AT THE PRESIDENT'S SERVICE

On Istana Open House days, the public gets to see gifts from foreign countries, on display.

But what do you do when a foreign visitor to the open house notices that her country's gift is not among the items on display, and asks you about it?

For Major (MAJ) Ridzwan Bin Abu Bakar, it is all about handling the situation with confidence and courtesy, and leaving the public with a positive impression of the Istana and the President.

Recounting the incident, he said: "We had a foreign visitor from the Netherlands at the Istana that day, and she asked us where the gift from her country was. Coincidentally, it was not on display that day. Oh my goodness!" exclaimed the School Second-in-Charge at HQ Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) School 3.

MAJ Ridzwan explained politely to the lady that the gifts were displayed on a rotational basis, and it so happened that the gift from her country was not displayed at that point in rotation. The situation was resolved amicably.

The 41-year-old was among 100 officers from Singapore's military, police and civil defence forces who were appointed Honorary Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) to the President at the Istana.

They received their appointment certificates from President Tony Tan Keng Yam at a ceremony held on 21 May.

As personal representatives of the President, Honorary ADCs assist full-time ADCs in Presidential and State functions, and ensure that dignitaries and guests are well-attended to.

Describing the job of an Honorary ADC, MAJ Ridzwan, who is in his ninth year of appointment, said: "You have to be very patient as you're acting on behalf of the President, especially when you're dealing with the public and senior delegates. As an ADC, you must know your tasks well and have confidence in your job."

A full-time ADC serves for two years, while Honorary ADCs, who are appointed yearly, generally serve for three years.

Among the officers appointed, 53 are from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Most of them have been serving as ADCs for at least a year, while seven are new to the job. Among the first-timers is MAJ (NS) Ivan Lee.

The battery commander in the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Participation Command, Divisional Air Defence Group, is excited about his new appointment as he has always been intrigued by foreign affairs and diplomatic relations.

"This is an opportunity for me to learn and experience how the President conducts diplomatic relations with foreign dignitaries and to learn about foreign affairs protocol as well," said the 38-year-old Vice-President of Deutsche Bank AG.

Being an Operationally-ready National Serviceman (NSman), taking up this ADC role will mean having additional commitments, besides his job and family life. But he has the full support of his wife.

"There was a point where I was thinking whether I would have the time to take it up, as I have a family, and I'm also an NS battery commander. But my wife actually encouraged me to go for it and try it out."

With a laugh, the father of two added: "We even picked out her clothes together for this ceremony!"

For Captain (CPT) Penelope Chia, serving as an ADC - her second year - has helped develop her soft skills, such as speaking confidently in public. Apart from enhancing her situational awareness, she has also learned to think and react quickly and appropriately when faced with unforeseen situations.

Describing the role as "a really good chance to get to know people from all walks of life", the 27-year-old also sees being an ADC as an opportunity to project the positive image of the armed forces.

"When you think of the Army, you think of one thing - 'chiong sua'. That's the deterrence part," explained the Signals Officer.

"But people always forget that there's also the diplomacy aspect, which is equally important. Serving as an ADC is a channel through which you can portray that slice of diplomacy."