AGE NO LIMIT TO LEARNING, SERVING THE NATION

"Age is just a number. Continuing to serve and contribute in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is more important."

This mindset was what spurred Military Expert (ME) 3 Chia Yew Lam on to join the Military Domain Experts Course (MDEC) at the age of 56, making him the oldest graduand of the course to date.

The Senior Instructor of Navigation Systems firmly believes in continual learning and service to the nation. His love for the SAF is testament to his decision to extend his service by five years, in order to share his knowledge and experience with his younger colleagues. Some of the experiences he shared included managing and looking after the men in their charge.

He said: "I tell my colleagues: You're a lead engineer and you're only in your 20s. What if you have a warrant officer under you who is in his 30s? How are you going to handle him? It's not easy."

"You can't teach experience and I hope to pass on my experience to my juniors," added ME3 Chia, who has served almost 38 years in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

His advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps? Try to bridge the generation gap, and keep abreast of technology.

"Don't look at how many years you have left in the service. Continue to press on till you reach the finishing line. If you don't continue to learn, you become obsolete."

His efforts have paid off. ME3 Chia was among the 50 servicemen and women who were appointed Senior Military Experts at a ceremony held at SAFTI Military Institute on 28 Nov.

Speaking to the graduands, guest-of-honour, Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, said their specialised knowledge and deep expertise in areas such as engineering, intelligence and cyber were more valuable than before in today's security environment, given the expanding threats to the nation's security.

He said: "We will look to you, as Military Experts, for the innovative solutions that will provide the SAF with the leading edge, and enable us to pre-empt tomorrow's challenges so the SAF can stay ahead of the curve."

For Sword-of-Honour recipient ME4 Malcolm Teo, being appointed senior ME was a dream come true. The 26-year-old always had an interest in the military and wanted a career where he could contribute to society. This was the reason he chose to join the SAF after graduating from Nanyang Technological University last year.

"During National Service, I saw that defence is important, and what we enjoy today is based on our strong defence. In a way, this shaped my career path," explained ME4 Teo.

The Senior Military Intelligence Expert admitted that, while it would not be easy leading men in his unit as most of them were more experienced and senior than him, he was ready to take up the challenge.

"I think that the way to win over their trust and respect is to approach them with a sincere heart and work hard. And when people see that you're there to help and contribute, (you are starting) off on the right foot."

Making a mid-career switch might not be easy, but that did not stop ME4 Ong Wan Ying from doing so.

The 33-year-old was previously working in SIA Engineering as a fleet management executive, and subsequently taught aerospace engineering at the Republic Polytechnic. However, her desire for more "hands-on" experience and a passion for the aviation industry prompted her to sign on as an Air Force Engineer two years ago.

Coincidentally, she was posted to the Transport and Training Branch where she would be handling the warranty and repair of aircraft such as the Hercules C-130, a position similar to her previous job at SIA. And she is all geared up for the challenges ahead.

"Being in the commercial sector for many years, it was not easy to adjust to the military culture. But I hope to bring my experience from my previous job to the SAF."

This graduating cohort comprised 14 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, 21 from the RSN, four from the Army and 11 from Joint. Among those present at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han, senior SAF officers as well as friends and families of the graduands.