Enlisting in the Army is a rite of passage for all Singaporean men, with National Service (NS) being a cornerstone of our national defence. However, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Merit Scholar Major (MAJ) Stephanie Cai took on this challenge by choice. Propelled by a deep desire to contribute to Our Singapore Army’s mission of defending Singapore's security interests and sovereignty, Stephanie made the commendable decision to enlist and shoulder immense responsibility.

With her open mind, noble intentions, and relentless grit, she has managed to climb the ranks within the Singapore Army admirably. Today, she has made herself invaluable to the Army’s efforts to safeguard Singapore, serving as a Staff Officer in the Training Policy Branch, where she is dedicated to enhancing the organisation’s training system.

Finding A Purposeful Path

Like many young people exploring their future and career options, Stephanie found herself contemplating her path. One thing she knew for certain, though, was that she wanted to be part of something meaningful.

“When my male classmates started discussing enlistment and their transition into the military, I figured why not just experience what all my male counterparts had to go through with an open mind,” she explained. “I guess I found my reason to stay thereafter and pursue a career in our Army.”

When she decided to explore a career in the army to contribute to the defence of the nation, Stephanie also sought a way to pursue higher education. The SAF Merit Scholarship provided her the opportunity to do both.

“I got my chance to serve in the Army, and I got to further my studies at the University of California, Los Angeles – it was a win-win!”

With the scholarship, Stephanie read Psychology for her Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master's degree in Social Science.

“Psychology taught me a lot about people management, which translates into day-to-day interactions with my soldiers, peers and superiors,” she said. “But beyond this, my academic pursuits have trained me in analysing issues systematically and presenting information logically.”

A Dedication to Duty

Her education has been deeply vital to her work in the Training Policy Branch, where she identifies ways to enhance Our Singapore Army’s training systems and governance. Collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals, she ensures that training standards are consistently maintained across the Army.

When asked about a typical workday, she asserts that no two days are the same.

“We could be spending our time advising units on the training policies, or on convincing our bosses on the next great idea we have in bettering our training system.”

The dynamism of her role isn’t new to her. Her previous role as Officer Commanding in the 17th Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (17C4I) Battalion was similarly varied and challenging. She found purpose engaging with and leading her soldiers through tough challenges. “I could be training my soldiers in the planning rooms out in the field or doing PT with them,” she enthused. “We could also be in Australia at Exercise Wallaby (XWB); knee-deep in troubleshooting to make sure all systems were firing properly, or we could be eating Korean BBQ on a nights-out to celebrate training milestones.”

She added, “this is what I enjoy about the job – the demands are diverse yet meaningful; my work in Our Army is always Anything But Regular.”

Despite all the obstacles she has to traverse and the challenges that she faces in her path, Stephanie finds fulfilment in contributing to the fruitful journey of the full-time national servicemen (NSFs) during their two-year tenure in Our Army.

“I enjoy interacting with soldiers who all come from different backgrounds and figuring out how we can not only train them to be better soldiers but also to ensure that they have learnt something from their time in Our Army,” she shared. “It’s always rewarding to see their development in their knowledge, skills and abilities, but even more rewarding to see their personal development.”

On a personal level, Stephanie values the diverse opportunities for professional growth and sense of purpose within Our Singapore Army which is something she has always strived for.

“A career with Our Army rotates you in and out of different portfolios to develop both your hard and soft skills,” she explained. “The organisation provides structured pathways for both personal and professional development. “I’ve been given opportunities to attend courses in Data Science and Cyber, as well as go for overseas conferences to expand my horizons,” she told us.

For those seeking pursue a similar career path, Stephanie encourages them to do so without compunction.

“Take the leap of faith with eyes wide open,” she advised.