COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE GRADUANDS READY TO TAKE ON SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES

 Juggling the demands of family, work and studies is tough, but it was an enriching experience for both MAJ (NS) (Dr) Ramesh Wijaya and MAJ Muhammad Zacky Bin Razali, who recently graduated from the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College. 

He’s a doctor, a Commando officer and an Honorary Aide-de-camp (HADC) to the President.  Talk about being an over-achiever – Major (MAJ) (NS) (Dr) Ramesh Wijaya is not only all of the above, he recently became one of 56 NS officers who graduated from the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC)!  

Taking on the 10-month-long GKS CSC Command and Staff Course is no walk in the park. As the pinnacle course for senior officers in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), it is rigorous and content-heavy, covering a wide range of topics such as geopolitics, defence, strategic studies and leadership, said the 43-year-old.   

A senior consultant and adjunct associate professor at Changi General Hospital, he often had to travel all the way to the opposite end of Singapore to SAFTI Military Institute (MI) for the Command and Staff Course.   

“Due to the demands of my job as a surgeon in a public hospital, I needed to manage and balance my time carefully to achieve an immersive course experience,” said MAJ (NS) (Dr) Wijaya.   

“The core values of the Commandos – which were inculcated (in me) as a young NSF (Full-time National Serviceman) – especially discipline and professionalism, kept me in good stead.”  

A passion to serve 

MAJ (NS) (Dr) Wijaya is no stranger to going above and beyond – when he completed his 10-year National Service (NS) cycle in 2012, he became a ROVER (Reservist on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service) scheme, and continues to serve to this day.  

He even took on additional duties as one of the President’s right-hand men in 2020, and extended his service as a HADC in 2022.   

On why he enjoys being a part of the HADC corps, MAJ (NS) (Dr) Wijaya explained: “This (role) allows me to meet and interact with servicemen outside of SAF as it also involves Home Team agencies. These friendships are invaluable on a personal as well as professional level in our respective jobs within our organisations or outside.  

“Being a HADC also provides opportunities to be up close and personal at national and international events watching diplomacy (happen) up front.”  

He is part of a small group of about 10 non-Regular NS HADCs who have taken up this role.   

Strong support systems 

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but not everyone is able to optimise and use their time efficiently. For MAJ (NS) (Dr) Wijaya, it was a strong eco-system of support – ranging from family, friends to colleagues and fellow course-mates – that helped him do well in the course, while balancing work and all his other commitments.   

“I cannot discount the value of friends who are made of seniors in my formation and the SAF – they provided invaluable preparation, guidance and advice during the course.   

“This esprit de corps was an important safety net…(that) elevated and enriched my learning experience during GKS CSC, (and helped me) to fulfil my NS commitments this work year.”    

Similarly, fellow GKS CSC graduate MAJ Muhammad Zacky Bin Razali credits the support of friends and family in helping him stay positive throughout the course.  

“On top of taking care of the kids and family matters, my wife took interest in my academic papers and assignments. She (even) shared different perspectives which sharpened and crystallised my concepts and findings,” said the 35-year-old father of three.  

MAJ Zacky also emphasised the importance of having had good mentors and a “fail-safe class” environment during the course, which allowed him and his fellow officers to challenge their thinking, explore new ideas and be more innovative. 

From all walks of life 

Throughout the course, MAJ Zacky was struck by the diversity of backgrounds and experiences within his cohort. Working alongside others within the SAF branches as well as from other countries has enriched his understanding of different operational philosophies, and helped him develop a more nuanced approach to leadership.  

The highlight of the GKS CSC course for him? The opportunity to be a sponsor for an international officer, MAJ Aditya Prakoso from Indonesia.   

As his buddy, MAJ Zacky was responsible for sharing and explaining the Singaporean culture to his Indonesian counterpart, as well as supporting his learning throughout the course.   

“The camaraderie we forged during the 10 months created a life-long friendship and strengthened our relations as professional military officers.”   

MAJ (NS) (Dr) Ramesh Wijaya (left) and MAJ Muhammad Zacky Bin Razali are among 268 leaders who graduated from the latest GKS CSC Command and Staff Course. These include 141 Regular officers, 56 NS officers, 46 military experts and four warrant officers from the SAF; one Singapore Police Force officer; as well as 20 international officers from 12 countries.   

The CSC is a ten-month long course which prepares leaders for senior command and staff appointments in the SAF. It is the highest level of formal military education offered in Singapore for Regular, NS and international officers.