MINDEF, SAF PERSONNEL RECOGNISED FOR DEDICATION TO NATION

Winning an award or medal is often all about personal glory. And for some, it is also an acknowledgement of the support from family, colleagues and superiors.

Almost a decade ago, 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) (NS) Chew Thiam Soon, then a Battery Sergeant Major in 257th Battalion, Singapore Artillery (257 SA) was asked if he would be interested in extending his National Service (NS) after his 10-year cycle. His first thought was to talk it through with his wife.

"My wife would have to take care of the family while I was away. But I discussed it with her, and she said, yes, she would support my decision," said the 38-year-old.

Now into his sixth year as the Regimental Sergeant Major of 290 SA, he has the blessings of not only his wife, but also his parents and in-laws, who help with looking after his four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son whenever he goes for In-Camp Training.

On 14 Nov, 2WO (NS) Chew's wife, Mdm Ng Soo Rei, looked on proudly as he received the Efficiency Medal from 2nd Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing at the National Day Awards Investiture at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Five hundred and ninety-six MINDEF and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel who have displayed outstanding performance and dedication to duty and service were recognised with the national awards at the event. Officiated by Mr Chan and Minister of State for Defence Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, the event saw 81 Commendation Medals, 114 Efficiency Medals and 415 Long Service Medals presented to both military and non-military personnel. Of these personnel, 14 received the Long Service Medal along with one other medal.

Like 2WO (NS) Chew, Commendation Award recipient Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Mohd Fahmi bin Aliman also thanked his family for their unwavering support.

"They gave me the opportunity to concentrate on my work and that helped me in (my) decision-making and playing my part in the team," said the Branch Head of General Staff (Operations). He dedicated his award to his late mother, who passed away in April.

Apart from his family, SLTC Mohd Fahmi was also grateful to his superiors who had been his pillars of support throughout his 22-year career in the SAF, which included deployments to Aceh (Indonesia) and Afghanistan.

"I thank my senior commanders who trusted me and my abilities, and gave me the opportunity to serve in various appointments. They are always there, looking out for me," the 42-year-old added thoughtfully.

His sentiments were shared by Military Expert (ME) 3-2 Inderani d/o Narayanasamy. In her 30 years with the SAF, she has been empowered by her superiors to challenge herself by taking on greater responsibilities. For instance, just a few years ago, the Senior Supervisor at Headquarters Naval Logistics Command (HQ NALCOM) was asked to step up as Acting Logistics Officer in the absence of an officer.

"Then-Commander NALCOM told me to give it a try. It was a challenge as the job was new to me, but I learnt from the officers in other units," she explained, citing NALCOM's tight-knit culture and strong cooperative spirit as other factors that helped.

The 50-year-old believed her Efficiency Medal award would not have been possible without the support of Commander NALCOM, ME7 Andy Tay and Head Logistics ME5 Goh Huat Chye: "They believed in me and this is the recognition they have given to me."

The awardees also hoped to inspire their men to see their duties in a different light.

Said SLTC Mohd Fahmi: "I want to tell my men that nothing is impossible. If you set your heart and mind to something you believe in, you will have all the chance to not just win awards, but touch people's lives and also to inspire others to do well in the army too."

2WO (NS) Chew added: "When I first came (to 290 SA), people wondered why I wanted to extend my NS. But I felt that I could still contribute my knowledge and experience to the new unit and help them build up their skills and capabilities I hope it (my extension) will get them thinking about their purpose in their 10-year NS cycle and how their roles contribute to a stronger SAF."