A MUM’S LOVE FOR HER SON & THE SEA

“Mummy, why do you want to volunteer even though you don’t have to?”

This was a question SAFVC Volunteer (SV) 2 Lily Tan heard from her son, Officer Cadet (OCT) Neo Waye Hoong, when she broke the news to her family that she wanted to join the SAFVC.

Then a Secondary Two student, he was surprised and confused by his mother’s decision.

In 2018, at the age of 40, she joined the SAFVC with the mindset of wanting to be a role model for her two sons who would eventually be serving National Service (NS).

Now 47, SV2 Tan is a Bridge Watchkeeper in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) while OCT Neo, 21, is a full-time national serviceman on his way to becoming a commissioned officer.

The mother-and-son duo talk to PIONEER about sharing eMart shopping lists and Sunday morning kayak sessions!

SV2 Tan, how did you come to join the SAFVC?

SV2 Tan: I’d always been very keen to join the military, specifically the Navy. When I was schooling, I would go for Army open houses too.

When my boys were young, they would get excited seeing their father put on his uniform and get ready for ICT (In-camp Training). I was also intrigued and asked him to teach me about the different military patches and how to fold the sleeves on a uniform!

In 2018, my best friend – who had been a volunteer with the Singapore Police Force where her partner used to work – discovered that the SAF also had a similar programme and recommended it to me.

I decided that I didn’t want this dream (of joining the military) to remain a dream anymore. 

SV2 Tan, how has joining the SAFVC been like?

SV2 Tan: When I first joined, I was very excited but also nervous! I didn't know what was expected of me, but I told myself to give it all that I had.

My proudest moment was when I scored the highest out of the female platoon during my Marksmanship training!

Currently, I’m a Bridge Watchkeeper. When I’m on duty, I perform navigational duties and keep a lookout for other vessels that our ship needs to take note of.

Another memorable moment was during Army Open House 2022, when I oversaw the camo-painting booth. After helping a young girl apply camo paint on her hands, she thanked me for protecting the country and gave me a handmade “Thank You” card. 

OCT Neo, how does it feel knowing that your mum joined the SAFVC?

OCT Neo: I thought she was signing on at first! (laughs) I was only 15 then and was very confused – why would she want to join when she didn’t have to?

(I was concerned that) things would be more challenging for her as she was older. 

SV2 Tan: Basic Training was tough. My biggest challenge was completing my weapon handling within the stipulated time. I had to be in the high kneel position and my lower back would get extremely sore. I almost went Out Of Course because of this.

But I persevered, completed it after trying multiple times, and graduated.

OCT Neo: During my tough times in NS, I would think to myself, “If Mum is able to pull through and persevere, I don’t see why I should give up.”

Plus, I am always motivated by my duty to protect my family. 

You two seem close. Has serving in the SAF together brought both of you even closer?

SV2 Tan: Whenever either of us goes to eMart, we’ll ask the other if they need anything. This has become our favourite shopping place now! (laughs)

OCT Neo: (nods) It’s very easy to ask her to help me buy stuff. I just drop acronyms and Army lingo, and she’ll understand them immediately. 

SV2 Tan: We do outdoor activities such as hiking and marathons as a family, but kayaking is something that only Waye Hoong and I enjoy doing together.

(That’s because) my husband really, really, really dislikes water! (laughs) We still forced him to get his kayak 1-star certification with us – he stopped joining us after that.

OCT Neo: It was so fun to drag Dad along for kayaking because it was clear that he really disliked it. (laughs)

SV2 Tan, are you proud of the man Waye Hoong has become now?

SV2 Tan: I am a super proud mum! He cares more for the family now. Sometimes when he comes back home, he’ll surprise us all by buying our favourite bubble tea without us asking. He’s also more disciplined in his exercises and makes it a habit to run every weekend.

OCT Neo, what would you like to say to your mum this Mother’s Day?  

OCT Neo: Continue doing great in serving our country! Thank you for all your support and I love you.