MAJ Ling An (first from right) is a recipient of the SAF Merit Scholarship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Warwick and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from King’s College London. Currently, she is an Executive Officer at the Fast Craft and Training Unit in the Republic of Singapore Navy.
The thrill of the open sea, the camaraderie of a tight-knit crew, the adrenaline of leading naval operations—this is the world MAJ Ling An thrives in within the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). From the moment she was introduced to naval life during a scholarship programme in junior college, she quickly found herself captivated by the opportunity to serve in the dynamic and exciting world of maritime defence.
Now as an Executive Officer in the RSN’s Fast Craft and Training Unit, MAJ Ling An navigates not just the waters, but the demands of leadership, operations, and training. The RSN, as Singapore’s first line of defence, safeguards vital sea routes, contributes to regional security, and stands ready to respond to threats at a moment’s notice. This mission demands more than just skill—it takes grit, adaptability, and an unshakable commitment to serve.
We sat down with MAJ Ling An to learn how she balances the demands of leadership and operations while contributing to the nation’s maritime security.
What got you interested in joining the RSN?
During my second year of junior college, I had the opportunity to attend the MINDEF Experience Programme. In the segment hosted by the RSN, we were introduced to different parts of the RSN and had the chance to interact with in-service personnel to understand what life as a sailor is like. That piqued my interest and made me realise that a career in the RSN fulfilled the two key criteria I was looking out for—serving and being part of a cause that is larger than myself and having a dynamic, challenging career that inspires professional and personal growth.
What made you apply for the SAF Merit Scholarship?
I applied for the scholarship mainly out of curiosity—I wanted to challenge myself and see how far I could go. I never expected to be awarded the SAF Merit Scholarship, but I am extremely grateful for the support and opportunities that have come with it.
How has the scholarship supported you in your journey?
The scholarship allowed me to pursue my university studies (both undergraduate and postgraduate) overseas. In the four years I spent in the UK, I was able to meet new people, travel to different countries, and broaden my worldview. These experiences wouldn’t have been possible without the support provided by the scholarship.
What does your role as an Executive Officer in the Fast Craft and Training Unit involve?
As the Executive Officer, I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the unit. This includes planning operations, training schedules, and even handling the Human Resource aspects of the unit. I spend a lot of time with my crew, whether sailing out to sea or engaging with them to understand their goals and aspirations, challenges and concerns. It’s not easy, but it’s meaningful and fulfilling.
MAJ Ling An (top row, third from right) sailing with her crew
Tell us about some key milestones in your career with the RSN?
Leading the first-ever Maritime Sailpast for NDP 2020 has definitely been a key highlight of my career thus far. This was during the COVID-19 period, when NDP had to break from tradition and adopt a completely different (contactless) modality. At the time, I was the Navigation Officer of RSS Endeavour, which was identified to be the lead ship of the Maritime Sailpast column. Taking charge of a formation of warships to sail past the Marina Bay area as a salute to our nation was an experience I will never forget.
Other key highlights include participating in various bilateral exercises such as Exercise PELICAN 2023 and Exercise TRIDENT 2024. Exercise PELICAN 2023 was the flagship bilateral exercise between the RSN and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), marking the inaugural participation of both the RSN’s Sentinel-class Maritime Security & Response Vessel (MSRV) and the RBN’s AS-SIDDIQ-class Patrol Vessel. As then-Operations Officer onboard MSRV Sentinel, I felt extremely fortunate and proud to be a part of this milestone in the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Brunei.
On the other hand, Exercise TRIDENT 2024 was the largest-ever edition of the flagship bilateral exercise between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It was really both an eye-opening and humbling experience to participate in such a large-scale joint amphibious operation with my crew.
The RSS Endeavour at the NDP 2020 Maritime Sailpast
How has the RSN helped you grow personally and professionally?
During my time in the RSN, I have had opportunities to serve operational tours on the ground and staff tours at HQ. The former has allowed me to hone my leadership and interpersonal skills, making me a more mature and confident individual. Meanwhile, the latter has allowed me to strengthen my critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities through analysing complex issues faced by the RSN.
What’s one tip you’d give to someone thinking about joining the RSN?
Being a Naval Officer requires you to play many different roles—shipmate, friend, mentor, and even at times, counsellor. It’s challenging, but also meaningful and rewarding.
