EARNING STARS FOR THEIR GOOD PERFORMANCE

Of the 502 officers promoted during a ceremony held in the Ministry of Defence on 28 Jun, they were undeniably the 'stars' of the batch.

Six colonels (COLs) from the Army were promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General (BG), and one Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) colonel was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral (One Star).

Of his promotion, Fleet Commander, Headquarters Fleet, COL Chew Men Leong said he was thankful for the recognition the RSN had given to him.

Looking back on his 20 years with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), COL Chew revealed that the biggest lesson he had learnt was how to work well with people.

"When the going gets tough, you really need the tough to get going! In my many years in the RSN, I've grown in my ability to bring people along, to face challenges and come up on top of it," said COL Chew.

For young officers just starting in their careers, COL Chew offered these words of advice: "Very simply, you have to work hard and be patient."

"In this fast-paced world, many young people are impatient to get ahead in the rat race, but the reality is that in the SAF, you need to build up a good foundation - in your knowledge, skills and the ability to lead. These take experience and time."

"And there are many things to learn on your way. You have to take the time to walk the ground, to know the people, and learn the ropes," COL Chew added.

Chief Infantry Officer, COL Winston Toh also earned a gold star for his many contributions in his 25 years of military service.

Citing the song 'Wind Beneath My Wings', COL Toh said that its lyrics best described how he felt about his promotion.

"The song truly reflects the many people behind (me) who work hard and carry me while I am up front. Like my subordinates who slog day in and day out, and my family. While I am at work taking care of military matters, my wife is taking care of all the issues at home.

And I have also to thank my superiors for their guidance and the opportunities the organisation has given me, added COL Toh who is also Commander of 9th Division.

Rewriting history is Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Karen Tan, who has become the first female colonel in the SAF.

Reflecting on this milestone, LTC Tan, who is Commander of the Central Manpower Base, said: When I joined the SAF in 1981, I really did not know how far I could go. All I could do was my best."

As I became more exposed to the SAF and my seniority grew, I realised that the SAF was much more open and it would only be a matter of time before a female got promoted to the colonel rank. It just never crossed my mind that I would be the one!

When asked if she thought of herself as a role model for young female officers, LTC Tan said modestly: I do not actually! But I do know that the younger lady officers do look at me, probably to see the opportunities I have been given, and to study my management or leadership style.

Like most working mothers, LTC Tan, who has two young sons, balances the demands of office and home. She said with a laugh that her sons always ask for more of her time, to play with them.

Nonetheless, her elder son, aged eight, is aware of his mother's new rank. Although he does not say it, I can tell from the way he talks and the questions he asks, that he is very proud! said LTC Tan.

Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, presented Certificates of Promotion to officers of the rank of LTC and above. Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Yat Chung, presented the certificates to Majors who were promoted to the rank of LTC.

The promotions take effect from 1 Jul.