NEW MAN AT THE HELM

On 30 September in the middle of Jurong Camp, the rain fell just before the 3rd Singapore Division's (3 Div) change of command parade started. It was like a sign from heaven, washing anew the camp, indicating that rejuvenation was going to take place, and that a new chapter in the history of 3 Div was starting.

The two men in the centre of it all were the outgoing commander, Brigadier-General (BG) Loh Wai Keong and Colonel (COL) Tan Yih San, the incoming commander.

In the presence of the Chief of Army Major-General Desmond Kuek, COL Tan stepped up to take his oath and to declare his dedication to the Singapore Armed Forces and 3 Div.

As BG Loh bade farewell to his men and COL Tan accepted the welcome extended to him by his peers and colleagues, the renewal in leadership was complete.

By this time the sun was shining brightly again.


Cyberpioneer caught up with the two men at the post-parade reception.

"I leave the army with a very happy heart knowing that there are a lot of good people and strong leaders who are coming up in 3 Div and in the SAF," said BG Loh.

He revealed that the most memorable incident he had in his years at 3 Div was during a "very demanding" exercise, where despite many days of no rest, the soldiers on the ground still pushed on. "They had the fighting spirit to go on. That was very encouraging and inspiring," he said.

When asked what advice he had for the new commander, BG Loh laughed and said: "COL Tan doesn't need any advice from me! With his excellent leadership qualities and his tremendous intellectual abilities, he's the right man for the job and he will take 3 Div to greater heights."

The man in the spotlight, COL Tan said he felt "very honoured and privileged to be given the trust by the SAF to lead 3 Div."

"I will make sure that we will continue to work hard," said COL Tan. "I intend to uphold the high standards of the division as well as to assist in the transformation to a third-generation SAF."

When asked to comment on the legacy left behind by BG Loh, COL Tan said:"BG Loh has been one of the most wonderful commanders that the division has ever had, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say that he has been very caring, upright and professional."

BG Loh moves on to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to take up the appointment of Deputy Secretary.