BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MAN...

Topping his batch every semester and graduating with a perfect Grade Point Average, Military Expert 2 (ME2) Jerich Chia credits his results to his wife, above all else.

The typical ingredients for academic excellence? Diligence and perseverance. But unlike most of his polytechnic peers, ME2 Chia had another reason for his success: his wife Agnes.

For his sterling performance, he received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Award, which is given to the top Technology or Computer Science graduate who exemplifies positive character development and strong leadership qualities and commitment.

The 30-year-old from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) had begun pursuing a Diploma in Multimedia & Infocomm Technology at Nanyang Polytechnic in 2010.

Unwavering support

"This award recognises her hard work as much as mine," said ME2 Chia, whose wife was both supportive in his learning journey and understanding of the demands of his studies.

Initially, he struggled in his studies, especially in math. He had not hit the books since graduating from the Institute of Technical Education in 2000. It was also hard for him to make new friends because he was much older than his course mates.

However, the Air Operations and Systems Expert from the RSAF's Headquarters Air Surveillance and Control Group overcame all these challenges with his wife's help.

He said: "She tutored me in math and was the critic for my design projects, and the audience for my presentation rehearsals. She also gave me affirmation when I did well and encouragement when things were not smooth."

Loving couple

The two met during a dive trip to Pulau Tioman in 2009, and romance sparked during one of the dives. Mrs Chia recalled: "I dropped one of my fins by accident and just as I was about to descend to search for it, he came up with my fin... I was touched by his attentiveness. Shortly after the trip, we started dating."

They eventually got married in early 2012, in the midst of his studies. She explained: "Jerich was very clear about the goals he wanted to achieve... His ability to balance his priorities gave me the confidence that among family, studies and work, none of these would take a back seat."

And her confidence in ME2 Chia was well-placed. Not only did he successfully juggle his studies and family commitments, he also aced his course.

He added: "Now that my studies are over, I'll definitely have more time for her!"

"Jerich's ability to balance his priorities gave me the confidence that among family, studies and work, none of these would take a back seat."
- Mrs Chia on how her husband balanced his various commitments