DEFENCE IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

Whether it’s supporting NSmen in their NS commitments or volunteering in the SAF and empowering youths, 2SG (NS) Elliot Ang and SV2 Sheila Manokaran support our nation’s defence in their own ways.

She serves in the SAF Volunteer Corps, volunteers in the Youth Corps Advisory Committee, and creates learning opportunities for students in her job at a media company.

When it comes to giving back to Singapore, Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) Volunteer (SV2) Sheila Manokaran makes every hour count.

“When young people feel they have a stake in our future, they stand together for Singapore. Their courage and growth gives me the motivation to keep going.”

Stepping up to be an SAF volunteer

When SV2 Sheila joined the SAFVC in 2016, it came as no surprise to her family and friends.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue nautical studies to be a sea captain, especially since many of my maternal relatives are sea captains themselves!” said the 31-year-old, who continues to serve as a Bridge Watchkeeper in the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Her most memorable experience? The day her parents came down to Maju Camp to affix her patch onto her uniform.

“After going through Basic Training, route march, reading my parents’ letters – the whole journey felt very sentimental. It made me realise that these are the people I want to protect, and the purpose of why I’m protecting my nation.”

Creating opportunities for our youth

At River Valley Irregulars, she has been building platforms for young individuals to gain industrial experience, practical skills, and confidence through professional learning, mentorship programmes and more.

SV2 Sheila is also the Head of Partnership & Projects at Potato Productions, a group that uses technology and creativity for social good, across sectors such as design, education, entertainment and healthcare.

Last year, SV2 Sheila was invited to join the Youth Corps Advisory Committee.

This was a “full circle moment” for her, as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) alumna started out as part of the pioneer cohort of youth leaders in Youth Corps Singapore 10 years ago.

As part of the Youth Corps Advisory Committee, SV2 Sheila’s goal is to help youths build psychological resilience.

“Every time I see a youth take ownership of their project, speak up with confidence and seize an opportunity, it reminds me of why we do this,” she said.

On 6 Nov, SV2 Sheila’s contributions were recognised at the annual Total Defence (TD) Awards Dinner held at the Singapore Mariott Tang Plaza Hotel.

The TD Advocate Awards were presented to 61 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), 16 Large Companies, 34 Organisations and 20 Individuals. These awards are the highest accolade conferred on businesses, organisations and individuals in recognition of their exemplary support towards TD.

Success of our nation & businesses go hand in hand

Also among this year’s TD Advocate Award recipients is TDCX (SG) Pte Ltd, a business process outsourcing firm.

Elaborating on the NS-friendly HR (Human Resource) policies that his company has put in place, Senior Manager 2nd Sergeant (2SG) (NS) Elliot Ang said: “Time offs and flexible work arrangements are provided, NS contributions are recognised and deferments are strongly discouraged.”

These include prioritising Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) in shift allocations and ensuring adequate time for In-Camp Training (ICT) preparation, family commitments and rest before they resume work.

A Signal Ops Specialist in 32nd Singapore Infantry Brigade, the 33-year-old reflected that “there’s a lot of skills that one can gain out of NS”.

“Most importantly, it is leadership and people management as we interact with people from all walks of life, (and also) the ability to keep calm under pressure, having situational awareness and making informed decisions.”

Earlier this year, TDCX (SG) Pte Ltd also participated in Exercise SG Ready, an annual island-wide exercise that simulates disruptions – such as power outages and cyber attacks – to test the public’s and businesses’ readiness during a crisis.

2SG (NS) Ang shared that it was an exciting moment for the company to be able to contribute to national resilience by beefing up their security measures and strengthening their business continuity processes.

When asked how he felt receiving the TD Advocate Award (Large Company) on behalf of TDCX Pte Ltd, 2SG (NS) Ang said: “This award is a testament to the collective effort of our team who understand that the success of our nation and businesses go hand in hand.

“To me, Total Defence means caring for and supporting every employee with resources to succeed, and standing firmly behind them whenever challenges rise.”