MINDEF – Singapore Army
Feature

To Train, To Lead, To Motivate

MINDEF – REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY
CPT Wong tells us about his role as Company Commander of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Armour formation.

E quipped with advanced weaponry and a fleet of armoured vehicles, the SAF Armour formation plays a crucial role in operations by providing mobile firepower support.

CPT Wong Zeng Yu serves as the Company Commander in an Armoured Infantry Company. He leads and trains soldiers on the BIONIX Infantry Fighting Vehicle, an armoured platform built to overcome the most difficult terrains. His role requires him to ensure that the vehicle crews are adept in the use of their platform’s functions and the dismounted troops are adept in infantry fighting skills.

CPT Wong also needs to ensure that his troops stay motivated and achieve a positive National Service (NS) experience. “I have to ensure that training is carried out safely, efficiently and effectively, and that all concerns of my soldiers are heard and acted upon in a prompt manner,” he explains.

Memorable Episodes

CPT Wong made the decision to pursue a military career back when he was in NS. “I knew that a career in the Army would provide me with an opportunity to grow personally and hone my leadership skills. This coupled with my innate interest in armoured platforms led to my decision in joining the organisation,” he recounts.

“The privilege of working with the young and motivated soldiers sets it apart from other careers. It is the bond and the shared experiences with them that make the journey rewarding.”

He then took up The SAF Scholarship (formerly known as SAF Overseas Scholarship), which paved the way for an enriching overseas education. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Political Science at the University of Cambridge, and completed his Master’s degree in East Asian Studies at Yale University. “My overseas’ exposures taught me to critically examine your assumptions and all possible points of view before you come to any conclusion. Staying flexible and ready to question your views is important in staying relevant,” he tells us.

His overseas education was not the only factor that has stretched his mind and potential. His time in the Army has been infused with memorable episodes that allowed him to grow as a leader. “One of the more memorable experiences would be my battalion’s final training evaluation. My company had to move long distances and up a steep hill under harsh weather condition. Despite the challenges, the commanders and soldiers worked cohesively and eventually achieved the mission objective of clearing the enemies. This taught me the importance of teamwork,” CPT Wong says.

Making a Difference

CPT Wong shares that his biggest career fulfilment is knowing that his soldiers are able to come out of NS as stronger and better men. “The privilege of working with the young and motivated soldiers sets it apart from other careers. It is the bond and the shared experiences with them that make the journey rewarding.”

To those exploring a career with MINDEF/SAF, he advises, “You must be passionate about working with people, coaching and nurturing them. You must also be resilient and willing to dedicate yourself to this profession.”