoon commanders from your respective air forces at Exercise Airguard 2016?

MAJ Thng: Aqidah and I shared the same thought that this opportunity comes with heavy responsibilities. We both wanted to do well and do our country proud so that people know that it is more than possible for females to take on leading roles for such exercises.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: I think being in similar positions helped us relate to each other naturally. We understood the responsibility of leading a platoon, while also navigating a new environment as young female officers.

Did you face any challenges? How did you overcome them?

MAJ Thng: I was then still a junior officer and it was my first time representing the RSAF as a PC for a bilateral exercise. It was also my first time in Brunei, and I had to lead my team of Full-time National Servicemen and Regulars in a culture and terrain that was unfamiliar to me. The stress and pressure I had on myself to do well was unavoidable.

I was able to overcome these challenges through the genuine care and hospitality provided by our RBAirF counterparts, especially Aqidah. We constantly shared and discussed our plans to ensure they were sound, logical, and robust with all areas covered.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: Leading and navigating environments where I’m often the only female officer in the room can be somewhat isolating, especially early in my career. Having another female leader at Exercise Airguard who was also a young, newly commissioned officer gave me a true ally in that journey.

We encouraged each other, learned from one another and, most importantly, knew that we were not navigating those challenges alone.

How did your working relationship grow into a genuine friendship?

MAJ Thng: We shared with each other our training journeys, the challenges we faced, and the reason we decided to join the military – that it was our calling and passion. These definitely set the foundation for our relationship.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: Despite coming from different countries and air forces, we discovered that we shared a strong passion for what we do. We both see the military profession as more than just a job; it is a calling.

That shared sense of purpose and commitment created a strong connection between us.

What was your most memorable experience together?

MAJ Thng: A core memory was the day we were appointed to brief our senior leaders, including the RSAF’s Chief of Air Force and Commander RBAirF. As it was our first time briefing senior commanders, we were worried about not doing well.

After finishing our checks at all the deployment sites that night, instead of resting in the Command Post, we took turns rehearsing our briefs and giving each other feedback! Till today, we still laugh over this shared memory!

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: Those long hours of planning, discussing and refining our orders really tested our resilience, but also strengthened our trust and brought us closer as friends and fellow officers.

How do you keep in touch outside of training?

MAJ Thng: We text each other from time to time to check in on each other. Whenever I am deployed to Brunei, we always find time for meals and to catch up. We do the same when Aqidah comes to Singapore.

We also send well-wishes to each other during birthdays, promotions and national celebrations.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: I remember bringing Lizhen and some of the delegates to Kampong Ayer and sharing a little of Brunei’s way of life and culture with them. One moment that stood out was seeing Lizhen try on our traditional female attire!

I think what has remained constant is the trust and connection we built during the initial two weeks of Exercise Airguard. We may not speak or meet regularly, but whenever we do, it feels very natural, as though no time has passed.

What do you hope younger servicewomen will learn from your experiences and friendship?

MAJ Thng: To believe in themselves and have the confidence to step forward and take on leadership roles.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: Friendships built through our profession can be just as meaningful as the experience itself. Stay true to yourself, focus on building your competencies and lead with purpose and integrity.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Brunei defence relations. What does this milestone mean to you?

MAJ Thng: The relations built between Singapore and Brunei go beyond defence. We have also built genuine friendships that have resulted in a long-standing cooperation between both countries.

MAJ (U) Noraqidah: From Exercise Airguard and my friendship with Lizhen, I have seen how our ties go beyond formal cooperation. They are also about the trust, friendships and shared experiences that bring our people closer.

I hope we can continue to build on this strong foundation and create more opportunities for the next generation.