COL Joseph Leong (now RADM) Head of Joint Plans and Transformation, Singapore Armed Forces 1990 President's Scholar cum SAF Overseas Scholar Bachelor of Arts in Engineering University of Cambridge, UK Master of Business Administration (MBA) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
Why did you choose the Navy as a starting point? The Navy is a convergence of many disciplines that challenged me. To be a true professional, you need to master enough areas - like electronic warfare, navigation, weapons and systems, tidal systems, meteorology - and how that affects the ballistics of our gun shells, naval warfare and strategy, all of which are deep specialisations in themselves. Basically, I wanted a career that would challenge, engage and interest me with a constant flow of new things to learn.
What is it about your career that you love? As SAF Overseas Scholars, we are never allowed to get too comfortable in one position. Once we have mastered and contributed to one job, we are moved to another. This is part of our rotation and grooming process, so we are always learning new things. It maximises our contribution and keeps things interesting. Ultimately, we are leading for Singapore's security and interests, not our own, so it is a matter of giving of ourselves. Most importantly, I love the constant challenge to take my abilities to the next level.
MAJ Gaurav Keerthi Staff Pilot, 127 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force 1998 SAF Overseas Scholar Bachelor of Arts in Economics Stanford University, USA
What made you decide to accept a scholarship from Singapore Armed Forces? I have always dreamt of becoming a pilot with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). So when I had the opportunity to take up the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Overseas Scholarship back in 1998, it was a dream come true. I have never looked back since joining the organisation, because aside from being a Staff Pilot at the 127 Squadron and flying the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, part of my responsibilities as a Branch Head at the Air Plans Department are also to oversee the acquisition of all major platforms, including fighter, transport and helicopter aircraft and related simulators, as well as air defence weapons.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work? The work that goes into acquiring a new platform is massive. Given the cost of some of these platforms, it's only expected that we do thorough research and detailed analysis to determine the most cost-effective solution to our defence requirements. One of the biggest challenges is to understand the technical complexities of some of the systems that we are researching, especially since I have very limited experience in the fighter, transport and air defence platforms. Nonetheless, I still believe it is up to us, as scholars, to use this exposure and incorporate knowledge quickly in order to contribute to the organisation, and live up to the high expectations.
CPT Lee Yee San 2001 SAF Merit Scholar (Women) Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA Master of Science in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA
Is an Army career any different for a woman? I knew that an Army career would challenge me across a spectrum of abilities, ranging from leadership, interpersonal skills and professional skills, to fitness and endurance. All these add up to a career that would give me the opportunity to develop and emerge as an all-rounder. I felt that an Army career would allow me to contribute directly to the defence of the nation. Deep down in me, there was always a calling that went over and above the stereotypical mindset of women contributing to the nation by being the anchor of the family. And joining this profession does not make me any less of a woman.
Have you been able to maximise your potential? Yes, I have been sent to self-developmental courses including a Basic Engineer Course in the US. The organisation also frequently seeks our feedback on our preferred areas of specialisation, where we feel our interests lie, and where we feel we can contribute our best. Through a mentoring scheme, SAF scholars are continually positioned for new challenges. There’s always new knowledge and wisdom to gain in different contexts to stimulate the mind, and new experiences and life lessons to enrich myself as a person.
Elizabeth Tan 2002 Defence Merit Scholar Bachelor in Chemical & Biological Engineering University of British Columbia, Canada Master of Arts in International Policy Studies Stanford University, USA
What made you decide to put your future in MINDEF? My childhood ambition was to be a doctor. However, the events of September 11, 2001, changed all that. The tragedy caused me to rethink my career options at that significant crossroads in my life. It made me realise how important defence is, especially in a small place like Singapore, and I wanted very much to play an active role in securing Singapore's future.
So far, have you been able to make any contributions to Singapore's security? Yes, the problem-solving nature of my course of studies has trained me to think of solutions and they have helped me greatly in the area of resource management at work. After completing my four-year degree course, I joined MINDEF's National Service Policy Department, where I reviewed and formulated policies governing full-time National Servicemen (NSFs). I review the policies that govern the optimisation of talent deployment in the Singapore Armed Forces, which includes medical officers and other groups of talented NSFs and NS-men. I will soon be taking on a new appointment of Staff Office (Special Duties), where I will learn more about the various agencies in MINDEF and the SAF, as I will be handling feedback from the community coming through the channels such as Reach and the MINDEF Feedback Unit.
