SERVING FOR A GREATER PURPOSE

ME4 Fion Lim Jia Hui and ME4 Yee Jia Jun both chose to answer a calling to serve in their own ways – by pouring their technical knowledge into the defence of Singapore. 

His success story is shaped by hard work and determination. Growing up in a lower middle-income family, Military Expert (ME) 4 Yee Jia Jun relied on financial assistance programmes throughout his schooling years to help him overcome obstacles and focus on his education.

Today, he holds two degrees in engineering and leads a team who works in the Underground Ammunition Facility (more on that later).

From humble beginnings to professional excellence

After completing a diploma in Chemical Engineering at Temasek Polytechnic, ME4 Yee enlisted for National Service (NS) in 2019. It was during his Officer Cadet School (OCS) service term that he met ME6 Ben Tan and ME5 Tan Chow Tat, who introduced him to the Army Engineer vocation.  

“They showed me that it was a place where I could apply my engineering knowledge while serving the country,” he said.

Inspired, he signed on with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a Master’s in Molecular Engineering at Imperial College London on the SAF Engineering Scholarship.

With his specialised skills in chemical engineering, many job opportunities in traditional industries such as oil refineries would have opened to him.

But he remained focused on a career with the SAF, where the work he does directly contributes to the defence of Singapore.

“After interning at a local refinery company (during my studies), I knew that I wanted to return to the public sector – I wanted a job with more meaning than something which is profit-driven.” 

Life “underground”

Today, ME4 Yee oversees the SAF’s ammunition stockpile at the Underground Ammunition Facility (UAF) —a complex and vital responsibility. The UAF has about 400 football fields of space and provides efficient storage for ammunition in land-scarce Singapore.

What it is like working underground? Some of us might picture a dark and poorly ventilated space. However, this could not be further from the truth.

“I would call it an engineering marvel. Everything inside is so robust so that we can ensure that ammunition is moved safely,” said ME4 Yee. 

His engineering background lends itself naturally to the job, especially when it comes to being able to grasp complex technical aspects quickly.

“As an engineer, you’re trained to think critically and solve problems systematically… This mindset is essential for developing solutions and ensuring the safety and reliability of our operations.” 

On 24 Jan, he was among 145 newly minted Senior MEs who marked their graduation from the Military Domain Experts Course (MDEC) in a ceremony at Temasek Club. The course trains them to assume roles in the SAF where in-depth expertise in areas such as engineering, intelligence, military medicine and cybersecurity is required. 

Of the graduands, there were 81 from the Digital Intelligence Service (DIS), 19 from the Republic of Singapore Navy, 18 from the Singapore Army, 26 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and 1 from Joint.

ME4 Yee will continue to serve as a platoon commander at UAF in charge of infrastructure and fleet management as a senior military expert. This includes planning schedules for the maintenance of vehicles and equipment such as pumps and generators on a regular basis.   

A spark aboard a ship

Also among the graduands was naval warfare system engineer ME4 Lim. Her interest in the maritime domain was ignited during a six-week overseas vocational attachment while studying Marine Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic.

“I’ve always wanted a career that aligns with my values, that is also unique and adventurous,” she shared.

“Our jobs are something we spend a large part of our lives doing, so I want the hours in my life to be spent doing something that fulfills a greater purpose.”

Combining her love for engineering and the sea, ME4 Lim found her calling in the Republic of Singapore Navy and signed on in 2017 while she was in Singapore Polytechnic.

Charting a course in the military

Her journey began with Basic Military Training and later, OCS. 

“During OCS, my family made sure to spend quality time with me during my limited book-out hours,” said ME4 Lim.

Her parents went above and beyond to support her during this period. It was the consistent, small gestures that she found the most touching.

“My dad, who drives a taxi, will ‘unintentionally’ make a trip to somewhere near Changi Naval Base, which we all know is highly unlikely, just to pick me up from work,” she recalled fondly.

Broadening horizons

She went on pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester in 2019, followed by a Master’s degree in Power Engineering at the Technical University of Munich, which she completed last year.

Her time in Germany was both challenging and transformative, as there were very few Singaporeans pursuing their studies there as compared to other study destinations such as the United Kingdom.

“Adapting to a new environment where English isn’t the first language and knowing no one there really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” said ME4 Lim.

“It taught me how best to navigate unfamiliar situations and adapt quickly – skills that have been invaluable in my military career.” 

Her studies in Germany also deepened her awareness of the urgent need for sustainable practices. There, shifts in seasonal patterns and extreme weather are a lot more observable in day-to-day life.

“I used to think sustainability was just a buzzword, but seeing the effects of climate change firsthand changed my perspective,” she explained.

“In the Navy, this translates to preparing for rougher sea states and ensuring our bases are resilient to climate change.”

As a naval warfare systems engineer, ME4 Lim is committed to balancing technical innovation with sustainability. She wants to contribute to initiatives that address these challenges in the maritime domain.

Looking ahead

Following her appointment as a senior ME, she will assume the role of lead engineer in the Systems Readiness Engineering Centre (Marine and Electrical).

And as ME4 Lim continues her journey in the Navy, she aspires to be a leader who inspires her team with moral courage and unwavering dedication.

“I want to always have (their) best interests at heart, and to speak up when you see something that is wrong.”