LEARNING TO DO MORE WITH LESS

Doing more with less - that was what Captain (Dr) Teo Kejia had to do for a socio-civic project during Exercise Camar Indopura in Pontianak, Indonesia.

It turned out to be "a challenge and a very enjoyable experience" for him.

"We had to treat patients with minimal facilities and drug supplies, and we got to see things in their full-blown complexity," said the medical officer from Changi Air Base (West).

"The locals are very grateful that they're getting medication and a full check-up. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me."

The full-time National Serviceman was part of a 12-strong contingent from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) that worked with the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to provide basic healthcare and dental services to villagers in the area.

The RSAF sent two doctors, a dentist as well as nine medical and dental assistants. From 24 to 25 Mar, the combined medical and dental team saw more than 1,700 patients at the Supadio Air Force Base Hospital.

"A high point of this exercise is looking at the Indonesians who have benefited from it," said Lieutenant-Colonel Joachim Lee, RSAF director for the bilateral exercise.

"Seeing these kids getting treated is like seeing our own kids getting treated in Singapore. To be able to contribute in this way is a huge honour, and I really like the experience."

He also felt that the annual event, which involved 36 personnel and a F-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the RSAF's 121 Squadron, was executed "flawlessly".

Such "close interoperability" was made possible by the warm, long-standing ties between the RSAF and TNI-AU, he said.

TNI-AU exercise director Colonel Abdul Muis agreed. The seamless coordination between the two air forces, he said, was "a result of the same level of understanding".

Ex Camar Indopura, held from 24 to 26 Mar at Supadio Air Force Base, is a maritime air surveillance exercise.