defence tech community singapore's secret-edge weapon

DEFENCE TECHCOMMUNITY

Singapore’s secret-edge weapon

www.mindef.gov.sg/cyberpioneer

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5

PLUS+EMCEEING RECRUITS’ NIGHT

STAYING FIT PAST 50 AND BEYONDFINDING YOUR FAMILY ROOTS

THE DENTAL SERVICE

In the military dentist’s chair

FUN FACTS ABOUT SAFTI MI

What you didn’t know

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CONTENTSNOV 2015 // Issue 457

> ON THE COVER

> COVER STORY

10

10 The brains behind defenceFrom adopting and adapting other countries’ defence systems to developing new capabilities of our own, local scientists and engineers have played a key role in enabling the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to become the advanced military it is today.

Singapore’s defence scientists and engineers have not only built up the capabilities of the SAF over the years, but also contributed in areas beyond defence.

DESIGN Bryan Loo

PIONEER

20 Dentists in combatThey do more than just take care of teeth. Some of the most common battlefield injuries are to the face and neck, and that’s where specialised military dentists come in to save the lives of soldiers.

22 Stax away!Playing card games in class? That’s what SAF Ammunition Command trainees can now do to learn about ammunition handling.

24 10 things you didn’t know about SAFTI MIHere are some fun facts about the home of the Officer Corps.

> FEATURES

20

24

PIONEER NOV.2015 I 1

During his interviews with defence scientists and engineers [Pg 10 to 19],

Eng Beng had a tough time understanding all the scientific concepts that were thrown at him. He shouldn’t have bothered. After all, you don’t need to understand electricity to use it. Thank goodness.

“As long as your cheekbones are up, nobody will notice you made a mistake” [Pg 26 to 27]

is the best piece of advice Benita has ever received. She’s decided that this will be her defence hensforth. *big smile*

Sitting down to talk with SSG Xu Peiwen [Pg 28 to 29] was an eye-opener

for Matthew. Not only is the Guardsman an all-rounded individual with many impressive achievements, he is also one of the friendliest people Matthew has ever met.

Contents

> NEWS > REGULARS > STUFF

4 Letters

5 Online

6 Snapshot

26 FirsthandTime to light up the stage: Journalist Benita co-hosts Recruits’ Night with the SAF Music and Drama Company.

28 PeopleHe’s a Ranger as well as an academic sponsorship recipient. Whether it’s physical training or academic studies, Staff Sergeant Xu Peiwen is driven to do his best.

30 Comment Mr Michael Sim shares his story of how his children are living the military dream he had been unable to fulf il.

31 PeopleHe may be 66, but this former Artillery off icer remains fit and active as a Physical Education teacher.

33 NovemberDon’t miss our list of things to see and do this month.

34 LifestyleHow much do you know about your family’s history?

36 Personal Best Too much of a good thing can be bad. Find out why you shouldn’t be too eager to impress.

38 Sporting Life Welcome to the world of hybrid sports.

39 GoWhereGoing on a trip soon? Don’t miss our list of travel tips and tricks!

40 S’pore LifeIf you pass by Little India, be sure to check out the Indian Heritage Centre.

41 BackpageShe loves to read and wants to travel the world – meet Air Force recruitment specialist Connie Ong.

Ed’s note

Editorial Consultant Michael Chiang

Chief Editor Angelina Low

Editor (Publications) Kok Wah Chuen

Editor (Visuals) Bernard Chia

41

PIONEER is a publication of the SAF, published monthly by Defence Media Centre, Public Communications Directorate, MINDEF Communications Organisation, Ministry of Defence, Singapore. The opinions and views in this magazine are those expressed by the writers and do not reflect the official views of the Ministry of Defence. All rights reserved. Subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1986, no part of this publication may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced or transmitted without prior written permission from the publisher. For enquiries, please call 63731114. Colour Separation and Printing by Times Printers Private Limited. Distributed by SingPost.

Journalists

Sub-editor Sherlyn Quek

Senior Journalist Ong Hong Tat

Journalists Teo Jing TingKoh Eng Beng Benita TeoMatthew Neo

Chief PhotographerChua Soon Lye

Senior PhotographerChai Sian Liang

Photographers Kenneth Lin, Shaun Ng

Circulation ExecutiveChew Keng Sun

Senior Graphic DesignersBryan LooJennifer Teng

Graphic DesignersElsin Seow, Wong Kah Hoe, Dennis Chua

ContributorsDaven Wu, Erik N. Tan, Joel Tan, Mark Teo

Email us at [email protected]

ISSN 0048-4199For circulation matters, email

[email protected] daily news updates on the

SAF, visit cyberpioneer at www.mindef.gov.sg/cyberpioneer

8 S’pore joins firefighting efforts in Indonesia

Giving back to society

Singapore participates in multilateral maritime exercise

New Senior Ministers of State for Defence

Strengthening the SAF’s learning culture

Showcasing amazing science ideas

Family fun at first SAFRA Celebration Run & Ride

26

8

38

31Infantry troops have the team behind the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle to thank for its technical innovations such as a closed-hatch driving system and all-round surveillance capabilities.

Looking at the line-up for this issue as I prepared to write this, I suddenly realised that it contained one of my “loves” (Technology) and one of my “hates” (Dentists). The former has always fascinated me with how it could allow Man to do the most amazing things. The latter… just brings back bad memories of visits to my dentist.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) excels in the use of technology through the support of a robust local defence industry. Today, every new piece of equipment the SAF acquires is first scrutinised for its quality and suitability to our operational needs. And if nothing fits the bill, the defence industry is called in to improve upon existing technology, or to simply design and build what we need from scratch.

As for the dentists of the SAF, they also oversee a crucial aspect of militaries – the health of the teeth and gums of soldiers. This group of personnel is not just trained to look after the dental health of servicemen, but also uniquely qualif ied to treat facial trauma injuries out on the battlefield.

Technology and dentistry both help make the SAF the strong armed forces it is today and should be embraced as opposed to being feared. Only then, will the SAF continue to be a strong fighting force.

Kok Wah Chuen

2 I PIONEER NOV.2015 PIONEER NOV.2015 I 3


Letters

Best Letter

Hell Week has begun! The most intense phase of the Combat Divers Course, it is designed to push trainees to their physical and mental limits. These would-be frogmen not only need to put all that they have learnt to the test, but also resist the urge to quit in the face of seemingly impossible standards. And it’s not just an individual effort – they will learn that teamwork is the most crucial factor in getting through this rite of passage.

Must watch

Online

›› WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CYBERPIONEERTV WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NGENGHENEditor’s pick

Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade mindef.sg/scgp22sep15

›› INSTAGRAM.COM/CYBPIONEER

#SCGP #SAFIf you’re an Insta-addict, follow @cybpioneer for more photos on NS and the SAF!

@cybpioneerSCT Ashok Kumar Dorasingam was inspired to join the Air Force during his days in Temasek Polytechnic, where he studied for a diploma in aerospace and mechatronics. Signing on as an Air Defence Systems Specialist, SCT Ashok excelled in the course and was awarded the Golden Bayonet. Congratulations to SCT Ashok and the other 1154 graduands of the 24/2015 Specialist Cadet Course.

@cybpioneerDid you know that a small medical team from the Singapore Armed Forces played a part in the Gulf War? The mission, codenamed "Operation Nightingale", was part of Singapore’s contribution to the United Nations’ effort during the Gulf crisis. The medical team treated more than 200 casualties during their 54 days there.

Talk to usTell us what you think of any of our stories. We’ll feature five letters each month and the writer of the best letter will receive a $60 POPULAR voucher. The writers of the other four letters will get a $30 voucher each. We also welcome contributions of stories or story ideas, be it a memorable moment from your National Service days or simply a story you believe deserves to be told. Just drop us an e-mail at [email protected] with your full name, NRIC, address and contact number.

(The publisher accepts no responsibility for the return of manuscripts or artwork submitted.)

For the first time ever, the Specialist Cadets wore their No. 1 uniform for graduation. Congratulations to all 1,155 Specialist Cadets from The Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Navy and The Republic of Singapore Air Force who graduated at Pasir Laba Camp today. You look good. Lead your men well.

- Ng Eng Hen

›› TWITTER.COM/CYBPIONEER

cybpioneer

ME5 Richard Goh took over as Master Chief Navy from ME6 Phui Peng Sim on 30 Sep. Congrats! http://mindef.sg/1KW7Gue

The role of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) stretches beyond simply defending the nation. Being among the most formidable military forces in the region, the SAF has been actively involved in rendering humanitarian aid to neighbouring nations when needed. Thus, reading the article on the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) emergency airlifts reminded me that helping other countries is more than just a way of reaffirming diplomatic ties. It is an act of goodwill from Singapore that should be second nature to us. NIKKI TANU SXXXX738Z

The RSAF is truly admirable. Reading the cover story made me smile, and I am proud of the hard work and contributions of the RSAF. Being a serviceman from Sembawang Air Base, I honour the many great comrades who serve with their heart. Passionately driven, they are the force that strives to excel and do Singapore proud. The experiences I’ve had with the RSAF have been immensely enjoyable. CHEONG THENG KWAN SXXXX636G

The story of “just” a Transport Operator is an encouragement to those serving in the armed forces as well as to those working in society. It is a reminder that there is no such term as a “low-class” unit or job. Everyone has a part to play in serving society, to be diligent and

achieve his best in whatever role he has. People have different gifts and talents, and we should desire to be the best in anything and everything we do! GAN JIAN YONG SXXXX623C

Reading “Tour de force”, I salute all the airmen who have helped by airlifting and rescuing injured people, as well as providing support and delivering food rations and more in recent disasters. The article gave laymen like me a closer look at the mission preparations,

standard operating procedures and how things are executed properly and safely. LEA CHUA SXXXX583H

“Tour de force” educated me about all the roles of our search and rescue helicopters. Their dedication and passion, the fast-paced tempo of their operations and the training, the 24/7 standby duties – all these leave me in awe of the men and women who make it happen. ROGER CHUA SXXXX679Z

Congratulations to all cadets! These are our very own heroes. Well done guys! Thank you.

