GOOD COUNSEL

This tough-as-nails commando counsels people on the brink of despair to cope with their problems. And he does this of his own volition, charging nothing for his time and effort.

Sometimes even the best of us can do with some help; even the best of us stumble. Sometimes the person who extends that lifeline is an unlikely one.

Meet 1st Warrant Officer (1WO) Alex Quah, the commando who also happens to be a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) paracounsellor. He has helped many people cope with their problems, which range from excessive gambling to relationship issues.

Starting out

Most people in the SAF who do counselling work do not pursue training beyond the week-long course conducted by the SAF Counselling Centre (SCC). Not 1WO Quah, the Plans Warrant Officer in Headquarters Commando.

He discovered his knack for counselling during the SCC course which he attended in 2007. He was encouraged to go for this course when he returned from an overseas posting. "When I was overseas, I realised that there was a limit to how much I could help my soldiers. I could do better if I had more training."

During his three-year overseas appointment as Sergeant-Major, he was the de facto disciplinarian but soldiers often confided in him. "My then-Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Adam, told me that I had a gift - I genuinely care for people, and that's why soldiers trusted me."

He felt that he was ready for more, so in 2008, he enrolled in a part-time programme conducted by Swinburne University, Australia for a master's degree in counselling.

The two years which followed were tough for 1WO Quah, who had to juggle duties in camp, family commitments and studies. He graduated in 2010 among the top 15 percent of his cohort.

His efforts were also commended by then-Chief Commando Officer Colonel Lam Shiu Tong, now Brigadier-General (Retired). Back then, very few Warrant Officers and Specialists would pursue Master's studies on their own.

Keeping the faith

Today, 1WO Quah volunteers his time across a few organisations and in his community. He also helps people to quit smoking by giving talks organised by the Health Promotion Board.

His focus is on helping people to recover from addiction-related issues. "I don't want to see anyone being condemned just because of past mistakes," said 1WO Quah.

He recalls one case: a 20-year-old who relapsed a few times and returned to gambling.

But 1WO Quah never gave up on the young man. "I believe that human beings are born wanting to do good Sometimes we go astray and just need someone to lead us back, to help us recover."

He says that in severe cases, counselling is not enough, which is where organisations like One Hope Centre for problem gambling come in.

"Everyone who attends the sessions help each other by discussing issues openly. For example, how to deal with gambling debts and ways to stay away from gambling," said 1WO Quah.

At the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Agency, he serves as a counsellor and mentor to former convicts who are battling drug addictions. In his community, he serves as a grassroots leader and helps to organise events for his estate in Jurong.

Taking it seriously

Since actively volunteering seven years ago, 1WO Quah has chalked up more than 800 hours of counselling work. He even pays a supervisor to review his case logs.

"No one believes that till today, I am paying for supervision!" laughed 1WO Quah. "I'm still seeing my supervisor, even after graduating with my Masters in 2010. But it's necessary because it helps me to maintain and improve my counselling skills."

It can also be emotionally draining to constantly listen to the problems others face. "That's one more reason why it's important to see a supervisor - it's like therapy for a counsellor!"

He is a registered counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling, a professional body that establishes standards in training and practice. To join the association, a counsellor must have completed at least 600 hours of certified counselling work.

Family man

Weekends for 1WO Quah usually means devoting time to his voluntary work. But priority is reserved for his family, if they need him to be around.

"I also make it a point for my family to eat together daily before any individual activities," said 1WO Quah, who is married and has a daughter.

At 51 years old, he is due to retire from the SAF in a few years.

"People have asked me if I want to leave the Army because of the skills I have as a counsellor - I always say 'I don't think so' because I need to pay back whatever the Army has given me till today.

"I don't think so much. I just feel that we need to care for each other, as human beings."

"Everyone makes mistakes but we need to give them the hope that they can correct themselves - so that they go back to the right path."
- 1WO Quah on his attitude towards the people he helps