THE PRESIDENT'S MAN

Serving as Aide-de-Camp to the President is an opportunity as distinguished and coveted as the gold aiguillette he wears. LTC Vincent Soh reminisces about his experience working for the most important man in the country.

What does it take to be an Aide-de-Camp (ADC)? A love for taking on challenges and interacting with new people, says Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Soh.

The personal aide to President Tony Tan Keng Yam has met people from all walks of life throughout his work, ranging from foreign delegates and local politicians to celebrities, national athletes as well as the regular man on the street.

And it's easy to see why he is the right man for the job: Although we are meeting for the first time at a bustling cafe in the middle of town, his calm confidence puts this writer at ease. The 39-year-old speaks with a joyful ring in his voice and answers almost every question - no matter how difficult - with a hearty laugh.

"You have to be versatile," he said thoughtfully about handling guests and organisers at Presidential events. "They all have different demands, expectations and working styles. The most challenging part of the job is in making sure that everyone emerges a winner."

The right-hand man

An Infantry Officer from 9th Singapore Division, LTC Soh has been serving as one of three full-time ADCs in President Tan's Office since 1 Apr 2012. In this current term, he is the only ADC from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), working together with the Singapore Police Force's (SPF's) Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Foo Jit Choon and DSP Tan Yi Chun.

Appointed by the President, the ADC Office comprises three officers from the SAF and SPF. The full-time ADCs serve a term of about two years and are assisted by a corps of Honorary Aides-de-Camp (HADCs).

While most ADCs begin as HADCs and learn the ropes by helping in events, LTC Soh was offered the full-time position from the get-go. "I was interested and many people had encouraged me to become an HADC, but perhaps due to time and space issues, it never happened," he recalled.

"Later, I was told that I had been recommended for the full-time position. The position was vacant then, so I didn't get the usual two-month head-start training under my predecessor. But I spoke to former ADCs and senior HADCs to get a clearer picture of the job. Subsequently, I was interviewed by the President's Principal Private Secretary and finally appointed by the President's Office."

All in a day's work

Besides overseeing the day-to-day operations of the President's Office, ADCs support events hosted or attended by the President.

"For events graced by the President, we tend to the general administration, security and social needs of the President and work with the organisers to make sure that the protocol and proceedings are in order," LTC Soh explained.

"If the event is hosted by the President, such as the National Day Investiture, then we run the entire event. Our role includes programme organisation, guest and stage management, and even carpark and other logistical arrangements. We also ensure that guests feel engaged and that each event's objectives are met."

He added: "We work beyond typical office hours, especially for community events that often take place on weekends and Public Holidays. But at the end of the day, a successful event is worth the hours. I feel a great sense of achievement in my work."

Istana memories

Having worked closely with President Tan for more than two years, LTC Soh shared this about Singapore's Head-of-State: "He is a very humble, down-to-earth individual. And he is appreciative of his staff.

"This year, we tweaked the format of the ADC Appointment Ceremony by integrating it with the Appreciation Dinner for the retiring HADCs. The President's first reaction was: 'Will the ADCS like this better?' He was not solely concerned with enhancing efficiency, but rather, wanted to ensure that the change would better honour our ADCs."

Come end-October, LTC Soh will be completing his term as ADC and returning to the SAF. What will he miss most about his time in the President's Office?

"Definitely the friendships forged," he said, a tinge of sadness creeping into his voice. No man is an island; you need to be a team-player, and you also need a good team. I have a good team here."

"But I will still be able to work with them, because all ADCs become HADCs after their term!" he laughed, that distinct ring returning to his voice.

"You carry the brand of the SAF. I'm very honoured that I was selected - it is an opportunity not many military officers get."
- LTC Soh, on the responsibility of being a military ADC