DYNAMIC DUO

mar17_backpage https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/_migrated_english/mar17_backpage.jpg?sfvrsn=70c391cb_2 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/DYNAMIC-DUO
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/DYNAMIC-DUO
DYNAMIC DUO
01 Mar 2017 | PEOPLE

DYNAMIC DUO

STORY // Francis Kan
PHOTO // Francis Kan

Up to the point where they started National Service (NS), 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Wee Jia Yi and 2LT Xuan Yi were practically inseparable. The twins had been together from kindergarten to polytechnic, and even co-founded a theatre group called Bound while in school.

Being apart during NS, however, has further cemented their already deep bond. "We have become more independent but we also appreciate each other s company more now," 2LT Jia Yi explained.

"We are both openly affectionate. Sometimes he ll send me messages saying 'I love you'," 2LT Xuan Yi added with a chuckle.

Despite being in different units, a common thread runs through the brothers NS experiences. Graduates of Singapore Polytechnic s Applied Drama and Psychology programme, they used what they had learnt in facilitating and leading workshops, as instructors in the Singapore Armed Forces.

They have been commended for their compassion by their respective trainees, something the brothers are particularly proud of.

"During the Commanding Officer s dialogue with the recruits, my name was brought up as someone who was very caring," said 2LT Jia Yi.

Meanwhile, 2LT Xuan Yi s student cadets presented him with chocolates and a card with his face on it to show him their appreciation.

2LT Jia Yi will be pursuing a degree in Psychology at the National University of Singapore. 2LT Xuan Yi, meanwhile, is slated to study Mass Communications at Nanyang Technological University.

But if their NS journey is anything to go by, these brothers can only grow closer apart.

 

Suggested Reading
INSPIRED TO LEAD, COMMITTED TO SERVE
PEOPLE
13 Sep 2025

Teamwork, discipline and resilience: These values were instilled in 2LT Nithira and 2LT Dylan Loo in sport and at school, and continue to guide them as newly minted SAF officers.

Cover story
EX FORGING SABRE RAMPS UP USE OF UNMANNED ASSETS IN INTEGRATED STRIKE OPERATIONS
OPS & TRAINING
12 Sep 2025

In this 10th edition of Exercise Forging Sabre, the SAF sharpened its cutting edge for the dynamic modern battlefield, with expanded integration between manned and unmanned platforms.

Feature
CHIEF, SAILOR, BROTHER
PEOPLE
03 Sep 2025

If the heart of a ship is its engine, then ME3 Malcolm Tan is the man who keeps its pulse healthy: he makes sure both vessel and crew are in top shape.

BACK FROM GAZA AID AIRDROP MISSION
OPS & TRAINING
02 Sep 2025

On 25 Aug, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 transport aircraft returned to Singapore after completing the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) delivery of the ninth tranche of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This was also the second airdrop operation to send aid to the region.

Feature
MENTOR & ROLE MODEL
PEOPLE
01 Sep 2025

Seeing his trainees become stronger and more confident brings him joy in his work. Meet Air Warfare School instructor CPT Louis Lee.

Feature
SHAPING UP SOLDIERS
PEOPLE
29 Aug 2025

Guardsman 3WO Muhammad Aliff is passionate about making an impact on the growth and development of the soldiers under his charge.

Cover story
TRAINING WITH PURPOSE
PEOPLE
27 Aug 2025

MSG Nathanial Ng displays a quiet steely dedication towards imparting the right knowledge and skills to new Army Deployment Force (ADF) operators.

Cover story
OPERATING OVER SKIES & SEAS
TECHNOLOGY
22 Aug 2025

This gear is designed to help a Sensor Supervisor survive emergencies in the air and at sea.

BECOMING SPECIALIST LEADERS
PEOPLE
21 Aug 2025

3SG Defred Lau and 3SG Danish celebrate a milestone in their NS journeys as they earn their specialist ranks.

Cover story
Geared up against chemical threats
TECHNOLOGY
18 Aug 2025

How do our soldiers keep safe when rescuing casualties of chemical or biological weapons?