Becoming specialist leaders

For 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Defred Lau, the path to becoming an Army medic is tied deeply to his passion for saving lives.

In June 2022, he received a phone call that one of his friends was badly injured after being hit by a lorry. "Arriving on the scene, I saw nothing but blood everywhere, and his life was in critical condition.

“Clinically, I knew what was happening to him, but I did not have the equipment or experience to treat him, and had to wait for the SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) to arrive.”

3SG Lau was then a Clinical Pharmacy Technician who was pursuing a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science at Temasek Polytechnic.

His friend passed away later that evening. This tragedy cemented his resolve to learn life-saving skills.

"That was the day I saw a need to learn all forms of life-saving skills," explained 3SG Lau.

A calling to save lives

3SG Lau became a volunteer first responder on the MyResponder app from 2023, and built up basic life-saving skills through various training courses and online research.

He even started packing a personal first aid kit that he carries with him at all times.

The 25-year-old recently received a Community First Responder Award for assisting in a road traffic accident that he encountered earlier this year. This happened on his way home after booking out of camp during Basic Military Training (BMT).

Without hesitation, 3SG Lau stepped in to help.

Thanks to the skills that he learnt in National Service as well as the first responder training courses he had attended, he was able to help treat the casualty’s wounds with his first aid kit before the paramedics arrived.

"Receiving the Community First Responder Award was extremely meaningful and humbling," said 3SG Lau.

"It reaffirmed the belief that even small actions make a big difference and that early intervention can be the defining factor in saving a life."

This sense of purpose is also what helped him overcome the tough training at the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Training Institute (SMTI) during his Specialist Cadet Course.

"I consistently remind myself that this is not just a profession to me, it is a calling deeply rooted in compassion, courage, and commitment."

Rising to the challenge

For fellow graduate 3SG Muhammad Nor Danish Bin Zainal, his journey in becoming a Marine Systems Specialist in the Republic of Singapore Navy was initially marked by worry.

This was because the 22-year-old had never learnt to swim.

Without any prior experience swimming, he had difficulty passing the requisite swimming courses.

However, he found a strong source of support and motivation in both his family and peers.

His batchmates, who had cleared the swimming courses earlier, followed him for training sessions throughout, while his family would join him for a casual swim at the pool whenever he booked out.

He added: “I’ve met several inspiring leaders and trainers in SCS (Specialist Cadet School). One that stands out was my course instructor (Military Expert 3 Roslin Chua) – she led by example, stayed calm under pressure, and always took time to guide and teach us.”

Continuing as leaders

3SG Danish hopes to apply the skills he's learned from his trainers — leadership, teamwork, and technical discipline — to his role as a Marine Systems Specialist leading his men.

“More importantly, (my time in SCS) has taught me to lead by example, earn the trust of his peers, and put mission and safety first.

“These lessons that will guide me as I take on greater responsibility and lead my peers and ship crew.”

Similarly, 3SG Lau feels his time at SMTI during the Specialist Cadet Course has equipped him with the skills to lead his men confidently.

“Every lesson and scenario has deepened my understanding of emergency medical care and reaffirmed my decision to walk this path.

“Completing the course fills me with pride because it is proof that I am equipping myself to serve and save lives more effectively. I am glad that I have made it this far, and am able to graduate with a bunch of friends that I made along the way.”