James Ong, 23 Sep at 08:39Richard Yong, 22 Sep at 21:29

Best wishes to all the Cadets, well done.

Thank you for the initiative. It's a recognition of the specialists’ efforts.

Ng Willy, 22 Sep at 21:07

Minister, it is a fantastic idea. These guys will be proud to lead the men against our enemies if it comes to the crux.

Edmund Lam, 23 Sep at 08:49

Grit – The Making of a Naval DiverEp 10: Leave no man behind

Valiant heartsAbout 200 personnel from the 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade and the United States’ 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines of the 5th Marines Regiment participated in Exercise Valiant Mark. Held from 7 to 23 Sep, the bilateral exercise included live-firing exercises, professional sharing on weapons systems, as well as a battalion amphibious operation. // PHOTO CHUA SOON LYE

Snapshot



News

This year, 125 teams took part in the Amazing Science-X (ASXC)

Challenge, a competition organised by DSO National Laboratories, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Science, and Science Centre Singapore (SCS). Participants had to design and build exhibits that explained particular science phenomena.

For the first time since its inception in 2009, the ASXC saw gold medalists in all its four categories. Said SCS Chairman Tan Yen Yen at the prize presentation ceremony on 18 Sep: “Over the years, we have seen an increase in the number of teams… This, coupled with the impressive quality and creativity that we see, has also made us recognise and award medals without placing a limit… on the number of awards.”

Showcasing amazing science ideas

The gold medal-winning team from NUS High School with their Rochester Cloak project which uses convex lenses to hide objects from a viewer’s line of sight.

New Senior Ministers of State for Defence

- Lieutenant Colonel Kong Eu Yen (left), Commanding Officer of the Naval Diving Unit Special Warfare Group, receiving the Platinum SHARE Award for his unit from Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin at the Community Chest Award Ceremony on 25 Sep

Dr Gwendoline Quek (in red), Associate Professor from the Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, conducting one of the masterclasses.

Strengthening the SAF’s learning culture

Held from 5 to 9 Oct, this year’s Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise saw the Republic of Singapore

Navy sharing information and coordinating responses to piracy and terrorism activities with navies from the United States, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The navies also conducted drills which included ship tracking and boarding operations involving vessels simulating terrorist-related activities.

Lieutenant Saunders Tan (third from left) and his foreign counterparts conducting a planning exercise at Changi Command and Control Centre.

Singapore participates in multilateral maritime excercise

S’pore joins firefighting efforts in IndonesiaFollowing Indonesia’s acceptance of the Singapore Government’s offer of haze assistance, a Chinook and two C-130 aircraft ferrying men and equipment were deployed on 10 Oct to help fight the ongoing forest fires in Sumatra, Indonesia. On board

Contributing a part of our income for charitable

causes that lift our society as a whole is one way that the men and women in the unit give back to the nation… As protectors of our nation, we want to play our part in building a civic-minded society.”

Chief of Defence Force Major-General Perry Lim flagging off participants of the 1.5km route, after completing the 5km route earlier. Despite the hazy conditions, about 5,500 Operationally Ready National Servicemen and their families turned up for the event on 13 Sep and were able to enjoy unlimited rides at Universal Studios Singapore after the run.

Family fun at first SAFRA Celebration Run & Ride

“You are at the frontline of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) learning transformation journey. The quality of instruction and whether we achieve the vision of a learning SAF…depend on your interaction and your ability to inspire and…get people to learn.” Commandant SAFTI Military Institute Rear-Admiral Giam Hock Koon said this to participants of Learning Masterclass (LMC) 2015/16 on 5 Oct.

Targeted at the SAF’s training institutes and schools, the LMC comprises an SAF Learning Innovation Award presentation, masterclasses

Following the announcement of Singapore’s new Cabinet line-up on 28 Sep, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) saw Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen remaining at the helm. Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (pictured above, left) was promoted to Senior Minister of State for Defence and for Foreign Affairs. A new addition to MINDEF was Mr Ong Ye Kung (pictured above, right), who assumed the appointment of Senior Minister of State for Defence. He was also appointed Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills).

and a dialogue session. It provides a platform to equip participants with tools and ideas in learning, and enable training institutes and schools to enhance their curriculum, content development and instruction delivery.

SAF and SCDF personnel (pictured left)moving the heli-bucket into position by the Chinook. They began water-bombing operations (pictured above) in Palembang, Sumatra on 11 Oct.

were 34 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, a six-man Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team and a 5,000-litre heli-bucket.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen had been in Indonesia earlier for

a working visit from 28 to 29 Sep, where he called on Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs General (GEN) (Rtd) Luhut Pandjaitan, and Indonesian Defence Minister GEN (Rtd) Ryamizard Ryacudu. During the meetings, the ministers reaffirmed the close and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia.

It’s easy for any military to buy a weapon system from the defence industry. But if everyone is able to own the same piece of hardware, how

do you gain an edge over others?The Singapore Armed Forces

(SAF) counts on a team of capable defence engineers and scientists to gain this edge.

Over the years, they have helped to procure suitable military assets and gear, and even enhanced them to better suit the SAF’s operational requirements. If something completely different is needed, the defence technology community is able to conceptualise and build it from scratch.

Their contributions extend beyond the military sphere. For example, during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) crisis, they developed a mass fever screening system, and conducted tests for the deadly virus.

PIONEER takes you behind the scenes to see how our defence engineers and scientists have contributed to the SAF and Singapore in recent years.


Cover story

BEHIND DEFENCEBEHIND DEFENCETHE BRAINSTHE BRAINS

Defence is not just about putting boots on the ground – scientists and

engineers also play an important role in giving soldiers that extra edge.

// STORY KOH ENG BENG / PHOTOS PIONEER

PHOTOGRAPHERS & COURTESY OF DSTA


1. The integrated command centre – which houses the bridge, combat information centre, and machinery control room – enables greater synergy among different functions.

2. The bridge comes with windows on all sides to provide an all-round view of the ship’s immediate surroundings.

3. An all-round electro-optical surveillance system allows sailors to monitor the sea on screen.

4. The 80m-long warship’s vital signs are monitored remotely by crew with onboard cameras and sensors.

5. The status of its systems can be transmitted wirelessly to shore, to facilitate pre-emptive maintenance work.

6. The warship’s consoles come with touchscreens that have an intuitive interface.

Smarter ship

ship’s performance. “Whenever you cut manpower, there are worries about whether the smaller crew can cope with operations,” explained Mr Tng.

DSTA engineers conducted extensive interviews with the crew, and performed data analysis to come up with the optimal workload for each role. With the results, they were able to tailor the design of the LMV according to the needs of the crew.

Designed for the usersAutomation is used extensively

to reduce workload. For example,

THE CHALLENGE

How do you build a ship that is two-and-a-half times bigger, but can be manned by a crew that is

a quarter smaller?When Defence Science and

Technology Agency (DSTA) engineers received the brief to design the Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), they knew that an out-of-the-box solution was needed. Instead of making small, incremental changes, they decided to radically change the way sailors operate a ship.

Traditionally, a group navigates the ship in the bridge, while the command team helms the weapon systems in the combat information centre, and the engineers work in the machinery control room.

DSTA’s idea was to house these three functions together in an integrated command centre. “By putting them in one common space, we hoped that the sailors would gain synergy through teamwork, and reduce redundant roles and tasks,” said Mr Tng Yan Siong, 40. The DSTA engineer was in charge of integrating the LMV’s various weapon and communication systems.

Simulation trial

But would it work in reality? Short of building a real ship, the only way to find out was

through a simulation trial. The engineers created a replica of the integrated command centre in an analytical laboratory, where two teams of crew were put through mission scenarios such as patrol and counter-piracy, in varying weather conditions and sea states.

The test facility came with all-round windows (simulated by large LCD screens) just like in a real ship. It provided the crew with a 360-degree view of the ship’s surroundings as if they were out at sea.

A key objective was to see how a leaner crew would affect the

an all-round electro-optical surveillance system in the integrated command centre allows sailors to monitor the seas all around them on screen.

Traditionally, sailors on watch duty have to constantly scan the sea using binoculars. This smart system, however, alerts the crew automatically if a vessel is nearing the ship.

Training and logistics support are also simplified. The 80m-long warship’s vital signs (such as the operating temperature of its engines and the operating status of its communication systems)

FASTER, SMARTER, LEANER SHIP

Navy crew undergoing trials at the DSTA Analytical

Laboratory – a replica of the integrated command

centre – to validate the new operating concept before

construction of the LMV began.

are monitored remotely by crew with onboard cameras and sensors. The status of its systems can be transmitted wirelessly to shore, to facilitate pre-emptive maintenance work.

Another feature is the warship’s hi-tech consoles which come with touchscreens and an intuitive interface. Since the next generation of sailors are likely to be familiar with devices like the iPad, having touchscreen consoles will reduce training time.

“It’s not just about the vessel’s fighting capability, but also about (enhancing) training and logistics, which helps to reduce the number of people needed to support the ship,” Mr Tng explained.

