AT YOUR SERVICE, MR PRESIDENT

Those familiar with events planning will know that even the best-laid plans can go awry due to changes on the ground.

Being able to think on one's feet is very important, says Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Sunny Seah, who has a decade of experience in planning state events during which the President hosts foreign dignitaries.

The Commanding Officer from Headquarters 2nd People's Defence Force said: "Despite detailed and elaborate planning for each state event, there are occasions when changes need to be made, such as when a particular meeting goes beyond the scheduled time.

"So you need to adjust plans on the go."

As an Honorary Aide-de-Camp (ADC), or personal aide, to the President for the past 10 years, LTC (NS) Seah has coordinated state functions, and served as a liaison officer for foreign dignitaries and a master of ceremonies at official events.

At the Istana on 30 May, LTC (NS) Seah, along with 35 other Singapore Armed Forces personnel, were re-appointed as Honorary ADCs to the President while 14 were appointed for the first time.

Forty-seven officers from the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force were also appointed as Honorary ADCs.

Honorary ADCs assist the full-time ADC in duties that range from coordinating state events and receiving guests to serving as liaison officers for VIPs and as masters of ceremonies at official events.

A full-time ADC serves a two-year tour of duty while Honorary ADCs are appointed on a year-to-year basis, although they generally serve for three years.

ADCs are nominated by their Services, and nominees go through stringent interviews to assess their social skills and intelligence. Those selected will undergo training to learn about various protocols in interacting with foreign dignitaries and other VIPs.

When asked why he thought he was selected, newly-appointed Honorary ADC Captain (CPT) Fathianathan Michael said: "I think being disciplined, confident and outspoken are some of the qualities needed to be an ADC."

The Officer Commanding of the Naval Diving Unit added: "The interviewers probably saw that in me, so I shall work on improving these qualities during my term as an ADC."

Another newly-appointed Honorary ADC CPT Toh Su Sin said that while she looked forward to her duties, one challenge she foresaw would be time management.

The Air Warfare Officer in 111 Squadron said: "To ensure minimal impact on my primary work commitments, I will try to plan weekend ADC duties.

"And as these duties are likely to be once a month, it should not have a big impact on my other commitments."

CPT Michael agreed, adding: "Besides planning my time well, I also have the support of my colleagues, superiors and family members.

"My family is proud that I am willing to sacrifice my time to serve the President."