I started with a Higher NITEC in Electronics from ITE Balestier before moving on to pursue a Diploma in the same field at Temasek Polytechnic. The engineering knowledge I acquired at school has helped me better understand the complexities of weapon control systems handling and made assimilation into the Navy a lot easier.
In terms of physical strength, I may not be as strong as my male counterparts but they are always very willing to help me. After several years in the Navy, I have also grown to understand that in the Navy, adopting the right attitude matters more than anything else.
I am a quiet person by nature and I started off my career not feeling very confident of myself. Since joining the Navy, the various opportunities given to me to take charge and lead people has helped me become a more confident person who is able to speak up for my crew when required and lead my department for missions and operations.
A few years back, I had spotted a surface target during my watch out at sea. I immediately surfaced it to my Chief Weapon Control Systems Expert and with his approval, fired at the target. I felt an immense sense of satisfaction when we hit the target successfully.
One of the most exciting missions that I have participated in is Exercise Carat, an annual multilateral exercise conducted by the United States with several member nations of ASEAN and South East Asia. We completed the firing exercise successfully and it remains a very fond memory for me after so many years.
I received a last-minute order that we were to escort a Shell tanker back to Singapore because of the possible threat of small boat or sampan attacks during her transit back to Singapore. My department was asked to prepare our Typhoon rounds and we scrambled to ensure that we were well prepared for this escort. It was my first overseas deployment experience and definitely one that I will not forget for a long time.
I am very lucky to have made so many friends in the Navy who will guide and lift me up when I encounter problems at work or in my personal life. They are the people who make me feel that I want to come to work every day and to continue serving in the Navy.