“We cut unnecessary tasks, make existing tasks easier, and streamline processes.” - MR TNG ON WHY THE LMV CAN BE

OPERATED WITH A LEAN CREW

DSTA also developed the Combat Management System (CMS), an advanced command and control system that acts like the “brain” of the warship to integrate the many sensors and weapons on board. Decision support engines were developed together with DSO National Laboratories (DSO) to give commanders options based on various situations. The Threat Evaluation and Weapon Assignment engine in the CMS, for instance, helps to determine the threat level of targets and assign the most suitable weapon to engage them. This simplifies the decision-making process so that a smaller crew is required to man the combat systems.

Construction of the LMV by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine began in 2013. The first LMV, Independence, was launched on 3 Jul. A total of eight LMVs, including Independence, will be built. Independence is expected to be fully operational by 2017, and all eight LMVs fully operational by 2020.

Mr Tng was part of the DSTA team of engineers who had to think of innovative solutions to maximise the potential of the LMV with a leaner crew.

THE BRIEF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY (RSN) NEEDS A BIGGER AND MORE CAPABLE SHIP TO REPLACE ITS AGEING 20-YEAR-OLD FEARLESS-CLASS PATROL VESSEL. IN VIEW OF DECLINING BIRTH RATES IN SINGAPORE, THE NEW SHIP HAS TO BE MANNED BY A LEANER CREW.


THE BRIEF THREE-TONNERS OFFER LIMITED PROTECTION FOR INFANTRY SOLDIERS. AND THE TROOPS STILL NEED TO WALK FOR HOURS BEFORE THEY REACH THEIR OBJECTIVE. THE ARMY NEEDS AN ARMOURED VEHICLE THAT CAN PROTECT AND RAPIDLY TRANSPORT TROOPS STRAIGHT TO THE BATTLEFIELD.

THE CHALLENGE

The brief seemed simple enough, but the team of defence engineers from

DSTA hit a snag from the start. Most military vehicles require a soldier to operate a machine gun at the top, and there were no infantry carrier vehicles that allowed troops to fight “closed-hatch” effectively.

“We needed something more, and thought that maybe we could have a suite of cameras around the vehicle to give us this closed-hatch driving and all-round surveillance capability,” said Mr Sunil Sadanandan, 47, who managed the acquisition programme of the Terrex.

Launched in 2009, the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle was then one of the world’s first combat

BATTLEFIELD TRANSPORTERsoldiers to take aim and fire from inside the vehicle.

A joint project between DSTA and defence contractor ST Kinetics, the first Terrex was delivered to the SAF just two-and-a-half years after the contract was finalised – extremely fast by international industry standards.

More amazing is the slew of integrated fighting capabilities that Mr Sunil and his team of engineers put into the vehicle.

Using acoustic technology, the Terrex’s weapon detection system can pick out shots and show the enemy’s location on the

The Terrex can ferry up to 13 soldiers, and travel across rugged terrain at a top speed of 105kmh.

Commanders can engage the enemy by pressing a button,

or call for reinforcements through the BMS.

vehicles to have a drive-by-camera system. Eleven cameras, including a thermal imaging camera, are mounted around the vehicle to provide situational awareness and drive-by-night capability. Two cameras mounted on the Remote Control Weapons System (which can be armed with a machine gun or a grenade launcher) allow

for operations in dry climates, it experienced water seepage during heavy downpours.

Working with manufacturers, the engineers introduced a self-lubricating engine fan which helped to prevent overheating.

Extensive tests were conducted to ensure that, should there be a loss of communication, the H-450 could automatically fly back to base on a pre-programmed flight path over Singapore’s congested airspace.

In the initial test phase, the engineers encountered system failures and faults. But they worked closely with their Air Force counterparts to iron out the issues.

“With every test flight, we learned something new and discovered areas in the system we could improve on,” recalled Mr Quek Tze Wei, 36, one of 15 defence engineers in the team.

“Through the trials, we were able to enhance the system’s robustness.”

The first H-450 was delivered to the RSAF in 2007, and declared fully operational in March this year.

THE CHALLENGE

Defence planners from the Ministry of Defence identified

the H-450 as a UAV that could meet the SAF’s operational needs – longer endurance of up to 14 hours, better avionics, and advanced sensors that can capture sharper air photos and videos.

However, there were questions about its suitability for local operations, so DSTA engineers ran tests and customised the new UAV for Singapore’s climate.

They waterproofed the ground control station with better sealing material. The station is a facility where a two-man team operates the H-450. Originally designed

EYES OF THE SKIES

THE BRIEF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE (RSAF) NEEDS AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) THAT CAN LAST LONGER, AND CAPTURE SHARPER SURVEILLANCE PICTURES. ENSURE THE SUITABLITY OF PURCHASING THE HERMES 450 (H-450), AN ADVANCED UAV PRODUCED BY FOREIGN DEFENCE COMPANY ELBIT.

Battlefield Management System (BMS). And with the press of a button, the vehicle’s Remote Control Weapons System will take out the enemy. If necessary, the commander can call for reinforcements through the BMS, which is linked to Headquarters as well as other SAF assets.

This integrated capability was not something that could be bought off the shelves. DSTA engineers had to integrate various systems from different suppliers.

Some systems were also enhanced by DSTA engineers. The original weapon detection system, for instance, was not able to differentiate between friendly and enemy fire. Working with the equipment manufacturer, DSTA engineers developed a way to “mask” out shots fired from friendly forces nearby.

The enhanced weapon detection system can also discern the calibre of the incoming fire. If a Terrex is under siege from machine-gun fire and a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack simultaneously, the commander can identify and take out the RPG which is the more pressing threat.

“In the market, you can buy a weapon detection system, a remote control weapons system, and a BMS. But to integrate them – that’s what makes us unique,” said Mr Sunil.

The Terrex is no off-the-shelf battlefield troop carrier – the team behind it, including Mr Sunil, introduced new features such as the closed-hatch driving capability.

Mr Quek and his team customised the H-450

to better operate in Singapore’s humid climate.


After the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, anonymous letters

laced with deadly anthrax spores killed five people, and infected 17 in the United States. Over in Singapore, there were more than 25 cases of anthrax scares.

Thankfully, defence researchers from DSO’s Biological Defence Programme stood ready to test the suspicious items for anthrax. They had the technical know-how, and operated from a biosafety laboratory that could handle dangerous biological agents.

Although all the cases turned out to be hoaxes, the episode showed that Singapore was not immune to biological threats.

And in 2004, DSO added another biosafety laboratory that was bigger and better equipped with sophisticated research tools.

These two laboratories are rated at Bio Safety Level (BSL)-3. The highest level of

Did you know that a fever screening tool developed by our defence engineers

was one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions in 2003?

The device was Singapore’s first line of defence against the deadly SARS virus. It came about when the Ministry of Health requested DSTA’s help to develop a sensor-based fever screening device that could measure the

body temperature of a large group of travellers.

One of the earliest and clearest symptoms of SARS was high fever. But using a clinical thermometer was tedious: It took six nurses more than 15 minutes to check the temperature of 150 travellers.

In less than 36 hours, DSTA sensor experts, with support from ST Electronics, cobbled up a basic prototype of the Infrared Fever Screening System, and set it up for trials at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

The trials were successful and just a week after its

conceptualisation, the system was deployed at Changi

Airport. The system shows instantly

whether a person is running a temperature. It produces a colour-coded thermograph of each passerby: Red means hot, green means not.

Only two people were required to operate the system. This allowed most of the nurses on duty at Changi Airport to return to the hospitals where resources were stretched in the fight against SARS.

DEFENCE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL THREATS which infected 238 people, 33 of

whom died. Among the dead were five medical staff. The mysterious disease then had no cure.

“I was worried because I didn’t want my staff to come down with any infection. I was scared too, but it was important for me to keep up staff morale,” recalled Dr Tan Boon Huan, Director of DSO’s Biological Defence Programme, who was then a lead researcher.

To guide new defence researchers on how to handle future emergencies, they turned the SARS experience and the 9/11 anthrax scare into case studies.

Moving forward, the Biological Defence Programme is looking at developing treatment methods to strengthen Singapore’s defences against infectious diseases.

“What do you do after you detect the virus or bacteria? You can quarantine the patient to stop the spread, but without treatment, the patient will die,” explained Dr Tan.

A defence researcher working on a virus sample in the BSL-3 laboratory.

Dr Tan (far left) and her researchers are on 24/7

standby for any emergency involving biological agents.

FEVER SCREENER

The thermal scanners soon caught the attention of other countries, and were loaned to Hong Kong, which was one of the worst-hit locations.

Braving dangerDuring the trials at SGH,

the team came face to face with patients who could potentially be carrying the deadly virus. But they were aware of their heavy responsibilities and remained focused.

“We braved the circumstances and continued with our work, while adhering to a strict safety code,” recalled Mr Tan Yang How, a defence engineer, and president of DSTA Academy. “We knew we could do something to help contain the SARS virus, and we wanted to do our best for our nation and our families.”

The Defence Technology Community mainly comprises the DSO National Laboratories (DSO) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), which collaborate with defence industries and research institutes across the world.

Defence Technology Community

The infrared fever screening system was the country’s first line of defence against the deadly SARS virus.

RESEARCHERA national defence research and development organisation with more than 1,300 scientists and engineers, DSO focuses on technologies and systems in which the SAF has limited acquisition options.

INNOVATORDSTA develops, acquires and integrates defence equipment and systems for the SAF. The 3,000-strong community also manages defence buildings and infrastructure.

bio-containment measures are designated BSL-4. The researchers are on 24/7 standby, and can be ready for operations within two hours.

Over the years, DSO defence researchers have been called upon to lend their expertise in times of crisis: the outbreak of SARS in 2003, swine flu in 2009, avian flu in 2013, and Ebola in 2015.

