Heroes Behind the Scenes

As our SCDF frontliners work tirelessly to protect and save lives and property, do you know that there are other unsung heroes who provide essential support to our frontliners from behind the scenes?  You may not see them in incident highlights or on the news, but they play a crucial role in supporting SCDF’s lifesaving mission.

[Left to right] SGT1 Yong Hao, SGT1 Aloysius and LCP Raden. PHOTO: Thomas Lim

Rescue995 had an exclusive interview with three full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) from the Corporate Services Hub (West) - CSH (W) and the Corporate Services Hub (East) - CSH (E), to learn more about their experiences in SCDF’s support vocations. Let us take a closer look at their roles and contributions!

SGT1 Yong Hao carrying out his daily duties. PHOTO: Thomas Lim

SGT1 Lioh Yong Hao

Supply and Operations Assistant, Corporate Services Hub (West)

Rescue 995: What were your initial thoughts when you were assigned to the CSH (W) for your National Service?

SGT1 Yong Hao: Initially, I did not know much about CSH (W) and was unsure of what to expect. Compared to the other vocations that my peers had been posted to, such as Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians, I did not know if I could learn much as a Supply and Operations Assistant. However, I maintained a positive outlook and was determined to do my best in whatever vocation I was assigned to. After some time, I realised that the scope of work in Corporate Services is really broad, with all the different branches carrying out their unique functions to support SCDF in its lifesaving mission.

Rescue 995: How does your role in CSH (W) contribute to SCDF’s mission?

SGT1 Yong Hao: As a Supply and Operations Assistant, I assist my officers in the management, issuance and distribution of important supplies throughout SCDF. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this was especially important as we had to secure and distribute Antigen Rapid Testing (ART) swab kits and other essential medical supplies. By ensuring the well-being and health of SCDF personnel, I feel that I have contributed to SCDF’s mission to protect and save lives. Moreover, I have also assisted my officers in the management of firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services equipment required by frontline operational units. This requires us to do detailed quality checks of the equipment, before distributing them to the various frontline units.

Rescue 995: Do you have any particularly memorable experiences from your time in CSH (W)?

SGT1 Yong Hao: For me, the planning and execution of various events and exercises within SCDF is the most memorable. As each event comes with different planning considerations and constraints, we need to be adaptable, agile and flexible during the preparation phase. One such example would be Exercise Northstar XI held in March 2023. During such major exercises, our SCDF colleagues will need to work closely with other stakeholders within and outside of the Home Team. They will also need to be on-site for long hours as they go about preparing or executing the exercise. This is where CSH (W) comes in to take care of their needs.  Be it exercise equipment, refreshments, or transportation needs, we provide for our frontliners from behind the scenes, so that they can focus on their mission. When Exercise Northstar XI turned out to be successful and well-received, the satisfaction was immense, as we knew that our efforts have paid off.

Rescue 995: How has your time in CSH (W) changed your initial perceptions about National Service?

SGT1 Yong Hao: After my time in CSH (W,) I can confidently say National Service should not be regarded as “time not well spent”. Throughout my National Service, I was able to learn basic supply management skills and many other important life skills from my supervisors and officers. With opportunities to take part in and support various national and force-wide events, National Service in CSH (W) has moulded me into a better individual, imparting positive attitudes such as open-mindedness, confidence, and optimism. National Service has also taught me how to be adaptable in unfamiliar environments. Initially, I was doubtful if I could adapt to the lifestyle in National Service. However, as I took on more tasks and responsibilities, I became much more comfortable and learned to communicate confidently with my peers and colleagues. I am sure that the knowledge and skills acquired during National Service will help me beyond National Service.

Rescue 995: What advice would you give to future national servicemen who might be posted to a non-frontline role in SCDF?

SGT1 Yong Hao: Your mindset is everything! Be receptive to learning, be it from your supervisors or peers. You will definitely learn something useful, not just for work but in life as well. Also, do not shy away from additional work, as it often comes with more learning opportunities. The more we do, the more we learn – this is my mantra! Finally, I believe that non-frontline roles are in no way less important, as we provide essential support to our colleagues in the frontlines. If we do not take our work seriously, our frontline colleagues will lack the required support and will not be able to carry out their mission to the fullest. Ultimately, your own mindset determines how meaningful your National Service will be.

LCP Raden guiding his juniors on the operation of a portable sound system, in support of parade rehearsals. PHOTO: Thomas Lim

LCP Raden Zulfiqkar Bin Zulkifri

Info-Communications Assistant, Corporate Services Hub (West)

Rescue 995: What were your initial thoughts when you were assigned to the CSH (W) in SCDF for your National Service?

LCP Raden: I had always thought that CSH (W) only handles routine logistics and communications services, far removed from other SCDF operations. However, I soon realised that all departments really need to work closely together to attain the efficacy of our mission - to protect and save lives and property.

Rescue 995: Can you describe your typical day in the Info-Comms branch in CSH (W)?

