RECOGNISING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SAF

Come 1 Jul, Colonel (COL) Fairoz bin Hassan will be wearing a “star” on his rank insignia.

The 46-year-old is among 1,282 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to be promoted this year.

Even as he heads into his 28th year of service, he stands firm in his belief that working in the Army is not just a career to him, saying: “It’s a calling (to me), knowing that the things I do have a purpose.”

Currently serving as Commander 9th Division/Chief Infantry Officer, he shared that his biggest challenge now is finding a way to connect with every single soldier in Infantry, especially since the formation is the largest in the Army.

“That’s always the toughest part. Because when it comes to (handling) equipment or systems, it’s very logical. But when it comes to people it (becomes) emotional…It’s a big responsibility but it’s also the part I enjoy the most.”

On how the promotion reaffirms his drive to contribute more, he said: “Now that I’m here in this position, I need to contribute more to the organisation.”

“Of course, I feel very happy and very blessed that I’m being given this trust and opportunity.”

COL Fairoz received his promotion certificate from Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing in a ceremony held at the new Central Manpower Base (CMPB) on 27 Jun.

Adapting to the challenges of today

Another promotee is Senior Warrant Officer (SWO) Zulkarnaen Bin Hussain, who has over 30 years of experience in Military Police Command. He is the first Malay SWO to be promoted to Chief Warrant Officer.

As the Commanding Officer of Security & Policing Vocational School, he has been imparting his vast knowledge to the next generation of Military Policemen and Security Troopers.

Speaking about what motivates him, the 53-year-old replied that it was about training his soldiers well, so that they “do the correct things when deployed in their units and, ultimately, ORD (reach their Operationally Ready Date) as men who have served Singapore”.

He also thanked his wife for her continued support throughout his career, which enabled him to give his all and excel in the Army. “You are the greatest pillar of my success, and this promotion is for you.”

Remembering the highs

For fellow promotee MAJ Muhammad Iskandar Dzulfadhli Bin Abdul Rahman, there have been many memorable moments in his career as an F-15SG pilot.

The most unforgettable ones? The times when he has been activated in air defence operations to defend Singapore’s airspace.

“These missions bring a profound sense of clarity — not just in terms of operational execution, but in purpose,” said the 37-year-old.

“There is no ceremony or spotlight in those moments — just a quiet understanding that we are doing exactly what we were trained for: protecting our country and its people.

“These operations reaffirm the importance of readiness, teamwork, and trust, and they stand as the most defining experiences in my career.”

MAJ Iskandar, who recently became the Commanding Officer (CO) of 142 Squadron (SQN), credits his promotion to those he has met along the way.

“Promotions in the military are never achieved in isolation — they are shaped by the collective efforts of those around us.”

“I thought immediately of the mentors who invested their time to shape my thinking, the peers who challenged and supported me, and the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead.”

Passing on the torch

Being promoted this year was a pleasant surprise for 1st Sergeant (1SG) Muhd Hidhir Bin Yunos.

The Mortar Platoon Sergeant of 20th Mono Intake, 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards (1 Gds) said: “Honestly, I couldn't believe it! But I felt grateful because the Army has recognised my efforts.”

Speaking about what drew him to join the SAF, the 24-year-old explained he was greatly inspired by his commanders when he was a Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) in 3 Gds.

“When I was still a cadet, I didn’t want to sign on. But when I went into my unit as a second-year commander, I had very good commanders like my OC (Officer Commanding) Captain (CPT) Peter Loh and CSM 3WO Abdul Hadi.”

“Seeing their command style and how they lead people really showed me how I can empower the people around me. (It) really resonated with me, that this is something that I should do because it gave me a sense of purpose.

1SG Hidhir aims to pass on the teachings that his former commanders taught him, with his biggest motivation to serve coming from seeing the people under his charge growing day to day.

“I strive to be better because it impacts the people under me. At the end of the day when my boys ORD, I hope that they can take some skills that I taught them, to their next phase in life."