The most challenging case was the SARS outbreak in Singapore

Learning the basics of cyber security, with guidance from a DSTA

cyber defence engineer.


In the late 1980s, Saddam Hussein

unleashed chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq war, decades after chemical weapons were last used in conflicts.

The re-emergence of chemical warfare prompted DSO to build up its chemical defence capabilities in 1989.

One key capability is its verification laboratory. Set up in 1996, the facility can screen for hundreds of deadly chemical agents such as sarin and sulphur mustard. The former was used in the infamous 1995 Tokyo subway attack. A similar attack in densely populated Singapore would be devastating.

In the event of a chemical attack, units from the SAF’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group will bring a sample to the verification laboratory for testing.

The defence scientists are on standby whenever Singapore hosts large-scale events such as the National Day Parade (NDP). The laboratory is currently exploring providing 24/7 support, and conducting drills with the SAF.

“Our laboratory can be called upon to provide 24/7 support. Our people can be mobilised in two hours when activated during standby, and our equipment is in good condition, ready for testing,” said Ms Ang Lee Hwi, a chemical defence scientist.

Local defence engineers are a versatile bunch. Not only are they adept at

designing military gear, they also constructed the world’s largest floating stage – the Marina Bay Floating Platform.

Slightly bigger than a football field, the 120m-by-83m platform can take the weight of 9,000 performers, 200 tonnes of stage props, and three 30-tonne vehicles. DSTA partnered SembCorp Marine to complete it in just 13 months after conceptualisation.

The idea for a floating stage

The search for talent

is never easy. To groom the next generation of defence scientists and engineers, DSO and DSTA jointly organise the Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP), which has cultivated students’ interest in defence science and technology through research programmes, science camps, scholarships and academic awards for over 20 years.

In Research@YDSP, for instance, students spend between six and nine months working on defence-related projects, alongside experienced defence engineers and scientists, in a sophisticated research laboratory environment. To date, the programme has encouraged the spirit of innovation and discovery in more than 1,000 students.

Nurturing future talentCyber security events are a

hit with Information Technology enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. However, few are targeted at students with little or no background in cyber security.

In Singapore, DSTA has been holding a competition, the Cyber Defenders Discovery Camp, for students in junior colleges, integrated programmes, polytechnics and universities. Among the practical skills they

pick up include protecting a computer operating system, and securing a network.

Mr Tan Kok Peng, a DSTA cyber security engineer, noted that demand for cyber security was growing due to increasing threats from cyber warfare and crime.

Sensitive data – including social security numbers and fingerprints – belonging to 21.5 million people were compromised when United States government computer systems were hacked in July this year.

Cyber threat is also a concern for militaries. In 2013, the SAF formed the Cyber Defence Operations Hub to beef up its defence against cyber espionage and digital threats that could cripple its computer networks.

The camp has seen an almost threefold increase in participation since its inaugural edition in 2012.

Said Mr Tan: “Their desire to learn was apparent. Even after the camp ended, many students stayed back to speak to DSTA cyber defence engineers to learn more techniques and about their work.”

BUILDING UP CHEMICAL DEFENCE

WORLD’S LARGEST FLOATING STAGE

INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

DSO’s verification laboratory can test for hundreds of deadly chemical agents such as sarin.

DSTA engineers took only 13 months to construct the world’s largest floating platform.

Scientists at the verification laboratory such as Ms Ang can be mobilised in two hours in times of crisis.

World-class facilitiesDSO’s verification laboratory

is one of 19 such laboratories in the world, and the only one in Southeast Asia, that are designated by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). This is an independent organisation that works to prevent the use and emergence of chemical weapons, including on-site inspections of member states.

As an OPCW-designated facility, DSO’s verification

laboratory has been called upon to analyse samples collected from inspections. This is an affirmation that DSO’s verification laboratory is world-class. DSO defence scientists took part in 10 tests over seven years before getting its status as an OPCW Designated Laboratory in 2003.

Said Ms Ang: “Test results from our lab can be used in an international court for trials on the alleged use of chemical weapons. That’s why we need to be very thorough and meticulous, and that’s why the OPCW proficiency test is extremely stringent.”

was first mooted in 2005. As the old National Stadium was to be demolished in 2007, a few years before the Singapore Sports Hub would be ready, NDP organisers needed a temporary venue.

It took engineers with bold vision and technical expertise to make the floating platform a reality. Back then, there were not many such large floating platforms in the world. As there were a few in Japan, DSTA engineers conducted feasibility studies and travelled to Japan to learn how they did it.

The platform is made up of

15 steel pontoons held together by design-patented connectors, and can be reconfigured to suit different mass spectator events.

One of the problems the engineers faced was keeping the platform stable on water. Back then, there was no Marina Barrage

to keep the sea waters out. To secure the floating platform, they turned to a detachable dolphin mooring system which restricted the platform so that it would only move with the waves vertically.

Since 2007, the platform has staged seven NDPs, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Singapore Youth Olympics 2010. DSTA engineer Lim Yoke Beng is proud to have played his part in developing the platform. “It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to see the many events and activities taking place on it. To watch my son graduate from his Basic Military Training in 2011 on this same platform I helped to develop was a moving and proud moment for me too.”


Feature

Dentists in combatIt’s not just about taking care of soldiers’ teeth. Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) dentists also save lives in the battlefield. // STORY KOH ENG BENG / PHOTOS KENNETH LIN & CHUA SOON LYE

A soldier shot in the jaw is struggling to breathe. Blood spurting from his throat

wound is choking his airway. A medic checks on him. “To the dental team!” he screams.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon – a dentist who specialises in treating injuries in the neck, face, jaw and mouth – swings into action, removing the bullet and stopping the bleeding to keep the wounded soldier alive.

This is a field hospital training drill, which shows a little-known role of the SAF dentists: saving lives in a combat zone.

Combat injuries in the neck, face, jaw and mouth are usually treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, instead of general surgeons.

Major arteries are present in the head and neck region, and it takes a surgeon with intimate knowledge of these body parts to perform the delicate operations necessary.

“One of the first things we do is to stop the bleeding and protect the airway. Within the first hour – what we call the golden hour – if you don’t save the soldier from bleeding and maintain his airway, he will be gone,” said Major (MAJ) (Dr) (NS)

Bertrand Chew, a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Bigger roleThe role of these surgeons is set

to become bigger as studies have shown that soldiers increasingly suffer more injuries in the face and jaws in the modern battlefield.

According to the United States Army’s Joint Theatre Trauma Registry, 30 percent of combat injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq were sustained in the face. Because of advancements in body armour, the most common areas of injury were the head, neck

and limbs. New threats from Improvised Explosive Devices also inflicted blast injuries to parts of the body with less protection.

Currently, the SAF dental teams operate in the Combat Surgical Hospital, a field hospital that is deployed away from the front-line. They are also present on Navy Surgical Hospital ships.

Earlier this year, the SAF Dental Service started experimenting with having its dental teams in Mobile Surgical Teams. These are small surgical units that are attached to front-line troops.

Said MAJ (Dr) Gabriel Chong, Deputy Head of the SAF Dental Service: “They can perform damage control surgery to stabilise the patient before evacuating him for more definitive treatment.”

Reducing downtimeIn the field, SAF dental teams

provide treatment for conditions ranging from lacerated lips to broken teeth or even a simple toothache. Troops can then return to their operational duties with minimal disruption.

FIELD DENTISTRY

I n a field hospital, dental officers and dental assistants

face challenges like risk of contamination, and shortage of medical equipment, electricity and clean water. “In a real war, we may not have air-con, electricity and water supplies. How do we create a training environment that is volatile and ambiguous? We have to go somewhere that is not controlled,” said MAJ (Dr) (NS) Chew, the former Head of the SAF Dental Service.

To practise operating in the field, SAF dental teams conduct socio-civic missions overseas for up to seven times a year, where they provide much-needed dental treatment to local villagers and the less fortunate. They usually operate in a tent or buildings where electricity and running water may not be readily available.

“You cannot unwind what had happened, but as a forensic dentist, I can speak for the dead.” - MAJ (Dr) Chong on the role of a forensic dentist

Combat dentistry actually begins during pre-enlistment medical screening, said MAJ (Dr) Chong.

At that point, and in subsequent pre-deployment screenings, servicemen are placed into one of four dental classifications. Only those in the first three classifications are eligible for combat deployment. Service personnel who are dentally unfit will undergo subsequent treatment. This helps to maintain operational readiness and reduce lost duty time caused by dental diseases.

Forensic dentistryAnother little-known role of

dentists: identifying fallen soldiers whose bodies cannot be identified by visual means. Forensic dentists identify bodies by conducting post-mortem examination of their teeth and comparing against their ante-mortem dental records.

What they do is seldom talked about as death is a taboo topic. But they play an important role in helping to provide closure to the deceased’s family, said MAJ (Dr) Chong, who is also a consultant in forensic dentistry.

In the combat zone, SAF dentists can provide treatment for injuries ranging

from lacerated lips and broken teeth to a gun-shot wound in the jaw.

MAJ (Dr) (NS) Chew performing an emergency procedure on a patient with simulated oral and facial trauma injuries.

During peacetime, SAF forensic dentists assist in forensic work for the Health Sciences Authority. They have also been called upon to help in international disaster victim identification missions such as for the ill-fated AirAsia flight QZ8501 that crashed into the Java Sea in December 2014.

Recalling his experience, MAJ (Dr) Chong said: “The bodies were all badly decomposed. There were pieces of skeletons and flesh that looked as if they had been bleached.

“You cannot unwind what had happened, but as a forensic dentist, I can speak for the dead, and in doing so, help the living,” he said.

