GOODBYE TO A DEDICATED LEADER

Nigerian statesman Ibrahim Babangida once warned the world that "no nation can base its survival and development on luck and prayers alone while its leadership fritters away every available opportunity for success and concrete achievement."

These are revolutionary words, but can be used to describe Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Colin Wong's tour of duty as Commandant of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

At the change-of-command parade held on 8 Jun at the NCC Campus, Chairman of the NCC Council Arthur Beng had only praise for LTC Wong.

"[LTC Wong] has been a dedicated and committed commandant. He has made time for those under his command, and has forged a good relationship with the cadets, cadet lieutenants, and school units.

"Indeed, though Colin has only been with the NCC for two-and-a-half years, under his watch much has been achieved."

Perhaps a good reason that LTC Wong has been so effective in his duties lies in his recognition of the vast potential of the NCC.

"HQ NCC, being the premier uniformed group, is in a unique position of providing our youth an experiential learning opportunity, away from the classroom, to be nurtured into responsible, resilient and resourceful leaders for our nation."

With his retirement on 30 Jun, LTC Wong would have served 26-and-a-half years with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Cyberpioneer spoke to Mr Vincent Low, Head Administration, who has worked closely with LTC Wong.

He said: "LTC Wong is a very caring commandant. He actually believes in his people. He is very demanding of standards and his expectations of us are very high. But he will always be there for us. He has taken care of our welfare very well."

Among LTC Wong's numerous achievements is the organisation of the National Camp 2006. The camp saw the re-introduction of ASEAN and international partners joining their Singaporean counterparts here for a three-day camp conducted at Pasir Laba Camp. This was a major event that included over 200 youths from Singapore and six other countries.

Speaking about his new appointment, incoming Commandant LTC Stuart Khoo Thiam Huat enthused: "I feel very good. I think it's a challenging and important task to nurture future leaders. So when I was given this chance to become Commandant NCC, I actually looked forward to it."

The former officer in the Artillery Institute believes strongly that "passion is very important; and without passion, you cannot do many things perfectly".

Having worked with LTC Khoo before, LTC Wong was confident in his successor's abilities.

"I am confident that HQ NCC will scale new heights under the capable leadership of LTC Stuart Khoo. I wish him well and strongly urge all of you to give him your fullest support and commitment, as you have given me."