417 CIVILIAN AND DEFENCE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS RECOGNISED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN MINDEF, SAF

When someone has worked in the same organisation for over two decades, it says something good about the organisation.

Ms Vilasini D/o Sethuram, who has been with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the past 23 years, said: "I like how the organisation is forward-looking and always trying to improve." The 42-year-old is the Chief Admin Supervisor in Air Plans Department, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

When she joined MINDEF, administrative staff worked on hard-copy documents and had to physically send the documents out to units and departments. "Now, we have many computerised systems. Everything moves faster and is more efficient," she said.

"I also enjoy working with my colleagues. Many of them, especially the young NSFs (Full-time National Servicemen), have many good ideas to improve our work processes." said Ms Vilasini, who heads small team comprising both civilian officers and NSFs.

She was one of the 417 civilian and defence executive officers promoted on 24 Jun, at a ceremony in MINDEF. They received their certificates of promotion from Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Yeng Kit and Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Major-General (MG) (NS) Ng Chee Khern.

Newer officers spoke about how their promotion would spur them on to assume bigger responsibilities. Said Mr Bernard Huang: "While I'm happy to be promoted, the pressure is there to perform better!"

The 28-year-old is a Staff Officer in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Transport Command. Part of his job is to make sure that operational units have the vehicles they need to carry out their missions.

He also takes care of road clearances for some of the SAF's fleet of heavy vehicles, and has been very busy recently with preparations for the National Day Parade.

"In MINDEF and the SAF, you work hard, but ultimately you are recognised for the work you do," said Mr Huang.

For Mr Tony Chong, 37, it is the freedom to explore innovative solutions that he enjoys. "My bosses have always given me the space to try out new ideas. It allows me to develop as an IT professional."

He heads the Corporate IT section in the Naval Operations Department, Republic of Singapore Navy, and is also involved in cyber defence work in the SAF.

"The Navy is also pro-family, which makes it easier to juggle work and family. But of course, when duty calls, we have to be there to do our job," said Mr Chong.

Another promotee, Ms Chng Lay Theng, 35, felt that the promotion came with bigger responsibilities.

"While the recognition is there, it's not just about the rewards; part of the promotion carries the expectation to do more for the organisation," said Ms Chng, an Assistant Director with the Manpower Policy Department.

She added: "One aspect of my job which I enjoy is mentoring my junior colleagues. After all, we also need to make sure that there are capable people who can succeed us!"