That’s why we looked into other areas such as gaming to help them focus on the content.”

With Mr Goh contributing his extensive knowledge of ammunition and course management, LCP Goh saw to the details of the gameplay while CPL Ho took charge of designing the cards.

However, there was still a hurdle to clear – persuading their commanders that a card game would be an effective method of instruction.

“They thought gaming might have a negative impact on the trainees as the lesson would not be taken seriously,” Mr Goh explained. “So we showed them a draft version of the game and explained the learning points.”

Playing for keepsFollowing about four months of

work, Ammo Stax was finally born. The game is the perfect complement to the SAFAC trainees’ e-learning course as it encourages them to draw links between the various topics taught (see sidebar on gameplay).

Mr S. Nachiappan, a course instructor, explained: “Whatever information they see on the e-learning system is on the cards. They get to put the knowledge they’ve acquired into the game, and they really enjoy it.”

Course assistant Corporal First Class Nicholas Goh agreed: “Currently, topics like safety, inspection and ammunition items

T hink classroom lessons in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are always sian (boring)

– just sitting behind a desk all day, listening to lectures and staring at PowerPoint slides?

What if learning could be fun? That’s exactly what Mr Goh Kar Seng,

Mr Goh (left) receiving the SAF Learning Innovation Award from Commandant SAFTI Military Institute Rear-Admiral Giam Hock Koon.

• The game is best played with four to five players.

• Each deck contains three categories of cards: Ammo Item, Defect and Storage, as well as a set of wildcards.

• The dealer shuffles the deck and gives each player five cards. He then opens the top card of the deck.

• The first player must play a card from his hand that is linked to the opened card, such as one from the same category. If he plays one from a different category, he must explain how the two cards are related. For

instance, with an Ammo Item (Cartridge 5.56mm

Ball) card, he can play

Command (SAFAC), LCP Goh had to learn about ammunition and how to store it properly. “I found the vocation course rather content-heavy, and many trainees started to lose focus midway through the course,” said the Ammunition Data Resource Assistant (ADR Asst) in the School of Ammunition.

Together with his Work Improvement Team members, fellow ADR Asst CPL Ho and Curriculum and Quality In-charge Mr Goh, LCP Goh decided to devise a method of learning that would keep soldiers’ energy and attention levels up, while imparting important knowledge.

He noticed that board and card games were very popular with his camp-mates during lunch breaks and had a brainwave: “A card game implemented midway through the course would give trainees a break from the usual computer slides and help them regain their focus in an

entertaining way.” Mr Goh agreed:

“With the new generation of soldiers, the old methods

of teaching are no longer as

effective.

The latter fared better (in the end- of-course test).”

On 5 Oct, the team was presented with the Gold SAF Learning Innovation Award, which recognises training institutes and their staff for excellence in learning innovation. As LCP Goh and CPL Ho had already completed their National Service and were pursuing their studies overseas, Mr Goh received the award on behalf of the team, Team Titanium.

LCP Goh was surprised but happy to find out about the award: “I’m proud that the game won. Knowing that our work has been recognised is a pleasant feeling.”

First-time winner Mr Goh was equally grateful: “It’s a confirmation of our efforts by the higher management, and it motivates me to do more if the opportunity arises.”

a Defect (Perforated Cartridge) card, which is a type of defect that can be found on the Cartridge 5.56mm Ball.

• If a player does not have any relevant cards, he must draw one from the deck.

• A player can play the wildcard to change the category of the last card. To play, he must name one of the 10 Golden Rules of Ammunition (safety rules). He may then choose a new category.

• The game ends when a player has no more cards in his hand. That player wins the game.

Lance Corporal (LCP) Ulysses Goh and Corporal (CPL) Ryan Ho set out to do when they created Ammo Stax, a card game that teaches ammunition handling.

A new way to learnAs a new recruit to the

SAF Ammunition

are taught separately. This game ties all three aspects together.”

In addition to greater enthusiasm, the trainees were retaining the information better as well.

Said Course Management Staff Officer Ong Kai Yie: “We did trials with one group undergoing only the e-learning and another undergoing both the e-learning and Ammo Stax.


PLAYING AMMO STAXFeature

Classroom lessons may be drab, but with this new card game to teach ammunition fundamentals, you’ll be happy to sit through the lesson. // STORY BENITA TEO / PHOTOS KENNETH LIN & CHAI SIAN LIANG

Stax away!

Generations of soldiers have passed through its gates to experience some of the toughest training of their lives. Here are a few facts about SAFTI Military Institute (MI) that may be news to you. // STORY MATTHEW NEO / PHOTOS CHAI SIAN LIANG


Feature

1 SAFTI was an acronym for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Training Institute, but has

now become a name in itself for the institute, reflecting SAFTI MI’s heritage and close links with the old SAFTI.

2On 18 Jun 1966, SAFTI was officially opened at

Pasir Laba Camp by then-Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, who presented SAFTI’s formation sign – the “Sword and Torch”. It signifies the important role played by SAFTI in moulding and educating officers in the art

of warfare.

7 When SAFTI MI was still an open camp, visitors could go to the two-storey SAFTI MI

library to return National Library Board books.

8 One of SAFTI MI’s prominent landmarks is its tower. This 60m-high

structure is three-sided, symbolising the Tri-Service nature of the SAF. It also has a 265-step stairway representing the number of days a cadet took before commissioning as an officer then.

9 At the centre of the SAFTI Ceremonial Hall is a small area tiled with granite

sourced from Bukit Timah Hill, while the rest of the floor is tiled with polished Italian black granite. When new Officer Cadets pledge to take up the challenge of Officer Cadet training, they stand on this “soil of Singapore” to further remind them of their purpose and mission in defending the nation.

10 Another notable feature in the institute is SAFTI Link Bridge,

which provides easy access to training grounds. It symbolises the historic link between the old and the new SAFTIs, as well as the link between the Specialist Cadet School and the Officer Cadet School.

represented by the buildings (soldiers have) lived and trained in… In time, the new buildings comprising SAFTI will arouse in our young officer cadets pride in past achievement and present endeavour and inspire them to supreme effort on behalf of our society.”

5 On 25 Aug 1995, SAFTI MI’s official opening ceremony was officiated by then-Prime

Minister Goh Chok Tong. He presented new Colours to SAFTI MI, replacing the old SAFTI Colours which Mr Lee Kuan Yew presented to the institute in 1968.

6 SAFTI MI was originally intended to be an “open camp”, like the

United States Military and Naval Academy. Before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, civilians did not need passes or undergo security checks to enter the camp. The only restricted areas were the camp offices and living quarters.

Since then, there are armed sentries

at entrances, and security checks are

mandatory for all.SAFTI Ceremonial Hall

SAFTI MI Library

3Sixty officers and non-commissioned officers were handpicked to attend an

Instructors’ Preparatory Course to become the first batch of SAFTI instructors. The course began on 15 Feb 1966. And on 1 Jun 1966, the first batch of officer cadets (300 selected from 2,500 applicants) reported to SAFTI for training.

4The ground breaking ceremony for SAFTI MI’s present-day location at Upper

Jurong Road was officiated by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then- Prime Minister, on 9 Jun 1990. He said: “The spirit and traditions of military schools are

10thingsyou didn’t know about

SAFTI MI

Some kind of superstar the show into its individual segments.

This really helps because, between remembering the performance items and tracking my stage directions, I’m feeling overwhelmed.

At this moment, CPL Shrey’s usual co-host, Lance Corporal Noah Yap, saunters by, and I freeze. You know that feeling when you see your significant other’s ex and you think, “Gosh, this person’s perfect, I’ll never be like that”?

Luckily, he has a tip for me. He reminds me that co-hosting should be like two friends chatting and so there’s no need to obsess about sticking to the script.

Before sending me on stage, the MDC team gives me one last piece of advice: “Smile. As long as your cheekbones are up, no one will notice you made a mistake.”*

Deer caught in spotlightsThey make it look so effortless,

but truly, hosting the one-hour show is intense – bombarded by the

bright lights and loud cheering from the audience, it’s hard to see or hear. This often leads to me staring stupidly at my co-host and nodding meaninglessly while he tries to banter with me from across the stage.

The sensory overload also makes it difficult for me to think about my cues. Thankfully, CPL Shrey holds true to his words. Once, I prematurely push him to the front corner of the stage to introduce a performance.

When he asks, “So, what’s next, Benita?”, I lower my mike with a calm I’ve never known and whisper, “I can’t remember, actually.” He whispers back, “It’s okay,” and, without missing a beat, announces the performers.

The performances give us a short respite and we stand in the wings to catch a breather.

What do we do while waiting? Sing and dance along to the songs, of course. Good music, good singing, what’s not to love? After all, I have a lot of nervous energy to shake off.

Exchange of energyThe wings are also where we

witness the magical interactions between the performers and audience. One of my most precious memories is seeing the look of amazement on one of the Camokakis (MDC’s male vocal ensemble) when he turns to us mid-song.

With a predominantly male audience, the guys are pretty used to sister-band RhythmiX getting all the attention.

But on this night, there are female recruits as well and, for a change, the guys are being showered with some of the loudest cheers in the room. Even CPL Shrey looks astonished.

As the curtains fall on Recruits’ Night and my night as a co-host, I’m still on a high. I finally understand when celebrities say they draw energy from the excitement of the crowd, especially after seeing the Camokakis’ exuberance when they found their adoring fans.

The next time you watch MDC on stage, remember that they’re working hard to make you smile, so give them a reason to smile too. I’ll be cheering as hard as I can.

Getting ready for the show.

