STAYING ON THE BALL

She is one busy woman. When Captain (CPT) Anna Soo isn't working on projects to boost the military's armour capabilities, the 27-year-old is more often than not training hard with Singapore's National Netball Squad.

CPT Soo started playing netball when she was 10 and turned out for the Under-21s at the 2010 World Youth Championships. After taking a break from the sport, she was called up to the national squad in 2014.

A part of the team ever since, the Armour officer maintains a hectic schedule balancing her career and sporting commitments. A typical workday lasts from 7.30am to 6.30pm, and by the time she reaches home after netball training, it is usually 11pm. Training sessions are held every weekday, and on weekends too if there is an upcoming competition.

Despite the time spent on her chosen sport, CPT Soo is crystal clear about her priorities. "It isn't easy to juggle work and netball at times and I have had to make sacrifices. But my work is very important and it will always come first."

This year, she is part of the National Day Parade Engagement Committee. One of their outreach and engagement efforts includes inviting beneficiaries from organisations such as MINDS and Pathlight schools to attend the parade as well as weekly rehearsals.

"What I enjoy is that I am able to work closely with the students and find out more about their stories. They have different perspectives and it's good to engage them at this age."