EVERYBODY'S BIG SISTER

Do you remember your teens? Maybe you were getting used to being in secondary school, picking up a new co-curricular activity, or hanging out with friends.

At 13, 3rd Warrant Officer (3WO) Nurjiwah Binte Kassim decided that she would get a part-time job, juggling work and studies so that she could ease her parents' burden and help take care of her eight siblings.

Today, the 41-year-old continues to be a kakak or big sister. Affectionately known as Ma'am Gee to her Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), the Logistics Warrant of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Medical Training Institute (SMTI) is always ready to dish out some sisterly advice or provide a listening ear to a soldier in need.

Hi 3WO Nurjiwah! Tell us about your family!

3WO Nurjiwah: We're a big family – I'm the sixth of nine siblings (I have an elder brother who passed away when he was a child), and there are 24 grandchildren in total! Pre-pandemic, it was the norm for us to rent a bus to ferry everyone around when we went visiting during Hari Raya.

Why did you decide to get a job when you were 13?

3WO Nurjiwah: I wanted to ease my mum and late dad's burden. My dad was a labourer and trishaw rider, and my mum worked as a carpark attendant and helped people with their ironing.

My parents never asked me to get a job, I quietly told my dad that I wanted to work. I said to him, "Both of you are working so hard, and I think you need to rest and spend time with us."

What were some of the jobs you did back then?

3WO Nurjiwah: I worked at A&W, where I started with cleaning toilets! (chuckles) At one point I was working three jobs to make ends meet, including at a Thai restaurant and a shoe shop. I would give a portion of my pay to my mum and spend the rest on my schoolbooks and necessities.

But I never thought of it as a sacrifice; I enjoyed working and I learnt a lot – in particular, how difficult it was to earn money.

Were there any moments that were especially difficult?

3WO Nurjiwah: There was a time – I was about 19 – when my elder brother and I were the only ones with a stable income at home. One of my brothers had been retrenched and my elder sisters were housewives, while my younger siblings were still in school. But I never thought about the stress, I just carried on working.

I've always been this way, even 'til today. I'm currently doing my part-time diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (which is sponsored by the SAF) while working. And on top of that, I'm a mother to my nine-year-old son Rayyan.

When people ask me, "You sure or not? You can manage?" I say: "Just do it lah, don't think about it. Just believe you can do it and carry on!"

Why did you feel personally responsible for helping to support your family?

3WO Nurjiwah: Everyone has a different perspective. For me, I've always felt responsible towards my parents and I didn't want to see them struggle, especially my mum. She's a strong woman, and we all got it from her!

Family is very important to me – we don't give up on each other no matter how difficult the situation is. That's why all my sacrifices are worth it.

We heard that your brothers inspired you to join the SAF?

3WO Nurjiwah: Yes, they were the reason I signed on. My eldest brother was a technician and my youngest was an infantryman in the SAF, while my second brother was in the Singapore Police Force's Special Operations Command.

I saw how National Service changed them from young boys to mature men. I was pretty fit, and I thought that if my brothers could do it, I can too! I was also moved when I saw news about the SAF participating in rescue missions to help countries affected by natural disasters. It made me want to be a part of the team.

I enlisted in 2008 when I was 25. I was the oldest in Basic Military Training (BMT) – older than my Officer Commanding, Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Commander and all my buddies! I didn't find BMT tough at all and I enjoyed the training! I also have very good memories of the old enciks. I treasure their mentorship and I wouldn't have come this far without them.

What was it like joining SMTI?

3WO Nurjiwah: I joined SMTI in April 2021, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was worried about whether I could contribute much to the unit. But the unit came together, all of them very experienced nurses and doctors, and was very united.

We worked together with NSmen (Operationally Ready National Servicemen) to support the nationwide swabbing exercise. My role was to provide them with all their essentials, such as the PPE (personal protective equipment).

Right now, I'm in charge of the logistics team at SMTI. Besides seeing to SMTI's logistical needs, I also train the servicemen and ensure that they can perform their jobs well.

When I first came to SMTI, I had no medical background and knew nothing about the names of the equipment and how to use them. But I was blessed because whenever I sought help, the Medical Military Experts would step forward to guide me.

I believe in building rapport and partnership. The seniors can learn from the juniors and we can exchange knowledge while respecting each other's positions.

We hear that you've also been the unofficial counsellor in your unit!

3WO Nurjiwah: I don't know why people like to tell me their problems, even the aunties and uncles in the cookhouse!

My NSFs say I'm an elder sister to them and they feel comfortable with me, because I always have a solution that works. I'm also not shy to share my life experiences with them, because I don't want them to make the same mistakes I made.

I always respect the people who approach me, no matter who they are. Don't pre-judge or make assumptions about them, but hear them out. I've had very shy NSFs who are terrified to talk to people. Being the extrovert that I am, I will sit them down and talk to them.

I always tell my guys that they shouldn't see any differences between each other. We don the uniform, so the word "unison" is important to us. We pick up anyone who falls and we don't leave anyone behind. This is the one thing I impart to all my soldiers.