Firsthand

Some say journalist Benita Teo must be very brave to put herself out there and do this. In truth, the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company (SAF MDC) are the real brave ones for saying “yes” to her co-hosting Recruits’ Night. // PHOTOS CHAI SIAN LIANG

I feel like I’m in a vacuum: I can barely breathe, my heart is thumping in my ear, and all my

thoughts are racing at the speed of light. And it’s dark all around.

The moments before the curtains rise are always the hardest.

I turn to my co-host, Corporal (CPL) Shrey Bhargava. He looks collected and conf ident, while I’m not even sure if I remember my f irst line.

The curtains open slowly, and the mass of recruits at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) star ts to grow before our eyes. The spotlights come on and like a supernova, we burst into life…

“BMTC, ARE YOU READY TO HAVE SOME FUN?”

Hearing it from the prosI joke that I’m feeling like a

celebrity as I memorise my script while my photographer Sian Liang drives. But inside, I’m shaking. Co-hosting Recruit’s Night at BMTC may be the least death-defying of Firsthand assignments, but there is a very real threat of dying.

Of embarrassment, that is. MDC has made a name for itself

over the last 42 years, bringing cheer to our troops and boosting the morale of tired soldiers. The last thing it needs is a bumbling amateur.

“Everything will be fine! Come on, would I let anything go wrong?” CPL Shrey assures me chirpily.

Following our rehearsal, he has offered to sit with me and break down

*My colleagues say that I looked absolutely delighted in the video. Go figure. You be the judge.

(from right) CPL Shrey and Assistant Artistic Manager Edwin Tan running through the script with me.

On the edge: I’m waiting in the wings for my turn to go back on stage.

It’s really heartwarming to see the recruits cheering and grooving along to the performances.

I get to interview our special guest, local singer and former member of girl group Skarf, Ferlyn G (centre).



People

Talk about an overachiever – Ranger-trained SSG Zac Douglas Xu Peiwen is dedicated to doing his best in both training and studies. // STORY MATTHEW NEO / PHOTOS KENNETH LIN & COURTESY OF SSG XU

“(The Ranger Course) pushes not only our physical limits, but also our mental limits, to persevere and help each of our coursemates along.” - SSG XUNo limits

Beaming with pride: SSG Xu (right) and his buddy Captain Kelvin Lim after completing the Ranger Course.

SSG Xu (first row, kneeling, far left) at this year’s National Day Parade. He was a secretary of the Show Support Committee for the Vintage Parade.

SSG Xu (fourth from left) graduated from SMU

in 2014.

F rom winning titles like Platoon Best Recruit to gaining the coveted Ranger tab to receiving the Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme

(CLASS) Degree sponsorship, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Xu, 27, has pushed himself constantly to become a better soldier.

A platoon sergeant in 3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards (3 Gds) now, SSG Xu began his career in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 2008 under the Joint Polytechnic-SAF Diploma Scheme. “Joining the Army has been my dream since young. I want to inspire and make a difference in people’s lives.”

Mastering the basicsEven during his Basic Military Training, SSG Xu set

his goals high. He was in a platoon which comprised only Regulars and re-course trainees, and “being in such a platoon pushed each individual to strive to be the most outstanding”.

Working hard and clinching Platoon Best Recruit, he repeated the feat during his Basic Section Leaders Course. It was perhaps no surprise that he went on to receive Company Best in his Advanced Section Leaders Course, as well as Best in Physical Training for the entire cohort.

Following his graduation as a 3rd Sergeant and the completion of his Guards Conversion Course, SSG Xu was immediately thrown into the thick of action. Just after he was posted to 1 Gds as a section commander, the battalion went overseas for a training exercise.

SSG Xu was appointed point section commander and tasked to lead the entire company to their objective. “I had to lead the company and also take charge of my own section,” he elaborated. “While the company was taking breaks, I had to move forward to recce and confirm the direction. On top of that, I had to check on my section and account for them and their equipment.

“I constantly reminded myself that the company was relying on me, and tried to adapt quickly to the situation to complete all our objectives.”

Ranger leads the wayAfter returning from the overseas exercise

and only seven months into his tour as a section commander, SSG Xu signed up for the 36th Ranger Course in 2009.

“The Ranger Course is the toughest course in the SAF,” said SSG Xu. “As a person who likes to challenge himself, I wanted to attempt it.

“This is a course which pushes not only our physical limits, but also our mental limits to persevere and help each of our coursemates along.”

Undergoing rigorous training with less than two hours of rest a day, SSG Xu pushed himself so hard that he fell sick during the final phase of the course: His entire body was covered in rashes.

His perseverance paid off when he successfully completed the grueling Ranger Course, despite being one of the most junior course participants.

Back in the classroomIn 2010, SSG Xu successfully applied for

the CLASS Award, and headed to the Singapore Management University (SMU) to study for a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management, with a second major in Strategic Management.

“It is important for the Warrant Officer and Specialist Corps to constantly upgrade itself with relevant skills and knowledge… If we are not up to date, we cannot connect with our men, and it would be hard to understand what’s going through their minds and to provide them with a positive

National Service experience,” he explained.SSG Xu worked hard – not only in his

training and studies, but also by taking part in many student activities. He was part of the SMU dragonboat team, participated in tae kwon do, and was also deputy operations director for a term in the SMU Sports Union.

“All these experiences helped to build my soft skills in terms of time management and collaborating with different agencies and people.”

After graduating in May last year with a Bachelors with High Merit, SSG Xu is ready to take on new challenges: “(Being in school) changed my perspectives and taught me to be more critical… Now I can see the bigger picture and the overall intent of the unit and training, and better communicate (the purpose behind it) to soldiers under my charge.”

PeoplePeople


Still going strong

Most people in their fifties would prefer a slower pace of life to enjoy their golden

years. But not Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (Ret) Kok. At the age of 48, he put himself through a back-breaking physical proficiency test, all in a bid to become a physical education (PE) teacher.

“Imagine standing on your hands, doing the cartwheel when you are almost 50,” recalled LTC (Ret) Kok, now 66, who is working at Serangoon Junior College.

“I wasn’t sure if I could even do it, but somehow I managed,” he laughed.

Apart from his initial lack of flexibility, being older was never an obstacle. The former Artillery officer, who spent 29 years in the Army, is still in tip-top shape. He never failed to ace his annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test.

Imparting valuesWhat he enjoys most in his job

is being able to influence young people. LTC (Ret) Kok recalled one incident vividly. In his first school, as the teacher-in-charge of Riverside Secondary’s football team, he once

What is it like to teach PE to students more than 40 years younger than you? Army Regular-turned-PE teacher LTC (Ret) Kok Wai Tong shares his experience. // STORY KOH ENG BENG / PHOTOS KENNETH LIN & COURTESY OF

KOK WAI TONG

Runner-up of the SAF50 Story Contest, Mr Michael Sim, 51, writes about how he encouraged his children to live out the military dream he had been unable to fulfil. // PHOTOS CHAI SIAN LIANG & COURTESY OF CPT MARILYN SIM

Comment

My children, my nation builders

Since young, I was taught the need to build up our national defence in order to guard

our independence. My father was that unsung hero who inspired me in many ways.

He taught me that even when one is not in the Army, one can still contribute to nation-building in many other ways: being a responsible citizen; giving back to society as much as one possibly can; and being proud of who we are. Yes, “we, the citizens of Singapore!”

When my turn came to serve the country, I received crushing news from the Ministry of Defence – a letter instructing me to collect a “Certificate of Full Exemption”.

My hopes were dashed but eventually I reminded myself of what my father had taught me. Hey, I can still contribute to our country in many other ways!

Since I couldn’t personally serve in our defence, I had to “market” my ideas to my children. My eldest daughter Marilyn stepped up, as she, too, was passionate about the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Even though she was not of a sporty build and the training was “very tough” in her own words, she persevered to fill

“My children recognise the importance of our defence force and there is nothing more direct and concrete in giving back to society than to be part of it, serving to protect Singapore!”

Mr Sim is proud that his children recognise the importance of national defence and that two of them are currently serving in the SAF.

that void in me and ensure that I will have no regrets. Through sheer determination, she is now serving proudly on board frigate RSS Intrepid.

My eldest son Marven also joined the RSN and is currently on board frigate RSS Supreme. An experience he will never forget is being activated for the AirAsia search-and-locate operations in December 2014.

I have two more school-going kids and my younger son is convinced that he, too, wants to join both his sister and brother in the Navy.

We, as a family, can't express enough of our love for the country, particularly our Navy. We are proud of being Singaporeans and it brings me much joy and pride to have two of my four kids in the Navy Family.

A Clockwork OrangeThis breathtaking all-male theatrical version of A Clockwork Orange transcends the spirit of Anthony Burgess’s original literary masterpiece, taking you into Manchester’s underworld in all its seedy, orgiastic glory. When: 4-8 Nov Where: Esplanade Theatre Price: From $58

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// TEXT ERIK N. TAN

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2Final part to the adventures of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who teams

up with her closest friends to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem

and to assassinate President Snow, who is obsessed with destroying her. Opens 19 Nov

Victor FrankensteinThis retelling of Mary Shelley’s horror classic sees James McAvoy as the radical scientist Victor Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as Igor Strausman, his brilliant protege and the only person who can save him from his monstrous creation. Opens 26 Nov

SpotlightThis is the true story of how the Boston Globe’s investigative unit uncovered the massive child molestation scandal and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, which shook the entire Catholic Church to its core. Stars Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton and Liev Schreiber. Opens 12 Nov

The Good DinosaurWhat would happen if the asteroid that wiped out all the dinosaurs missed our planet completely? This Pixar animated feature takes an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. Opens 26 Nov

Beauty WorldTV star Jeanette Aw headlines this latest restaging of Michael Chiang and Dick Lee’s iconic 1988 musical, playing the vindictive cabaret queen who makes life difficult for a small-town girl looking for her long-lost father. Cast includes Cheryl Tan, Janice Koh and Joshua Lim. When: 13 Nov-12 Dec Where: Victoria Theatre Price: From $28

Jem and the HologramsMusical fantasy based on the 80s animated TV series. Small-town girl Jerrica Benton (Aubrey Peeples), alongside her sister and two friends, goes from underground video sensation to global superstardom. Opens 26 Nov

SpectreA cryptic message from his past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he uncovers sinister organisation Spectre and his chilling connection to his nemesis (Christoph Waltz). Meanwhile, M battles political forces back home to keep the Secret Service alive. Also stars Monica Belluci. Opens 5 Nov

Visit our website and stand to win

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PIONEER NOV.2015 I 3332 I PIONEER NOV.2015

banned his best player because of disciplinary problems. The team captain and other students petitioned against his decision, but he stood firm.

