SAF WELCOMES 117 NEW SENIOR MILITARY EXPERTS

After spending eight years working at an events organisation company, Military Expert (ME) 4 Choy Guanghao decided that it was time to chase his dream of becoming an engineer. This led him to join the Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES) when it was launched in 2010.

"Before coming to the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces), I felt that I hadn't achieved anything significant. When I learnt about MDES, I found that it provided many opportunities for further studies and career progression. I had to take it up," said the 36-year-old.

Now, ME4 Choy is the Assistant Brigade Technical Officer of the 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade and has recently graduated from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in May with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering.

Eager to do more to give back to the organisation, ME4 Choy was gratified when he was selected for the Military Domain Experts Course (MDEC).

"As a Senior ME, I can play a part in the future development and improvement of our technology and processes at the management level."

He added: "The course has provided me with a glimpse of the recent developments in Army technology, such as the use of 3D printing to support the local production of vehicle spare parts.

"The adoption of such technology in the military field demonstrates how engineers, like myself, should always be open-minded and be on the constant lookout for innovative solutions."

ME4 Choy was one of 117 graduands at the 13th Senior ME Appointment Ceremony (SMEAC) held at Temasek Club on 19 Jul.

Among them, 20 are from the Army, 24 are from the Navy, 62 are from the Air Force, and 11 are from the Joint service.

Speaking at the ceremony, 2nd Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung noted the prevalence of terrorist attacks across the globe. He highlighted the need for specialised domain expertise in high-readiness task forces in the SAF to respond rapidly to threats from all dimensions.

"The MDES is a key component of this SAF response (as) it has enabled us (the SAF) to build a range of deep expertise across our Services over the years."

Mr Ong reminded the graduands that "MEs are a core pillar of competency in the SAF" and expressed his confidence that they would rise up to the challenges and demands of the future.

ME4 Jimmy Yu, who has been with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) for 22 years, was glad to get the opportunity to play a bigger role in serving and protecting the nation as a senior ME.

"I want to protect my loved ones and the only way to do so is to make sure that my country is safe... The RSAF is also a high-performance organisation filled with professionals. During my time here, I've befriended many people who constantly motivate me to achieve greater heights," said the 42-year-old, who is the Command Chief of 140 Squadron.

These two motivating factors drove ME4 Yu to excel in the MDEC; he was awarded the Sword of Honour for being the top graduate of the cohort.

Another serviceman who has enjoyed his time in the SAF is ME4 Ganasekar s/o Sinnakannu, who marked 25 years in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

"I have never regretted a year spent in the RSN as it has provided me with numerous opportunities to upgrade myself, such as through overseas exercises or academic studies," said the 43-year-old who recently attained his Degree in Electrical Engineering in 2016.

Citing the MDEC as another example of how the RSN provided him with the opportunity to grow, the Staff Officer in Headquarters Maritime Training and Doctrine Command's Curriculum Development Branch said: "Apart from developing my leadership skills, the course has taught me about the Engineering and Logistical support framework in the Navy. This equipped me with the knowledge needed in my future role as a Naval Systems Engineer."

The course was no walk in the park for ME4 Ganasekar, who had to juggle his main job as well as studies and research.

"Proper time management and support from my family were key to overcoming these challenges. I planned ahead of my work schedule so that I could cope with all the tasks on hand. This skill will be very useful as I would have to deal with many assignments simultaneously as a senior ME."

The SMEAC marked the completion of the 10-week-long MDEC, which trains MEs to assume roles in areas such as engineering, intelligence and military medicine which requires in-depth expertise. The newly-appointed Senior MEs will move on to assume command or staff appointments.