CIVILIAN OFFICERS RECOGNISED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN MINDEF, SAF

Mr Ong Kar Chye has been serving in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) for 29 years since his enlistment in 1983, from a military specialist to a non-uniformed Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer.

"What kept me here for so long was that I was able to break new frontiers and deal with different types of people." For instance, he has had to actively engage newly recruited Defence Executive Officers (DXOs) in the RSN and guide them as a mentor. "This way, we would be able to understand their needs and work together towards a common goal," said Mr Ong.

A branch head in the Navy Logistics Department, Mr Ong oversees key business processes, operations and logistics in the department.

He was among the 164 DXOs who received their certificates of promotion from Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo, at the 2012 Civilian Officers' Promotion Ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 28 Jun.

Ms Angela Ang Cheng Kiat, another DXO who was promoted, said she appreciated the many opportunities that MINDEF had given to her for both personal and professional development. For example, she was given the chance to pursue a postgraduate Master of Business Administration in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), which was fully sponsored by MINDEF, and graduated in July last year.

Ms Ang, who is currently working in HQ Medical Corps, is involved in planning medical manpower resources and projects that leverage the national healthcare system to enhance healthcare services for servicemen.

Outside her primary job scope, Ms Ang is also able to pursue her interests within MINDEF. "Being part of the National Day Parade (NDP) 2012 Medical Committee, I gain first-hand experience of how the SAF medical team works on the ground during such large-scale events."

Another promotee, Mr Ryan Leung Sui Min, agreed that MINDEF provided its employees with sufficient training opportunities to improve and upgrade themselves.

"The defence industry is very dynamic and presents many new challenges," said Mr Leung who is currently working in the Defence Industry & Systems Office (DISO).

"We have to learn to adapt to ever-changing situations, and MINDEF has prepared us very well for that. In line with the 3rd Generation SAF transformation, we need to learn to communicate with DXOs and military personnel more effectively and know their concerns."

Similarly, Ms Sarah Ong Kuei Fen felt that her job in the Defence Psychology Department was particularly rewarding and enjoyable.

"Being able to interact with people from all walks of life has allowed me to better understand the different perspectives that each person holds. Also, I am now more appreciative of what MINDEF is doing, and more aware about the geopolitical climate and defence situation of Singapore," said Ms Ong.