LCP Raden: Routine checks and maintenance of Info-Comms equipment is an important part of my daily duties. Starting with the Forward Command Vehicles (FCV), I will move on to check communications devices, Body Worn Cameras, tablet PCs, laptops, smartwatches and many more. Throughout the day, we also attend to queries related to Info-Comms and tech issues such as network connections, printer configurations, and computer issues. Of course, when there are major events, such as recruits’ enlistment, graduation parades and the National Day Parade, we will be counted on to provide technical and communications support. This involves setting up portable mixers, speakers, and other audio/visual equipment. For certain events, such as parades and ceremonies, we have to be very alert for visual and audio cues, to ensure that the music is in sync with certain event sequences. This requires quite a fair bit of concentration and situational awareness!

Rescue 995: Have you ever had the opportunity to support SCDF’s operational duties? How were these experiences?

LCP Raden: Yes, I was fortunate to assist in the communications support for Exercise Northstar XI, Exercise Rambo, and the SCDF Garden Reception at the Istana. During these major events, our team had to ensure that all communications channels between the event organisers and working party ran smoothly.

Rescue 995: What were some of the skills that you have learned from your time in CSH (W)?

LCP Raden: I have picked up quite a few useful skills during my National Service. For example, I learned how to communicate effectively with my team and work under tight time constraints. Furthermore, I also learned to be more cautious in my planning, making contingency plans for inclement weather, and to cover all possible contingencies. My time as an Info-Comms assistant has made me more interested in IT and tech, and I am now confident in troubleshooting IT-related issues that I encounter.

Rescue 995: Do you think your time in CSH (W) has prepared you for future employment or life out of National Service?

LCP Raden: Yes, I strongly believe that the Info-Comms skills I have acquired in CSH (W) will be relevant and useful, even after my National Service. I am also grateful for the disciplined and systematic approach towards work, which I will bring with me after National Service.

SGT1 Aloysius Ng

Provost Officer, Corporate Services Hub (East)

Rescue 995: What were your initial thoughts when you were assigned to the CSH (E) for your National Service?

SGT1 (NSF) Aloysius: To be honest, I did not know what to expect when I first received my posting order as a Provost Officer. Fortunately, a few of my batchmates from my Basic Rescue Training (BRT) company were also posted to CSH (E) as well. When I first started work at CSH (E), my concerns dissipated quickly as the assurance, guidance, and encouragement that I received from my direct supervisors and seniors helped me to settle down quickly and gain confidence.

Rescue 995: When people hear the word “provost”, they will almost always think of a disciplinarian whose uniform is in tip-top condition and very strict on rules and regulations. But what do you exactly do as a Provost Officer?

SGT1 Aloysius: For sure, I don’t deny the part about having tip-top standards in uniform and bearing! I help to oversee both the morning and evening roll calls, working closely with the Duty Officer,  to maintain the high standards of decorum, regimentation, and discipline in my fellow NSFs. That also means that I must set higher standards for myself, to be a good role model! For major events such as the National Day Parade (NDP), my team and I were stationed at Kallang Fire Station to prepare the Command Vehicles for a Tactical HQ deployment, in case there was a major emergency during the NDP. After securing a perimeter for the command post, we would remain on high alert to safeguard all personnel and equipment on site.

Rescue 995: What are your experiences interacting with other colleagues in SCDF, especially those from different departments and units?

SGT1 Aloysius: My interactions with my other colleagues have been great. Despite our differences in background, I have made many friends from other departments and units. Sometimes, we even catch up with each other over a hearty breakfast! I am truly thankful for the cordial and close relationships with my peers in CSH (E). We can talk freely about family matters or personal plans. Some of us would even go for recreational activities together. While my officers are usually strict when it comes to work, I am glad to see their jovial and cheerful side during dinners and gatherings.

Rescue 995: Why do you think National Service is important?

SGT1 Aloysius: I believe that National Service is critical in upholding the safety and security of Singapore. Although I may not have had the opportunity to serve in the frontlines, I feel that my contribution as a provost has played an important role in   the areas of discipline, regimentation, security, and operational readiness to SCDF. For instance, during Exercise Northstar XI, my team and I had to simulate a Tactical HQ scenario where the Command Vehicles were deployed. We need to be “on the ball” and always ready for Tactical HQ deployments, should a major incident occur. Together with my team, we are responsible for safeguarding the Command Vehicles, which is of critical importance to overall command and control of SCDF’s frontline operations during a major incident.

Rescue 995: Finally, how has your service in CSH (E) helped in your personal growth and character development?

SGT1 Aloysius: After being appointed as the Company Sergeant Major (CSM), I have learned to be more caring towards my peers, and developing a greater sense of awareness for their well-being. I might even go so far to say that it has become second nature for me to check in on them quite often! As a leader, I have also learned to take a step back and see the bigger picture. I have learned to factor in different capabilities of my peers, complementing each other strengths to make the team more effective. Through the re-organisation and stock-taking of my workplace, I also learned to bring about better productivity with a well-organised work environment.

Rescue995 would like to thank all SCDF support personnel for taking pride in supporting SCDF’s lifesaving mission. Thank you to all our unsung heroes for their contributions!