Up to the point where they started National Service (NS), 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Wee Jia Yi and 2LT Xuan Yi were practically inseparable. The twins had been together from kindergarten to polytechnic, and even co-founded a theatre group called Bound while in school.
Being apart during NS, however, has further cemented their already deep bond. "We have become more independent but we also appreciate each other s company more now," 2LT Jia Yi explained.
"We are both openly affectionate. Sometimes he ll send me messages saying 'I love you'," 2LT Xuan Yi added with a chuckle.
Despite being in different units, a common thread runs through the brothers NS experiences. Graduates of Singapore Polytechnic s Applied Drama and Psychology programme, they used what they had learnt in facilitating and leading workshops, as instructors in the Singapore Armed Forces.
They have been commended for their compassion by their respective trainees, something the brothers are particularly proud of.
"During the Commanding Officer s dialogue with the recruits, my name was brought up as someone who was very caring," said 2LT Jia Yi.
Meanwhile, 2LT Xuan Yi s student cadets presented him with chocolates and a card with his face on it to show him their appreciation.
2LT Jia Yi will be pursuing a degree in Psychology at the National University of Singapore. 2LT Xuan Yi, meanwhile, is slated to study Mass Communications at Nanyang Technological University.
But if their NS journey is anything to go by, these brothers can only grow closer apart.
