(Caption of photo above) "Never give up just because you failed once or twice but use it to bounce back higher. Beyond that, put yourself with people who you can trust and rely on because they are the people who will guide and support you in your journey of life." - ME4 Tan Wee Meng
When he received his PSLE results, ME4 Tan would have never dream that he would obtain a degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from Singapore Institute of Technology/ Technical University of Munich. But with hard work, grit and determination, ME4 Tan managed to excel in his studies in ITE and subsequently Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He also brought the same spirit of excellence to his job in the Navy, resulting in sponsorship of his studies and emplacement to become a senior military expert.
Today as a senior military expert, ME4 Tan hopes to continue to inspire his juniors and motivate them to be the best they can be.
"Senior Military Experts will be at the forefront of changes." – Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman at the 19/20 SAF Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony.
Last week, a new batch of future leaders were appointed as Senior Military Experts. Let's hear from three of our experts, who are true experts in their fields.
"The Gun Guru"
ME4 Kumaran Naidu has established himself as the subject matter expert in all things related to our ships' main guns after close to three decades of experience. As a Team Leader in the Ordnance System Branch (Weapons Centre) of Force Readiness Squadron's System Readiness Engineering Centre, he is responsible to ensure the operational readiness of the 76mm OTO Melara Super Rapid Gun on all our ships.
Over the years, he has worked closely with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to improve the performance of the gun. In 2015, he was also part of the team that created a new and innovative way to test the performance of the gun. Typically such gun performance testing was one that involved high-risk bulky equipment and intensive labour. However, that has since been replaced by a nimble gadget that had effectively integrated a laser-based measuring device, a decoder for data processing, and a self-developed spreadsheet programme. The innovation was easily installed within the gun, and it won the top accolade of MINDEF Innovation Project in 2015. It was than implemented across all RSN warships.
"You are never too old to learn more. I will continue to learn, unlearn and relearn to remain relevant, and at the same time, inspire others to do their best." – ME4 Cham Gek Peng
This spirit of learning has been the driving force for the Force Support Squadron's Master Chief throughout her 30 over years in the navy. Although ME4 Cham began her junior as just a Supply Expert, she has grown to understand that what she did to fulfil logistical requirement is not an end, but a means to ensure the operational readiness of the Navy.
ME4 Cham's keen sense of learning also led to her being the recipient of Best Trainee for the Navy's Military Domain Expert Course 2. And her biggest takeaway from the course? Leadership skills! For ME4 Cham feels that the tools and skills taught will help her an effective leader who can engage her team, and appeal to their hearts and minds.
