The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic demands of the ever-changing cyber landscape. The changing threats at the forefront of the digital ecosystem demands constant adaptability to deal with any emerging situation. Military Expert 4 Apprentice (ME4A) Lee Yi, an SAF Merit Scholarship recipient in 2021, thrives on these challenges, seeing them as both exciting and crucial.

“When it comes to our day-to-day operations, DIS is at the forefront of dealing with threats. With the work that DIS does, you will find that every aspect of the work is meaningful,” shared Lee Yi.

DIS’s evolution, from its Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) origins to its current form, underscores the necessity for agility. As he explained: “Back then DIS was still known as C4I. Talks about it becoming a service were still ongoing. It’s important to remember that I wasn’t looking at DIS the way we see it now.”

The allure of cybersecurity for ME4A Lee Yi lies in confronting the unknown.

“I first heard about the C4X vocation in Basic Military Training (BMT) and figured joining the military would offer a sophisticated view of cybersecurity at a national level. It was also new, promising plenty of opportunities to explore unchartered waters,” he reflected.

Embracing the Journey

To pursue his passion, Lee Yi applied for the SAF Merit Scholarship and went on to study Computer Science at Boston University in the United States.

Studying abroad paved the way for Lee Yi to immerse himself in a different way of thinking and embrace valuable lessons that have reshaped his outlook on life. “It’s okay if you can’t do it,” he emphasised.

Accepting one’s limits fosters a healthier attitude toward challenges. He believes in acknowledging that “you don’t have to suffer a mental breakdown or stay up three days in a row to finish everything. University is hard, and you may not even be capable of doing 100% of the work assigned to you.”

Recognising the importance of seeking help, Lee Yi advises, “You don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to friends, professors, and others for advice. Help is available if only you ask.”

Lee Yi also noted that time management is crucial for success, but equally important is deciding what you want from your university experience. “I was willing to give up First Class Honors to spend more time on extracurriculars,” he explained. “Make sure that you offer more than just your grades, because in today’s world, that’s not enough.”

Redefining Soldiering

ME4A Lee Yi highlights that the DIS is rapidly evolving, making the future both exciting and full of potential.

He aims to foster more meaningful conversations and champion important causes at DIS. “I hope to help redefine what it means to be a good soldier: you don’t have to be ultra-strong or run a sub-9-minute 2.4 km in order to contribute meaningfully to the SAF and to Singapore.”