CONTINUAL LEARNING EFFORTS PAY OFF

At age 39, Major (MAJ) Chan Kwai Kiong put on academic robes for the first time to receive a degree. This was at his convocation ceremony held on 4 Oct at the SIM University (UniSIM) campus, where he was conferred a Bachelor of Science degree in Multimedia with a minor in Military Studies.

As one of the first to benefit from a scheme which allows Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel to pursue part-time degree programmes at UniSIM, MAJ Chan said: "It's a very good initiative which allows those with higher aspirations to upgrade themselves and learn more."

Under a 2009 memorandum of understanding signed between the SAF and SIM University, SAF personnel are able to take advantage of the university's flexible learning approach when pursuing any undergraduate degree course. For example, SAF Professional Military Education courses count towards a minor in Military Studies at the university.

For MAJ Chan, this flexibility was something which he appreciated. In the two years that it took for him to complete his part-time studies, he was deployed overseas four times, with each lasting about a month.

"My bosses were supportive and the unit also helped by scheduling my deployments to avoid major examination periods," said MAJ Chan, who is part of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's 126 Squadron which operates Super Puma Helicopters.

"Apart from academic knowledge, I also learnt valuable lessons in time management," added MAJ Chan.

For fellow graduate naval officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Wong Foo Chan, his choice of a degree in Marketing fit in well with his eventual appointment. "When I chose (my degree programme), I did not know that I would be heading the Navy Recruitment Centre as my next appointment and it was more of the curriculum getting me interested," said LTC Wong.

"I've been able to apply the things I learnt (during the degree programme) to my job as a recruiter to assure the young recruits who signed on with us during Basic Military Training phase," added LTC Wong. Like MAJ Chan, LTC Wong graduated with a minor in Military Studies.

Both polytechnic diploma holders, both MAJ Chan and LTC Wong appreciated the opportunity for continued education within the SAF. "I highly encourage those who want to upgrade their skills and to learn more about themselves to sign up for these programmes," said MAJ Chan.

About 320 SAF personnel have been enrolled in UniSIM courses under the SAF Part-Time Sponsorship Scheme for non-graduate officers and Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme (CLASS) for Warrant Officers and Specialists since the introduction of these awards in 2008.

SAF personnel, including full-time and Operationally Ready National Servicemen, as well as Defence Executive Officers, who meet UNISIM's admissions criteria can also enrol for the part-time undergraduate courses.