PANTHER DIVISION GETS NEW COMMANDER
PHOTO // Simon Koh
Brigadier-General (BG) Chia Choon Hoong bade farewell to the 9th Singapore Division (9 DIV) and handed over his appointment as Chief Infantry Officer / Commander 9 DIV to Colonel (COL) Chiang Hock Woon during a Change of Command Parade held at Selarang Camp on 12 Jul.
In his farewell speech, BG Chia thanked the men for the unwavering support he had received since he assumed command of the division in 2011.
"To my proud Panther family, especially to NSmen (Operationally-Ready National Servicemen) who have been in 9 Division long before I joined, thank you for accepting me into your fold, and making me feel welcomed."
Describing COL Chiang as "a professional soldier who has the interests of his people at heart", BG Chia expressed full confidence in the new commander's leadership.
"I am heartened to be handing over my responsibilities to a very capable and committed officer, someone who is genuine and well liked by all who have worked with him."
BG Chia joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on 18 Dec 1990. A year later, he was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer on 1 Oct 1991.
As Commander 9 DIV, he led the Division over an intensive two-year period, most notably in high-key exercises with other militaries, like Exercise Suman Protector and Exercise Cobra Gold.
He also made significant contributions in the area of training development, where he operationalised the Multi-Mission Range Complex in Pasir Laba Camp, the motorised infantry training hub and the Murai Urban Live-Firing Facility.
In recognition of his contributions, BG Chia was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) (Military) in 2010, and the SAF Overseas Service Medal in 2011.
Incoming commander COL Chiang joined the SAF in March 1985 and has been a Commando Officer since 1989.
He has held various key command and staff appointments, including Commanding Officer 1st Commando Battalion, Commander Commando Training Institute, Commander Officer Cadet School (OCS) and Chief Commando Officer / Commander Special Operations Task Force.
COL Chiang is credited for setting up the Commando Training Institute in 2005, and spearheading the LEARNet initiative in 2007, transforming the training methodology at OCS.