“Discipline is important; there are no two ways about it. If you make a mistake, you pay for it. But more importantly, you don’t stop there, you have to move on, and learn to re-organise the team,” he explained.

The captain rallied the team, and they emerged among the top four in the North Zone. A good result, said LTC (Ret) Kok, because this was the school’s debut in the national school games’ football tournament.

“I was very proud, in the sense that I allowed the students to work things out among themselves.”

Fond memoriesAlthough he has left the

Singapore Armed Forces for over a decade, LTC (Ret) Kok is still a soldier at heart. In August this year, he took part in the National Day Parade (NDP), marching proudly in his old Temasek green uniform. “I really cherish my memories in the Army.”

In fact, he was eager to sign on when he was only 16, immediately after his O-levels. That was in 1966 when Singapore had just turned Independent. His application was rejected as he was considered “stateless” then, since he was born in Malaya.

He later attained Singapore citizenship at the age of 19,

Inspecting his battalion as CO of 20 SA.

With students during a trek in Sarawak in 2011.

LTC (Ret) Kok marching in this year’s NDP vintage parade.

and enlisted for National Service. He made the cut for Officer Cadet School, and subsequently signed on. One stint, in particular, stood out for him: when he was Commanding Officer (CO) of 20th Battalion, Singapore Artillery (20 SA) from 1980 to 1983.

“Short of going into a conflict, this role gave me a sense of what running an operational unit is like. This was where I learnt about soldiering.”

Still raring to goToday, LTC (Ret) Kok looks at least

a decade younger than his age. His hair may be greying, but he is lean and fit. He still trains with his students during lessons.

“When we do overseas community service in poor villages, I always tell my students that they won’t see a fat farmer – because the villagers are always working, tilling the soil and carrying equipment. I live by the same principle,” he said.

Now a year away from retirement age, he hopes to continue teaching PE for as long as he can.

“Every day, I feel happy coming to school, simply because I love talking to the students.

“For as long as the school wants me, I will stay on. Physically, I can still carry on. In fact, I heard that there are PE teachers who are close to 70 years old!”

best research on family trees comes from artists.

Actor and playwright Oliver Chong wrote a play called Roots,

produced by The Finger Players, based on his search for his

ancestral hometown in China.

a leap of about half a century, genealogy can be a rewarding exercise even if it’s just climbing two or three branches up the family tree.

Forging connectionsArtists and writers have found

family biography to be a rich source of inspiration, and some of the

Singaporeans are famously made up of generations of immigrants, bloodlines often

going back further than memory permits. But many of us probably know little of our family histories past one, maybe two, generations.

If we start to trace the stories of our families, we may be more than a little surprised. Epic sea voyages, stories of rags to riches, adventures, hardships, romances… How do we begin to pick apart the threads of our personal tapestries?

The story of your genes

One way to trace your family history is to visit a community group like clan associations or cultural groups like the Eurasian Association. Overseas Chinese associations have painstakingly made genealogical records of families and clans for several generations, and many clans are grouped according to the dialect group of immigrants from a specific region or, even more specifically, family names.

Other useful resources include the National Library, which has an extensive and public collection of family biographies, clan association documents and the entire archive of The Straits Times since 1945.

Tracing family history can be very tricky and difficult since

His resources included online forums, family lore, clan associations and, eventually, a visit to China to find the village.

One of the most emotional moments in the play is when he meets a distant relative who, despite miles and years of separation with only the mildest inkling of family in Singapore, greets him with a kindred spirit.

It’s a reminder that our families are larger than we know, and that blood does indeed run thicker than water.

Photos & storiesPoet and first-generation

Singaporean Pooja Nansi has also been searching for her family’s stories and putting them together in a one-woman show

called You Are Here, to be presented at the Singapore

Writers Festival this month. Looking at old family

photos prompted her to investigate her family’s

history and movements over the years in India, and she

began to discover that parts of herself — such as her love for music and writing, her independence and stubbornness — echoed across generations with her grandparents and great-grandparents.

No man is an island, and we exist as part of a wider map of people. Especially in a country like Singapore, made up of immigrants whose children have forgotten where they come from, it’s important to understand our immediate past and the epic journeys many of our families made years ago.

our ancestral generations didn’t typically leave behind that much detailed information about themselves, so it can be a lot of detective work: sifting through library searches and obscure newspaper articles.

It all seems a little daunting. But tracing your roots doesn’t always have to be an epic search of Sherlock Holmes proportions. Just start at the dinner table!

The most obvious and immediate source of family history is the people we live with: our parents and grandparents and our extended family. Stories pass from one generation to another at the dinner table, but they stop if we don’t make an effort to listen to them.

Sifting through old family photographs gives you a sense of how life was lived a few decades ago, and also connects you to family who may no longer be around.

Memory fades quickly, so the time to start asking about your family is now!

The results can be surprising. Because every generation involves

Tracing your personal heritage can be a deeply rewarding experience. // STORY JOEL TAN

Family Tree


// TEXT ONG HONG TAT

“My paternal grandfather was from Dongguan, China, and my maternal grandmother was born in Malaysia. A Teochew family adopted her. Fortunately, she’s still in contact with her siblings.”

CPL (NS) Keith CheongSIGNALLER, 331 SCE

“All I know is that my late grandfather was from China and my grandmother was half-Peranakan. Unfortunately, he never got to go back to his ancestral home after coming to Singapore.”

CPT Marilyn Sim ASSISTANT OPERATIONS OFFICER, RSS INTREPID

“Through my uncle’s efforts in tracing the family tree, I know that my paternal ancestors were samurai during the Tokugawa era. I visited my ancestral home in Mito, Japan in

2007 and found out that my family still keeps a sword, forged by a family member, as an heirloom. It was hidden

under the floorboards during World War II when soldiers went around collecting metal for the war effort. Family history is important; life is more meaningful when you know your roots.”

LTA (NS) Terald IchigeSIT TEST ASSESSOR, DPD

Root of the matter

FAMILY TIES

LifeSTYLE

health

You’re young, raring to go and can’t wait to show

your new employers and colleagues just what a good worker you are.

But should you? In what could be a case of “too much too soon”, your plan may end up backfiring on you. Here are some tips to cool your heels at work.

We’ve all been there before: It’s almost time for bed when

you start looking for munchies. Any dietician will tell you that eating late at night is a recipe for weight gain. But going to bed hungry will also keep you awake. So what do you do? Snack wisely and reach for these snooze-worthy “before bed” treats instead.

CerealBreakfast food for supper? Why not? Cereal is

actually a great pre-bedtime snack. The combination of carbohydrates and protein produces the “happy hormone” serotonin, which calms you down. But choose low-sugar cereal or you’ll be too buzzed to sleep. And opt for skim milk instead of full-fat milk. Your body takes a long time to digest fat and you will not be well rested throughout the digestion process.

PassionfruitSnacking on passionfruit won’t only keep you sated,

it will also sedate you. Passionfruit contains somniferum, which has sleep-inducing properties and can help with relaxation and restful sleep. You can eat the raw fruit or drink passionfruit juice or tea.

BananasBananas contain high levels of magnesium, a mineral

that acts as a muscle relaxant to bring on the Zs fast. They also contain high concentrations of potassium, which studies have shown can help regulate sleep patterns and calm nerves.

career

Coping with late-night hunger pangs

After-hours diningCurb your

enthusiasmDon’t be too eager to impress.

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>> Are you fit and fab like Olive? If so, write in to us at

[email protected] and you might be featured

in this column!

ME4 Olive Lim Jiahe Medical Company OIC, SMTI Age: 26 Height: 161cm Weight: 52kg

> To achieve an active lifestyle, I aim to walk 10,000 steps daily. On top of this, I do static exercises at home or go for a swim at least twice a week. My workouts consist of mostly static exercises which include some high intensity interval training with weights that I incorporate with stretching exercises. Usually, I like to do this for about 30mins. For leisure swims, I try to hit a distance of at least 1,000m.

> A few years ago, I bought myself a pair of roller blades and started to practise roller blading. I had this great sense of achievement when I finally mastered how to stop! I really enjoy the carefree feeling when going fast on my wheels.

I look forward to doing more rollerblading stunts.

> I have always been the sporty type, and I don’t really restrict my diet. As a baseline, I avoid sweet drinks like canned soft drinks and bubble tea. However, I have a soft spot for desserts and I am quite a big eater.

> I focus the most on my abdominal, arms and hips as these are the areas that gain the most weight whenever I slack off!

> I can work out anywhere! Be it at home, park connectors nearby or parks. It all depends on my mood.

