The defence scholarship awards are a responsibility not for those lacking in resolve or steel in their characters, said defence minister Dr Ng Eng Hen.

When 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Steve Chia enlisted for National Service (NS) and started Basic Military Training (BMT) last January, he had a lot on his mind.

"If you want to challenge yourself, you should give OCS (Officer Cadet School) a shot."

Joining the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was not an easy decision for Officer Cadet (OCT) Rajesh Muthu S/O Ramanathan. For one, he had to convince his family and friends that it was the right choice for him as a medical student.

Being the older sibling often means having to set an example and paving the way for the younger ones to follow. For most people, it’s the usual things like doing well in school, nailing that first job or getting your driving license on the first try.

2LT A Guhanavel S/O Ashok Kumar became an officer despite starting with zero leadership experience and fitness.