SERVING THE PRESIDENT WITH HONOUR

It was double the joy for Captain (CPT) Chee Hong Yi, a Staff Officer from HQ Armour, and Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Foo Jit Choon, an Investigator from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as the husband and wife were both appointed as Honorary Aides-De-Camp (ADCs) to the President, from 1 Jun.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as Honorary ADCs, and we hope to learn valuable skills from our stints (as ADCs)," said ASP Foo.

When asked what skills he would expect to pick up as an Honorary ADC, CPT Chee said: "We would probably learn social interaction skills and etiquettes as we would have to communicate with guests and delegates from other countries."

The couple, along with 16 other personnel from the Army, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Republic of Singapore Navy, Singapore Civil Defence Force, and Singapore Police Force were appointed as Honorary ADCs for the first time, while 85 others were re-appointed.

They received their certificates of appointment from President Tony Tan Keng Yam, at a ceremony held at the Istana on 17 May.

ADCs are the personal representatives of the President, who assist in Presidential and State functions, and ensure that dignitaries and guests are well-attended to. Honorary ADCs usually assist the full-time ADCs during official state visits and dinners, national events like the National Day Investiture, and also events at the Istana hosted by the President. The more senior Honorary ADCs are also appointed as ADC-In-Attendance to visiting Heads of State.

A full-time ADC serves a two-year tour of duty while Honorary ADCs are appointed on a year-to-year basis.

CPT (NS) Adam Assik Bin Shahrir was delighted to be appointed as an Honorary ADC for the first time and happy with the recognition given to Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) like himself.

When asked why he thought he was selected, he said: "I think the interviewers were looking for people who have a keen interest in holding this secondary appointment, and they probably saw that in me."

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Vincent Soh, a newly-appointed full-time ADC as well as one of the organisers of this year's ceremony, felt that his past experience as an Officer-in-Attendance at events which hosted foreign ministers and defence chiefs would greatly assist him in his new role.

"All work comes with challenges," said LTC Soh, "and I feel that human relations and dealing with external organisations are key areas that I can improve on, especially as a personal aide to the President."

Re-appointed Honorary ADC LTC De Silva Joe Ronesh, said there were many skills that could be learnt from being an ADC, and many ways to apply them.

"Honorary ADCs have to be knowledgeable, resourceful, adaptive and have excellent EQ ... You learn to appreciate attention to details, be proactive, and always manage the most challenging of situations with a calm disposition and a sincere smile. These are skill sets that are useful not only in one's profession but also one's personal life."