Socialising costs money. Having free-loading friends who take advantage of your generosity only makes it worse. And every social circle has that one (or two). Here’s how to spot them. Mr IOUHe’s always short of the exact change and gets you to bail him out first. So you end up unwittingly paying for his $20 meal. The next time you’re out, he’ll offer to pay $4 for your coffee and call it even. And the cycle begins again. Unless you’re actually keeping tabs on the tabs, chances are he’s gotten quite a lot of free meals off you already.

Mr ForgetfulEvery time the bill comes, he’s either left his wallet at home or forgotten to withdraw cash, so you end up paying first. Because you’re probably too embarrassed to ask for the $20 he owes you the next time, he’ll conveniently forget the debt and continue to enjoy free lunch(es) at your expense. Mr Small EaterHe doesn’t order anything but picks off everyone’s plate. When the bill comes, you feel bad asking him to split it. On the bright side, at least someone’s sharing the calories with you.

money matters

Avoid being everyone’s convenient banker.

Sneaky Socialisers

Eat humble pieToo much of a good thing can be bad. You’re confident of your skills, but there’s always room for improvement. Besides, you don’t know everything, so give others a chance to teach you a thing or two. Even if you already know it, just nod along amicably. It makes others feel good about themselves, which goes a long way in ensuring a peaceful work environment.

// STORY ERIK N. TAN

Slow downYou’re the greenhorn at work and hoping to make an impression by being the most vocal when it comes to offering solutions or suggestions. Not only will this rub some of your

colleagues the wrong way, it also makes you come across as impetuous. Don’t simply blurt out the first thing that comes to your head. Give yourself time to mull things over and buy yourself a degree of legitimacy.

Use grown-up wordsYes, you grew up in an era that talks in shorthand. But don’t communicate at the office like you’re texting. Use proper words and complete sentences, especially in written documents. It makes you appear more articulate.


PersonalBEST

GoWHERE

1 Want to move through security checks at

airports faster? Avoid the queue with family and kids. Get in line with the “suits”, even if the line is longer. Business travellers are old hats at clearing these checks and know the drill like the back of their hand.

2Even if you’re a die-hard carnivore, opt for the Asian

vegetarian meal option on the plane to get fed before anyone else. Also, these niche meals are often of a much better quality since they’re made in smaller batches.

3If you’re travelling

on a budget carrier and don’t consider yourself at high risk for cancellation, you may want to save the extra hundred bucks and skip the travel insurance. Insiders also say that baggage insurance is statistically the worst value in travel insurance. So don’t bother.

4If you’re moving from state to state, save money on your

accommodation by taking an overnight train. You’ll also save a day in your itinerary this way.

5Another way to save cost? Go back to school.

Most universities have a government-subsidised cafeteria that’s opened to the public. You also get to check out the campus and maybe meet hot students.

6Try to spend all your coins before

returning home. Most moneychangers will not change coins to paper currency for you. And when you consider that a €2 coin is worth $3, that amount can certainly add up.

ways to travel smarterTips & tricks you oughta know // STORY ERIK N. TAN12

7Avoid booking

your flights on weekends. You can save up to 15 percent on fares by booking on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when fares are in lower demand. Airlines tend to increase their prices on Thursday night and hold it over the weekend.

8Most companies will charge you a fee

when you need to cancel a booking but have missed the cancellation window. Depending on the fine print, you may be able to get around this by moving up the reservation date and then calling the company to cancel.

9If you’re travelling to the United States, download

the My TSA app to keep up to date with what is or isn’t allowed on flights. Airport screeners aren’t always up to date and may confiscate personal items that may now be

allowed on board, like regular lighters.

10There’s always

a chance you might lose your passport and other important documents. Make a digital backup by emailing a photo of your passport to yourself.

11Buy full-fare economy tickets with a Y or B

booking code. You’ll usually get first dibs on complimentary upgrades when there are open spots. Just make a request with the gate agent and keep your fingers crossed.

12After surfing through different

sites comparing prices, you come back to the one with the cheapest flight only to realise the price has gone up. You panic and book it in case the price hikes. It’s a sneaky ruse by sites that track your searches. Delete your cookies and try again.

$ $$

It’s one of the fastest growing sports here. Ultimate Frisbee, which has its roots in American college campuses, is a demanding activity that requires a combination of razor-sharp throwing skills, immense stamina and agility. Think of it as your casual frisbee game on steroids. Lots of it.

One reason the game has gained such a large following here

SportingLIFE

As the name suggests, this is the fast and furious version of badminton. The sport, which originated in Berlin, is a hybrid of various racket sports and usually played without a court or net. Players use a specific racket similar to those used in squash, but what really makes it stand out is the shuttlecock.

Called a speeder, it is made of plastic and heavier than the ones used in badminton. The extra weight makes it faster than regular shuttlecocks and it’s more aerodynamic so players can play even in windy situations. The

Also known as Octopush, this game was invented by the British Navy in the 1950s to train their divers to be more agile underwater. It later evolved into a sport and is currently played in over 30 countries.

The fast-paced game is played in a 25m-by-15m pool that’s between two to four metres deep and involves two opposing teams of six manoeuvring a weighted puck across the bottom with a foot-long stick or pusher to score.

Although considered a limited contact sport, players do wear protective gloves and headgear. Oxygen tanks are not used. Instead, players (who wear masks and snorkels and fins) rely on their ability to hold their breath underwater and teamwork to put the puck in the goal trough at the bottom of each end wall. WHERE TO PLAY IT HERE:

Stirling Underwater Hockey ClubQueenstown Swimming Complex473 Stirling Road, S148948Tue: 7-9pm, Fri: 7-9pm

SPEEDMINTONWHAT IS IT: A cross between badminton, tennis and squash

speeder can also be fitted with glow sticks so it can be seen in the dark. WHERE TO PLAY IT HERE:

Visit www.facebook.com/SpeedmintonSingapore for details

ULTIMATE FRISBEEWHAT IS IT: A cross between soccer, netball and rugby

is the ease at which newcomers are ingratiated into the community. Pick-up games are held regularly and anyone can simply join in the fun. There is little to no gear required, although a good pair of soccer cleats is recommended.WHERE TO PLAY IT HERE:

Visit www.facebook.com/UPASingapore for details

UNDERWATER HOCKEYWHAT IS IT: A cross between hockey and free-diving


Bored with the same old same old? Try out these hybrid sports! // STORY ERIK N. TAN

MatchMix &

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Free-spirited

// STYLING FONG FAN / HAIR & MAKEUP MELISSA YEO (HP: 9768 2813) & WEE MING (HP: 9298 1662)

/ OUTFIT TIBI AT TANGS ORCHARD / LOCATION

NATIONAL GALLERY OF SINGAPORE

// STORY ONG HONG TAT / PHOTO MARK TEO

CONNIE ONG, 26Recruitment Specialist,Air Force Recruitment Centre

She speaks quickly and her eyes have the twinkle of a mischievous child. “I get bored easily, so I’m always

finding new stuff to do.”Being a Recruitment Specialist at the

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Recruitment Centre fits her well: “I like that it’s livelier and more interactive compared to other jobs. It’s a good feeling; I get to play a part in helping others take their first steps in their air force career.”

Ms Ong recalled manning the RSAF recruitment booth at the Singapore Airshow in 2014 and seeing all the exciting displays. “We got to meet many people and see the RSAF Black Knights perform. That was cool!”

“I remember running out to see the aerial displays a few times!” she said with a laugh.

The bubbly 26-year-old is also an avid reader. “I’m currently reading Cold Days by Jim Butcher. It’s about this wizard/detective who always manages to get out of crazy situations. He’s super awesome!”

So what else gets this livewire excited? “I love to travel and I try to explore new places as much as I can between work and studies (She is currently studying for a degree in Sociology).”

When asked about her dream vacation spot, she replied: “I went to the Maldives in August this year. That was pretty dreamy!”

Join Connie at the photoshoot in the digital edition of PIONEER!

S’poreLIFE

L ittle India is arguably one of Singapore’s most vibrant quarters. At any time of the day or night, the entire neighbourhood

hums with activity – the melodic dawn chimes of the temples giving way to the hustle of the streets, the wafting scents of incense mingling with the fragrant aromas of a hundred curry houses.

Indeed, the tableau has probably not changed much in a hundred years with new developments far and few between. All the more surprising when visitors suddenly come across the Indian Heritage Centre.

Located on Campbell Lane, the $12m building stands out with its distinctive transparent facade that layers a trellis of balconies over a huge colourful mural.

Designed by Greg Shand Architects and URBNarc, this new centre has finally given Singapore’s ethnic Indian community a worthy home in which to showcase the riches of India’s almost 5,000-year-old culture.

The architects’ brief was to embrace the vibrant streetscape of the area and its people. This was challenging for two reasons.

The first was how to shoehorn a four-storey building with three galleries and community activity spaces into a triangular site that measures only 950sqm.

The solution was to make everyday utilities serve double duty. For instance, a lift becomes both a service lift for transporting exhibits and a passenger lift for visitors. Elsewhere in the building, staircases act as main passages between the galleries and light wells, and windows that look out into Little India and the streets below.

The second challenge was to consider the

A worthy homeThe new Indian Heritage Centre fits perfectly into its environment. // STORY DAVEN WU / PHOTOS MARK TEO

diversity and multifaceted nature of the Singapore Indian community and avoid

motifs that were too literal. A geometric trellis of balconies and exposed staircases

fronting the building’s exterior is based on the baoli – a traditional stepped well that is an important source of water and meeting point for Indian communities – and the peekaboo jali screen commonly found in Indian and Islamic architecture.

In keeping with the chaotic vibrancy of the neighbourhood, the colourful mural backing the trellis will be changed regularly. The result is a thoughtfully designed building that references the ancient Indian culture in a very contemporary way.

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