When a fire breaks out or an emergency strikes, every second counts. For LTC Chen, serving with the SCDF means ensuring that critical seconds are never wasted.

This sense of purpose has its roots in his upbringing. “My inspiration came from watching my parents throughout their careers in the public service,” he shared. “I witnessed first-hand their passion and the immense satisfaction they derived from serving the public until their retirement.” A series of major international incidents underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness cemented his resolve. “The opportunity to be part of the Life Saving Force, which ensures the safety of Singaporeans, really appealed to me,” he said.

Growing the Spark

LTC Chen’s journey began with the Local Merit Scholarship (LMS), which aligned with both his personal and professional aspirations. “Most importantly, I wanted to study in Singapore so that I could care for my parents who were getting older,” he explained. The LMS also offered an overseas semester, giving him valuable overseas exposure without extended time away from his family.

He built a strong technical foundation through his studies, earning a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering) from NTU, where he explored fire behaviour, chemical hazards, and the science behind firefighting. More recently, he completed a Master of Science, Fire Safety Engineering at Ulster University, deepening his expertise in fire dynamics, fire safety design principles, active protection systems, and human behaviour in fires. “This knowledge enables me to better design policies and communicate fire safety requirements to stakeholders,” he noted.

The scholarship also supported LTC Chen’s professional growth through a variety of opportunities. “SCDF has invested in my growth through specialised courses and work exposure in policy development, ground work, communication, leadership, and technical training,” he said. “I’ve also gained valuable international exposure through overseas conferences and training. This combination of experiences, soft skills, and specialised knowledge has given me the versatility to handle a wide range of responsibilities confidently.”

Strength in Numbers

After graduation, LTC Chen joined SCDF, where his work spans operations, policy, and fire safety. Today, as Senior Assistant Director (Fire Safety Management), he leads a team that designs fire safety policies, communicates requirements to stakeholders, and ensures Singapore’s buildings and events remain safe.

No two days are ever the same for LTC Chen. One moment, he might be reviewing policy, and the next, he’s in discussion with building owners or Fire Safety Managers (FSMs).

One project that stands out is the portal enhancement for Fire Safety Managers (FSMs) in early 2024. Previously, FSMs submitted their Annual Fire Safety Reports manually and provided premises’ emergency information periodically. With the upgrade, updates can now be made online, saving time and giving SCDF access to accurate, real-time data. It’s a small change with a big impact on efficiency and emergency preparedness.

LTC Chen’s collaborative approach with industry stakeholders has also helped SCDF earn the Pro-Enterprise Survey Award in 2025. The award, presented to the top three government agencies in the biennial Pro-Enterprise Survey, celebrates successful partnerships and contributions made by the private and public sectors in advancing Singapore’s pro-enterprise environment. For SCDF, it’s proof that you can uphold high safety standards while keeping processes smooth and efficient — something LTC Chen and his team have worked tirelessly to achieve.

Looking back on his career so far, LTC Chen emphasises the power of collective effort in achieving results. “One person can only extinguish a small fire or administer CPR to one patient, but when a team of firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel comes together, we can tackle much larger blazes and save more lives,” he reflected. “Similarly, when SCDF and our nation of lifesavers unite, we can amplify the number of lives we save and maintain a fire-safe Singapore.” This mindset has been central to the way he leads, plans, and mentors.

Passing on the Torch

For youths considering a career with SCDF, LTC Chen offers clear guidance: “Be prepared for a dynamic environment where you’ll need to think on your feet and adapt quickly.”

“Most importantly, remember that as part of the Life Saving Force, your work directly contributes to Singapore’s safety and security,” he added. “It’s challenging but immensely rewarding when you see how your efforts translate into better emergency preparedness for our nation.”