PAVING THE WAY FOR A CAREER AFTER SAF

The Army and the Association of Process Industry (ASPRI) signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 Nov to set in place the Army (Technical) - ASPRI Career Transition Scheme (CTS) for all Army servicemen.

Under the scheme, the Army's warrant officers and specialists will be able to pursue a career in Singapore's process industry and receive an income comparable to their last drawn salary.

The process industry, comprising engineering and maintenance services to oil, gas, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, will benefit from this untapped source of skilled technical manpower.

Colonel (COL) Ngien Hoon Ping, Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Logistics), underscored the significance of the scheme.

"It means that our people are now recognised for their work and experience in the SAF," said COL Ngien. "And this translates to relevant experience in the process industry."

He is also glad that "the valuable skill sets and supervisory experiences that the servicemen have acquired in the SAF are not wasted".

Servicemen in technical vocations who are leaving the Army when their contracts end will be able to participate in the CTS.

Said First Sergeant (1SG) Goh Chee Wee: "I think the personnel who are leaving the Army will be very appreciative of this effort that the Army has put in place for them".

Indeed, there are many second career options for 1SG Goh. He can choose to be an assistant engineer, a project co-ordinator or a mechanical technician.

But for now, his heart remains with the SAF.

Said the radio technician: "I have three more years in my contract."