14 Aug 2006 | MILESTONES
A CLEAR DIRECTION IN LIFE
STORY // Malcolm Tay
PHOTO // Chua Soon Lye
PHOTO // Chua Soon Lye
Like many Singaporeans his age, Officer Cadet (OCT) Bertram Ang enjoys a good game of soccer. But he has other hobbies, too.
"I read almost anything," said the sporty 19-year-old. "I also play the violin for church."
Moreover, his grades are good enough to land both the President's Scholarship and the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship (SAFOS).
The Raffles Junior College alumnus was one of five officer cadets to receive the SAFOS this year, which has been awarded to top school-leavers since 1971.
On 12 Aug at Temasek Club, Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean presented the scholars with their certificates and ceremonial swords.
However, unlike many Singaporeans his age, OCT Ang has a crystal-clear idea of what he wants out of life.
Said the budding Naval Officer: "I didn't want a desk job. I wanted to get out there and do something on the ground."
"I was attracted to the Navy because of its distinct role in diplomacy, and that's one of the things I'm interested in."
To give himself a good foundation for tackling defence policy, international relations and other areas of interest, he will read political science at Stanford University in the United States.
"The SAF is a thinking armed forces," added OCT Ang, "and I think that's very important in this knowledge-based age. I'm looking forward to being a part of this transformation."
Fellow SAF scholar OCT Hong Wenxian, too, hopes to do his part for the third-generation SAF.
"The transformation goes beyond technological advancements," said the ex-RJC student, who was conferred the President's Scholarship as well.
"Officers also have to inspire a passion for learning the skills required to operate increasingly sophisticated equipment."
Indeed, the 19-year-old eagerly awaits the many challenges facing an officer in the SAF, which are what led him to choose a military career.
The future Artillery Officer will major in mechanical engineering, a field that blends his interest in physics and mathematics, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
While OCT Hong aspires to be a good leader, he aims to make a difference, however big or small.
He noted: "I hope to do my job well and gain the respect of the people I'm leading."
"I also hope to leave my mark in the SAF, even if it's just making someone's life a bit better."
"I read almost anything," said the sporty 19-year-old. "I also play the violin for church."
Moreover, his grades are good enough to land both the President's Scholarship and the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship (SAFOS).
The Raffles Junior College alumnus was one of five officer cadets to receive the SAFOS this year, which has been awarded to top school-leavers since 1971.
On 12 Aug at Temasek Club, Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean presented the scholars with their certificates and ceremonial swords.
However, unlike many Singaporeans his age, OCT Ang has a crystal-clear idea of what he wants out of life.
Said the budding Naval Officer: "I didn't want a desk job. I wanted to get out there and do something on the ground."
"I was attracted to the Navy because of its distinct role in diplomacy, and that's one of the things I'm interested in."
To give himself a good foundation for tackling defence policy, international relations and other areas of interest, he will read political science at Stanford University in the United States.
"The SAF is a thinking armed forces," added OCT Ang, "and I think that's very important in this knowledge-based age. I'm looking forward to being a part of this transformation."
Fellow SAF scholar OCT Hong Wenxian, too, hopes to do his part for the third-generation SAF.
"The transformation goes beyond technological advancements," said the ex-RJC student, who was conferred the President's Scholarship as well.
"Officers also have to inspire a passion for learning the skills required to operate increasingly sophisticated equipment."
Indeed, the 19-year-old eagerly awaits the many challenges facing an officer in the SAF, which are what led him to choose a military career.
The future Artillery Officer will major in mechanical engineering, a field that blends his interest in physics and mathematics, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
While OCT Hong aspires to be a good leader, he aims to make a difference, however big or small.
He noted: "I hope to do my job well and gain the respect of the people I'm leading."
"I also hope to leave my mark in the SAF, even if it's just making someone's life a bit better."
