515 SAF PERSONNEL PROMOTED

"I'm very grateful because this (promotion) recognises not just me, but also the overall efforts of the team in MSTF for their good work, and we will remain committed to what we do."

This was said by Commander of the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) Colonel (COL) Giam Hock Koon, who was promoted to Rear-Admiral (RADM) (One-Star). He has been in service with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for 27 years, and currently has about 900 men under his command.

At a promotion ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Auditorium on 27 Jun, COL Giam received his certificate of promotion from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

Also promoted were Chief of Army Brigadier-General Perry Lim and Deputy Secretary (Policy) RADM (One-Star) Lai Chung Han, who attained the ranks of Major-General and RADM (Two-Star) respectively.

They joined the 410 officers, 66 military experts (ME) and 39 warrant officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force who were promoted to the next higher rank this year.

Among the officers was Major (MAJ) Neo Su Yin who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC). In her 15 years of service, one of the more memorable appointments that the Commanding Officer of Patrol Vessel RSS Dauntless held was Naval Assistant to the Chief of Navy (CNV), and she was the first female officer to take up the appointment. It was an eye-opening experience for her.

The 34-year-old said: "(The job) was challenging and exposed me to a lot of components of MINDEF and the SAF. It was also a good opportunity to see things through the eyes of the CNV."

MAJ Neo, who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC), currently commands a crew of 30 on board the RSS Dauntless. While she enjoys her work as part of the Navy family, she also admits that one of the toughest challenges of her job is to constantly remind her crew of the importance of their roles - that the things they do on a daily basis, patrolling the waters - which may seem routine, "really make a big difference" in protecting Singapore's waters.

The SAF will have three more warrant officers holding the Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) rank when 1 Jul comes around, and Senior Warrant Officer (SWO) Raymond Tan is one of the three who has attained the pinnacle rank.

The Division Sergeant Major (SM) of Headquarters 2nd People's Defence Force (HQ 2PDF) has been in service for more than 33 years, and is a mentor to his Brigade SM. The defining moments of his career are the people whom he has mentored and taught over the years.

"In Tekong, after the recruits (going through Basic Military Training) have transformed from boys to men, and the parents come forward to thank you, it's an achievement (for me). They thank you for returning their sons to them safely," said the 52-year-old.

"These are very heartfelt, very warm and real and also the kind of achievement that you'll never get elsewhere."

Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) were also promoted.

Chief Executive Officer of Nakilat Keppel Offshore and Marine, Senior Lieutenant-Colonel (SLTC) (NS) Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor has been working in the Middle East for the past three years. But this has never stopped him from flying back at least once a month to carry out his National Service duties.

The 48-year-old revealed that, as Commander of 27th Singapore Infantry Brigade, he had to attend meetings and functions, and plan training programmes and unit activities. What has helped him juggle his work and NS commitments is good time management, as well as an understanding between him and his men.

"My men understand the constraints that I have, and they communicate with me through whatsapp and SMS," said SLTC (NS) Bakar.

"I also engage them constantly, asking them how their in-camp training was, and being concerned about them."

The father of two, who was promoted to the rank of COL, said he was grateful to his family and employer for their support and understanding which allowed him to perform his duties as an NSman properly. And with their blessings, he is willing to serve for as long as he can.

"At the end of the day, as long as MINDEF needs me, I m ready to serve and contribute."

All promotions take effect from 1 Jul, SAF Day.